The number of Czech and Hungarian tourists in Croatia increased significantly in 2026, while the Italian market also returned to growth after several years of stagnation.
Preliminary data from the national eVisitor system show positive results both in July and during the first seven months of the year. The return of Czech and Hungarian tourists in Croatia has been particularly noticeable, with both markets recording higher arrivals and overnight stays than during the same period last year.
The strongest recovery was recorded among Czech tourists, whose numbers increased after several years of declining tourism traffic from that market.
Czech and Hungarian tourists in Croatia record strong growth
In July, the number of arrivals from the Czech Republic was 12% higher than during the same month last year, while overnight stays increased by 7%.
Between January and July 2026, Czech arrivals and overnight stays both rose by 5% compared with the same period in 2025.
Czech tourists recorded the highest number of overnight stays in Istria, Split-Dalmatia County and Zadar County. By individual destination, they stayed most frequently in Umag, Poreč and Medulin.
The results mark a notable improvement after several years during which Croatia recorded declining tourist traffic from the Czech market.
The number of Czech and Hungarian tourists in Croatia also continued to grow thanks to strong results from Hungary. In July, arrivals from Hungary increased by 8% compared with the same month last year, while overnight stays rose by 7%.
During the first seven months of 2026, both arrivals and overnight stays from Hungary increased by 7%.
The largest number of Hungarian tourists stayed in the Kvarner region, Istria and Zadar County.
Italian tourism market returns to growth
Tourist traffic from Italy also increased during the first seven months of the year, following several years of relatively stagnant results.
Between January and July 2026, arrivals and overnight stays by Italian tourists both increased by 2% compared with the same period last year.
In July alone, arrivals from Italy were 1% higher than in July 2025.
Further growth is expected during August, when many Italian travellers traditionally take their main summer holidays during the Ferragosto period.
Italian visitors also showed increased interest in shorter weekend trips to Croatia during the pre-season, particularly to destinations in Istria and the Kvarner region.
Together with the return of Czech and Hungarian tourists in Croatia, the renewed growth from Italy points to improving results from three important European tourism markets.
Final tourism results to be published later
The figures are based on preliminary data from the eVisitor system.
Final official tourism results for July and the first seven months of 2026 will be published after all subsequent registrations have been entered and the data processing has been completed.
