Croatian Tourism Revenue Projected to Surpass Previous Records with 16 Billion Euros in 2024
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Zagreb, Jan 2 (NationPress) Croatia's tourism income is set to achieve a remarkable 16 billion euros (approximately 16.51 billion US dollars) for the previous year, as indicated by the most recent figures from the Croatian National Bank (CNB) on Thursday.
During the initial nine months, revenue from international visitors totaled 13.19 billion euros, according to the CNB, which attributed this success to a vibrant pre-season and an unprecedented post-season.
Key factors that fueled pre-season travel included sports events, outdoor pursuits, cultural heritage, and culinary experiences. Likewise, the post-season saw visitor numbers exceed those of 2023 by substantial double-digit percentages, as noted by the CNB.
Following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Croatia's tourism sector has witnessed a remarkable recovery, with growth rates in the double digits. In 2023, tourism revenue surged by 11.3 percent to reach 14.6 billion euros. The previous year, 2022, recorded 13.1 billion euros in tourism revenue, marking a significant 44 percent increase from 2021.
Part of the record-high tourism revenue last year can be attributed to rising prices across various services, particularly in accommodation, according to the Xinhua news agency.
"We achieved a higher average room rate and total revenue per room. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that inflationary pressures have remained elevated, marking the third consecutive year of diminishing gross operating profits," remarked Veljko Ostojic, director of the Croatian Tourism Association, as reported by local outlet Croatia Week.
Several elements contributed to a decline in demand during the peak tourism season, including significant sporting events like the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympic Games held in France. Additionally, there was a 5 percent decrease in visitors from Germany, who typically represent Croatia's largest tourist demographic, noted Ostojic.
