In 2023, Croatia's Adriatic coast witnessed a remarkable surge in nautical tourism revenue, marking a 12.1 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The total revenue reached €161 million (excluding VAT), with berth rentals contributing significantly, as in previous years.
All Adriatic counties experienced revenue growth in their nautical ports, with Dubrovnik-Neretva County leading the way with a 19.6 percent increase, followed by Zadar County with a notable 15.6 percent surge. However, despite the revenue growth, there was a decline of 4.3 percent in the number of vessels in transit, signaling a mixed trend in the region's nautical tourism sector.
Croatia's nautical tourism industry thrived in 2023, as reflected in the substantial increase in revenue along its picturesque Adriatic coastline. According to the latest figures released by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the sector recorded a remarkable 12.1 percent surge in total revenue, reaching €161 million (excluding VAT) for the year.
Berth rentals continued to be the primary source of revenue for nautical ports, consistent with previous years' trends. Of the total revenue, nearly 72 percent, equivalent to €115 million, was generated from berth rentals, representing a significant 14.6 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Photo - Canva
The growth in revenue was not limited to specific regions but was observed across all Adriatic counties. