Croatian tourism in 2026: growth in September and a record for the Hungarian market
In September, Croatia recorded 2.6 million arrivals and 14.3 million overnight stays, with both indicators growing by 3 percent. The Hungarian market, meanwhile, surpassed four million overnight stays for the first time by the end of September.
This year, the Hungarian guests achieved one of the most notable results in Croatian tourism. In the first nine months, there were 834 thousand of their arrivals, which is 12 percent more than last year, while the number of overnight stays increased by 10 percent. This growth significantly exceeds the overall Croatian result, which shows an increase in arrivals of 2 percent and overnight stays of 1 percent in the same period.
Istria and Germany top the tourist statistics
According to the eVisitor system data, Croatia From January to the end of September, it achieved 20.1 million arrivals and 104.9 million overnight stays. 100.5 million of those were on the Adriatic, while on the continent, including Zagreb, 4.4 million. Both areas recorded growth of 1 percent.
Istria leads with 29.5 million overnight stays, ahead of the Split-Dalmatia County with 19.9 million and Kvarner with 17.6 million. German guests achieved 20.8 million overnight stays, domestic ones 13 million, and Slovenian ones 10.8 million. Austria follows with 7.7 million and Poland with 7.2 million.
In September, the highest number of overnight stays was recorded in Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Split, Umag and Medulin. The growth of this month adds further weight to sales and the development of the offer after the summer peak.
Financial indicators have also grown. According to Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina, revenues from foreign tourists increased by 5 percent in the first half of the year. The value of fiscalized accounts in tourism in the first nine months grew by almost 18 percent, and the number of accounts by 6 percent.
Kvarner is the most sought-after destination among Hungarian guests
The four million Hungarian overnight stays threshold was crossed on September 27. Ivana Herceg, Director of the HTZ Representation in Hungary, pointed out that Croatia is achieving this result for the first time as early as the end of September.
Kvarner recorded 1.2 million overnight stays by Hungarian guests, Istria 860 thousand, and Zadar County 660 thousand. The fastest growth was achieved by Dubrovnik-Neretva County, with an increase of 35 percent. Among the destinations, Crikvenica leads with 235 thousand overnight stays, followed by Vir and Poreč.
For hoteliers and agencies, this data is useful when choosing markets for sales activities in 2027. Hungary deserves special attention, along with adapting the offer to specific destinations where demand is growing.
