In December 2024, Dubrovnik-Neretva County recorded 24,131 tourist arrivals and 57,161 overnight stays, marking a 2.5% decrease in arrivals and a 3% decrease in overnight stays compared to December 2023.

The majority of overnight stays were made by visitors from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, other Asian countries, and the United States.

Hotels accounted for the largest share of overnight stays, with 32,134 (56% of the total), while private accommodations recorded 13,860 overnight stays (24% of the total).

Annual Data for 2024

Throughout 2024, the county saw 2,195,309 arrivals and 8,821,718 overnight stays, representing a 7% increase in arrivals and a 6% increase in overnight stays compared to 2023.

The highest number of overnight stays was recorded by visitors from:

• The United Kingdom: 1,466,899 (an 11.5% increase compared to 2023)
• Germany: 668,952 (a 3% decrease compared to 2023)
• Croatia: 648,351 (a 4% increase compared to 2023)
• The United States: 642,670 (a 9% increase compared to 2023)
• Poland: 614,087 (a 7% increase compared to 2023)

Accommodation Preferences

Private accommodations hosted 43% of the overnight stays, while hotels accounted for 38%.

Nautical Tourism

In 2024, nautical tourism recorded 43,657 arrivals and 299,933 overnight stays, showing a 3.5% increase in arrivals and a 2.5% increase in overnight stays.

New Year's Eve

During the New Year’s celebrations, 6,370 tourists were staying in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

With a projected GDP growth of 3.2%, Croatia, according to Prime Minister Plenković, remains among the fastest-growing countries in the European Union.

Public debt, measured as a percentage of GDP, is expected to fall to 56% this year, according to government projections.

“We remain optimistic about economic expectations for 2025, with the goal of ensuring that progress is felt by every Croatian family and household,” he said.

He added that the government’s priorities for the current mandate include increasing wages and pensions, implementing demographic measures, and creating conditions for affordable housing for young people and their families.

Record Tourism Revenue

The Prime Minister also highlighted the latest data on tourism revenue, which reached €13.2 billion in the first nine months of last year—€1.9 billion more than in the same period of 2023. He described this as encouraging in the context of the anticipated figures for the entire year.

Doubling the Minimum Wage

He recalled that the minimum wage has doubled during his government’s term.

“As of yesterday, the minimum gross salary is €970, thanks to compensatory measures provided by the government. The minimum student hourly wage has increased by 15%, from €5.25 to €6.06. As part of tax reforms, by raising the basic personal allowance to €6, we are reducing the upper thresholds for applying lower and higher income tax rates, which directly leads to higher salaries for all citizens,” Plenković stated, adding that numerous social benefits will also be increased.

The Mayor of Dubrovnik, Mato Franković, extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Haklička family on the birth of their daughter Lukre, the first baby born in Dubrovnik in 2025. He expressed joy that little Lukre has become the newest resident of the city and wished the entire family health, happiness, and a peaceful New Year.

“The birth of every new baby is a special moment for our city, and little Lukre is a symbol of hope and optimism as we begin this year. We are delighted to see positive demographic trends enriching our community and giving us additional strength for the future,” said the Mayor.

A special gift prepared by the City of Dubrovnik was presented to the newborn and her mother by Marijo Bekić, Director of Dubrovnik Hospital, alongside the medical staff.

As the clock struck midnight and ushered in 2025, millions worldwide began their annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. While trends shift with the times, certain goals remain timeless, reflecting a shared desire for self-improvement, health, and happiness.

1. Prioritizing Health and Fitness

Health-focused resolutions continue to top the list, with many vowing to exercise regularly, adopt balanced diets, and prioritize mental well-being. The rise of wearable tech and fitness apps in 2025 has made tracking progress more accessible than ever.

2. Saving Money and Reducing Debt

Financial stability remains a universal goal. From creating stricter budgets to exploring new investment opportunities, people are aiming to secure their future while cutting back on unnecessary expenses.

