AGP Executive Report

Air Travel: Hong Kong Airlines has approval to operate Hong Kong–Zagreb flights through March 2028, but has not announced a launch date. Separately, a Corendon flight from Corfu landed safely in Germany after a radio malfunction triggered a hijack alert while it crossed Croatian airspace. Tourism Strategy: Croatia’s tourism minister says the country is shifting toward year-round travel and using carrying-capacity studies to ease peak-season pressure on local communities and infrastructure. Visitor Numbers: Croatia has passed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2026, with September numbers also up. On Screen: A Croatian adaptation of Death in Paradise, set on Brač, is due to film in spring 2027, bringing Adriatic island life to the screen. Cruise Travel: Norwegian Aura has added two May 2027 Mediterranean voyages, with calls in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar.

Housing Pressure: Croatian rents rose 40.1% year-on-year to Q2 2026, the EU’s second-steepest increase, adding to affordability concerns in popular destinations. Cruise Links: Norwegian Cruise Line added two May 2027 Mediterranean sailings, calling at Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Luxury Stays: Mandarin Oriental’s private-home collection is expanding to Lopud, bringing the island into its portfolio of upscale destinations. Year-Round Tourism: At a tourism summit in Malta, Croatia’s tourism minister said the country wants to spread visits beyond peak summer, using capacity studies to manage traffic, waste, energy and parking. Hvar’s Shoulder Season: The island is hosting the Spartan world championship and a new wellbeing gathering, HVARMONY, as it works to extend the season. Croatia has passed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2026, with September visitor numbers up.

New Dubrovnik Flights: Ryanair will link Dubrovnik with Warsaw Modlin four times a week from March 29 to October 2, 2027, adding nearly 42,000 seats in both directions. Autumn Island Escape: Brač is drawing attention for milder October weather, Zlatni Rat beach, walks on Vidova Gora and the historic Blaca Hermitage. Luxury Stays: Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes has added Lopud to its portfolio, which now spans 43 private homes in 18 destinations. Tourism Season: Croatia has passed 20 million visitor arrivals in 2026, with September numbers also up. Travel Confidence: A new 2027 risk map places Croatia in its low-risk category.

Air Links: Ryanair will add four weekly flights between Dubrovnik and Warsaw Modlin from March 29, 2027, offering nearly 42,000 seats across the summer season. Autumn Escapes: Brač has been named among Europe’s best off-season island breaks, with mild October weather, Zlatni Rat beach, hiking at Vidova Gora and the historic Blaca Hermitage. Tourism Strategy: At the WTTC summit in Malta, Croatia backed a shift from chasing peak-season visitor numbers toward better-managed growth, resident benefits and destination capacity. Cruise News: Norwegian Aura’s early 2027 Mediterranean sailings will call at Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, bringing new opportunities to visit Croatia by sea. Travel Disruption: A freight train derailment near Rijeka has closed part of the Zagreb–Rijeka railway; repairs could take up to a week. Visitor Trends: Croatia has passed 20 million tourist arrivals in 2026, while August data showed Germany remained its largest foreign market and Rovinj the leading destination for foreign visitors.

Tourism Strategy: At the WTTC summit in Malta, Croatia’s tourism minister argued that success should mean more than rising visitor numbers. Leaders called for growth that respects local communities, infrastructure and destination capacity. Visitor Numbers: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% year on year; foreign visitor revenue rose nearly 5% in the first half. In August, Germans led foreign stays, while Rovinj was the most visited destination. Cruise Travel: Norwegian Aura’s two added Mediterranean voyages in May 2027 will call at Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, bringing an earlier chance to visit Croatia aboard the new ship. On the Map: Šibenik made Lonely Planet’s list of top destinations for 2027, adding international attention to Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

Visitor Snapshot: Croatia recorded 4.8 million arrivals and 26.9 million overnight stays in August, up 2.3% and 0.5% year on year. Germany led foreign markets, while Rovinj topped destinations with one million overnight stays. Through September, arrivals reached 20.1 million and overnight stays 104.9 million; first-half foreign tourism revenue rose nearly 5%. 2027 Spotlight: Lonely Planet named Šibenik among its top places to visit next year, adding fresh international recognition for the Dalmatian city. Cruise News: Norwegian Aura has added two Mediterranean sailings for May 2027, with calls in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Getting Around: A freight-train derailment near Rijeka has closed the Plase–Meja rail section as investigators examine a reported brake failure. Separately, drivers are questioning full motorway tolls despite lengthy roadworks and traffic delays.

Tourism Performance: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% year on year. September visits rose 3%, while first-half revenue from foreign tourists climbed nearly 5%. Cruise Calls: Norwegian Cruise Line has added two early May 2027 sailings for Norwegian Aura, with stops in Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar. Destination Spotlight: Šibenik features on Lonely Planet’s list of 50 places to visit in 2027. Transport Update: A freight train derailment near Meja, east of Rijeka, damaged the station and closed the railway line; there were no casualties, and the cause is under investigation. Visitor Facilities: Split will receive €54.5 million in government funding to upgrade three sports venues, supporting preparations for the 2028 European Universities Games.

Tourism: Croatia recorded 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays through September, up 2% and 1% year on year. September was stronger still, with arrivals and stays both rising 3%; foreign visitor revenue increased nearly 5% in the first half of the year. Hotel Watch: An A1 roadside hotel near the Sveti Rok tunnel has stood empty since it was built in 2008. After six tenders and two failed contracts, its 36 rooms are still awaiting their first guests. Split Investment: The government approved €54.5 million for upgrades to three major sports venues, part of a €72.7 million programme supporting the city’s preparations for the 2028 European Universities Games. Cruise News: Norwegian Cruise Line added two 2027 Mediterranean sailings calling at Croatian ports, including Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Croatia’s Appeal: Hvar again made Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 islands list, its eighth consecutive year on the ranking. Croatia’s national parks are also offering lower admission prices this autumn.

Cruise News: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened two early May 2027 sailings aboard Norwegian Aura, with stops in Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar. Tourism Growth: Croatia welcomed 2.6 million visitors in September, up 3% year on year, and has passed 20 million arrivals so far in 2026. Istria led overnight stays, followed by Split-Dalmatia and Kvarner. Autumn Travel: National parks are offering lower prices this fall, while Croatia’s September gains point to continued travel beyond peak summer. Hotels and Heritage: Zagreb’s Esplanade earned three international honours for 2026, and the city’s 136-year-old funicular remains a popular attraction after its renovation. Travel Planning: A procurement cancellation has raised questions about whether Croatia’s new toll system will be ready for its planned March 2027 launch. Island Spotlight: Hvar has again made Condé Nast Traveller’s top 10 islands list, its eighth consecutive year.

Tourism Growth: Croatia welcomed 2.6 million visitors in September, up 3% year on year, and has passed 20 million arrivals for 2026. Overnight stays also rose 3% in September; Istria led the year-to-date count, followed by Split-Dalmatia and Kvarner. Island Spotlight: Hvar made Condé Nast Traveller’s European top 10 islands for the eighth year running, with US overnight stays up 17.8% in September. Getting Around: Croatia Airlines will keep its Zagreb–Madrid flights running through parts of winter for the first time, supporting year-round city breaks. Zagreb Landmark: The city’s 136-year-old funicular, recently renovated, carries around 750,000 passengers a year. Cruise Tourism: Holland America has opened bookings for a 2027 Adriatic voyage from Rome to Trieste, with stops along Croatia’s coast.

Island Spotlight: Hvar made Condé Nast Traveler’s top 10 European islands for the eighth year running, as September overnight stays by American visitors rose 17.8%. Cruise News: Holland America has opened bookings for a new 10-day Adriatic cruise aboard refurbished Oosterdam, sailing from Rome to Trieste along Croatia’s coast. Getting Around: Croatia’s new Crolibertas electronic toll system faces another delay after a tender for its app, website and data platform was cancelled. Air Links: Croatia Airlines will run Zagreb–Madrid flights through parts of winter for the first time, while Ryanair is cutting its Vienna–Dubrovnik service this winter. Tourism Trends: Croatia’s season was strong, but last-minute bookings are becoming the norm as travellers watch their budgets and pay more attention to summer heat. Value Pick: Pula ranks among Skyscanner’s best-value destinations for 2027, with airfares down 20% year on year.