3. Improving Work-Life Balance

Post-pandemic shifts in workplace culture have inspired resolutions to spend more quality time with loved ones, explore hobbies, or simply unplug from technology. Achieving balance is more than a goal; it’s a lifestyle shift.

4. Learning Something New

Whether it’s picking up a language, mastering a musical instrument, or diving into AI tools, 2025 is the year of upskilling and personal growth. Online courses and workshops continue to make lifelong learning accessible to all.

5. Travel and Adventure

With international travel more accessible and sustainable tourism gaining traction, many are planning to explore the world. Bucket lists for 2025 are filled with unique experiences, from cultural immersion to eco-friendly adventures.

6. Focusing on Sustainability

The growing climate awareness has inspired resolutions to live more sustainably—reducing waste, supporting ethical brands, and adopting greener habits like cycling and plant-based eating.

Whether the goals are big or small, the New Year offers a fresh slate to dream, plan, and act. Here’s to a fulfilling and transformative 2025!

Dubrovnik has once again proven why it stands as a crown jewel among global tourist destinations. Fresh off an exceptional year of growth, the city has been named to Wanderlust’s coveted “Good To Go” list for 2025, an honor reserved for 25 global destinations that seamlessly intertwine culture, innovation, and sustainability.

Record-Breaking Numbers in 2024

Tourism in Dubrovnik surged to new heights in 2024, cementing its place on the world stage. According to eVisitor data, the city welcomed 1.35 million visitors between January 1 and December 31, a 9% increase compared to the previous year. Overnight stays hit an impressive 4.27 million, up 10% year-on-year.

The lion’s share of visitors hailed from the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, and Croatia, while emerging markets such as Ireland, Spain, and Australia added to the city’s allure. December, often considered a quieter period, defied expectations, with 20,394 arrivals and 43,191 overnight stays.

This seasonal uptick owes much to the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, a vibrant celebration that drew visitors from nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Singapore, and Montenegro. The festival has become a cornerstone of Dubrovnik’s push to redefine itself as a year-round destination.

Flight Connections Fuel Success

Key to Dubrovnik’s stellar performance was a strategic focus on air connectivity. Extending the summer flight schedule and enhancing routes during the pre-season and post-season paid dividends, making the city more accessible than ever before.

“Extending the tourist season has been one of our primary goals,” said Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board. “The improved air connections were instrumental in driving this success, ensuring that Dubrovnik remains a compelling destination regardless of the time of year.”

A Place on Wanderlust’s Prestigious List

Adding to its accolades, Dubrovnik’s inclusion on Wanderlust’s “Good To Go” list for 2025 is a milestone moment. The list shines a spotlight on destinations that inspire travel as a force for positive change, and Dubrovnik’s commitment to culture and sustainability earned it a well-deserved place.

Wanderlust’s endorsement comes as the city prepares for a banner cultural year. Three major anniversaries in 2025—the 100th year of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, the 80th year of the Dubrovnik Art Gallery, and the 60th year of the Linđo Folklore Ensemble—will showcase Dubrovnik’s rich artistic legacy.

Sustaining Momentum

The city’s efforts to promote off-season travel were a highlight of Wanderlust’s recognition. Supporting local arts and heritage, especially during quieter months, has become central to Dubrovnik’s tourism ethos.

“These results are a testament to our focus on sustainability, quality, and extending the season,” Drašković emphasized. “Being named to the ‘Good To Go’ list motivates us to continue showcasing Dubrovnik as a destination where cultural heritage meets responsible tourism.”

According to data from the Croatian National Bank (HNB), revenues from foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €13.2 billion, which is 1.7% or €224 million more compared to the same period in 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported on Tuesday.

In the third quarter of this year alone, revenues from foreign tourists reached €9.06 billion, representing a decrease of 0.7% or €64.3 million compared to the same period in 2023.

"While we achieved record growth in revenues from foreign tourists in the first six months, the data for the third quarter is slightly lower, confirming what we have been emphasizing all along: during this period, apart from in continental areas, there is very little room for growth. We must rationally set prices for all tourist services, and further uncontrolled growth in private accommodation is not an option, as supply is rapidly increasing while we achieve the same or lower results. That is why we have implemented important reforms this year, which we will continue into the coming year, as this is the only way to ensure the long-term success and competitiveness of our tourism," said Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

He added that it is crucial to further develop year-round tourism, noting that thanks to "excellent results and growth during the pre-season," a record level of tourism revenue was achieved in the first nine months. He expressed confidence that this positive trend would continue into the post-season.

What’s the advantage of having strong turbulence on a flight? You don’t have to stir your coffee! In fact, my flat white turned into a frothy cappuccino.

Yes, I went on the flying bus again, AKA Ryanair, and this time headed for London.

I have a sneaky feeling that the south of Croatia won’t have any low-cost flights next winter as our pre-Christmas one only had thirty passengers (yes, I counted them) onboard. And there is no way that Ryanair will operate flights unless they can make a healthy profit.

It is bitterly cold and windy in England, so many storms have hit the island this winter that they are running out of names. Did you know that they name them alphabetically? Winter just started and they are already on the letter E!

It was great to catch up (and hug) family and friends again. That’s really what Christmas is all about.

We did all the usual traditions, and collapsed in a heap after stuffing firstly the Turkey and then ourselves. All washed down with some eggnog, a rather odd alcoholic drink that only comes out at the festive season. Have you ever got drunk on a drink made from eggs??

And of course the typically English tradition of going to the Pantomime.

So I was having coffee with a few colleagues in Dubrovnik last week and tried to describe to them what pantomime is. I soon realised that the way I was explaining it made it sound like a transvestite sex party on the stage and one that the audience controls.

“So, let me see if I understand this correctly,” said one friend. “This is a traditional theatre performance at Christmas where the female parts are acted by men dressed in over-the-top ladies clothes and some of the male parts are played by women in tight fitting clothes,” she looked at me confused.

“And the storyline is supposed to be a children’s fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel, but its full of sexual innuendo and jokes that the children wouldn’t understand?” she concluded.

Yes, the way she explained it made it sound weird. OK, when you break it down into little pieces it is rather wacky, but put all the parts together and it's more normal.

As strange as it might sound when dissected, pantomime is one of those wonderfully quirky British traditions that defies explanation. It’s like Christmas crackers: if you try to explain them to someone who’s never experienced them, you just sound mad. “So, let me get this straight,” one friend said when I attempted to describe them. “You sit down to a special meal, and everyone grabs a cardboard tube, pulls it until it explodes, and then wears a paper crown while reading out a terrible joke?”

Yes, exactly that. And, somehow, it’s brilliant.

Then there’s the mince pie marathon. I’m convinced the British have an unwritten rule to eat at least one mince pie a day from December 1st to Christmas. These little parcels of buttery pastry filled with spiced fruit seem harmless enough—until you realise how many you’ve consumed and wonder why your jeans feel a size smaller by New Year’s.

And let’s not forget the Christmas pudding ritual. Only in Britain would we take a dessert so dense it could be used as a doorstop, pour alcohol over it, set it on fire, and call it festive. And, of course, someone always insists on hiding a coin in it for “good luck”—a tradition that feels like it was invented by a dentist looking for new patients. As the clock ticks down to the start of a new year, there’s always a mix of excitement, hope, and maybe a touch of trepidation.

What will 2025 bring? After the rollercoaster ride of the past few years, it’s fair to say we’ve all learned to expect the unexpected.

Enjoy what's left of 2024 and a very Happy New Year to you all

Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to

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About the author

Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik

From January 1, 2025, across Croatia a charge will be introduced for lightweight plastic bags commonly found in stores in the fruit and vegetable sections.

Last week, the retail chains Konzum and Studenac announced they would charge 1 cent for them, and now other retailers have also disclosed their prices.