Tourism Outlook: Croatia has wrapped up another strong season, but last-minute bookings are becoming the norm. Tourism officials say travellers are more price-conscious, while heat and other climate conditions increasingly shape destination choices. Winter Connections: Croatia Airlines will fly Zagreb–Madrid three times a week through parts of the winter schedule for the first time, extending access beyond summer and supporting year-round city breaks. Split Heritage: French President Emmanuel Macron toured Diocletian’s Palace and other landmarks during the MED9 summit, putting Split’s historic centre in the spotlight. Cruise News: Windstar’s 2027 chef-hosted voyages will include Croatia, while Holland America has opened bookings for an Adriatic cruise from Rome to Trieste along the Croatian coast. Visitor Tips: Travellers say cards work widely in Croatia, but cash remains handy for markets, smaller shops and some boat tours.

Zagreb Transport: ZET has begun refunds for monthly and annual pass holders affected by last week’s strike. Claims must be filed at a sales point by the end of November. Tourism Sustainability: A new industry discussion, including Croatian hotel partners, highlights a gap between climate pledges and action as resource-saving efforts lose priority. Croatia Getaway: Lady Amelia Spencer shared holiday snaps from Dubrovnik, showing off the city’s beaches, historic sites and coastal scenery. Tourism Business: Unforgettable Travel Company has launched a dedicated Asia brand alongside Unforgettable Croatia and Cruise Croatia, with 50 itineraries across 11 countries. Visitor Outlook: Croatia’s tourism revenue hit a first-half record in 2026. Autumn visitors can also find lower prices at national parks, while a new direct flight from Scotland is due to launch in May.

Croatia Tourism Spotlight: Dubrovnik and Rovinj have both landed in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 “best cities in Europe” list, with Dubrovnik ranking 15th and Rovinj 17th—praise focused on historic charm, food and hotel options. International Travel & Access: United Airlines is adding 18 new/returning routes from Newark, including Split (3x weekly, summer seasonal) with the route set to return in 2027—another boost for Croatia-bound visitors. Croatia in the Spotlight: Jane Seymour shared a travel video from Split, highlighting the city’s architecture and simple local pleasures like coffee and pastries. Business & Policy: Croatia is hosting the MED9 summit in Split (Oct 6–7), bringing together leaders from nine Mediterranean EU countries to discuss security, migration, energy, water management and resilience. Health Travel Watch: A West Nile virus outbreak is reported across 16 European countries, with TravelHealthPro urging mosquito-bite prevention.

Croatia Tourism & Travel: Dubrovnik and Rovinj have both landed in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 “best cities in Europe” list, with Dubrovnik ranking 15th and Rovinj 17th—boosting Croatia’s appeal for city-break travellers who want culture, food and hotels. Air Connectivity: Croatia Airlines has extended its partnership with the Croatian Football Federation, keeping the airline as the national team’s official carrier for another two years—another visibility win for the brand at home and abroad. Zagreb & Architecture: A Zagreb firm, Njirić+ arhitekti, has completed two contrasting residences in the city, including the Double-Villa Bukovac—an architectural story that will interest design-minded visitors planning trips beyond the coast. Regional Tourism Watch: Bosnia and Herzegovina reported rising tourist arrivals and overnight stays in August, with foreign guests making up 73.2% of stays—useful context for Adriatic-area travel demand. Sports Tourism (Croatia): Spain visits Croatia in the Nations League in Split after Croatia’s 7-0 loss to England, with the match expected to draw attention to the city during a busy travel period.

Mediterranean Diplomacy in Split: Croatia is hosting the MED9 summit (Oct 6–7) with leaders from nine Mediterranean EU countries plus EU officials, focusing on security, migration, energy, water management and demographic resilience. Zagreb Family Transport: Zagreb’s Maksimir Park has brought back a fully electric, low-emission tourist train for families, running along the main avenue with seasonal audio education and €3 tickets. Croatia Airlines Fleet Boost: Croatia Airlines added two new Airbus A220-300 jets to its fleet in two days, bringing the total new A220 count to 13 as part of a major renewal plan. Set-jetting Travel Trend: A new book spotlights “movie scenes” turning into bucket-list trips, with Dubrovnik among destinations drawing fans from screen hits. Sports Tourism Watch (Split): Spain visits Croatia in the Nations League in Split, with the match framed as a key chance for Spain to secure quarterfinal qualification.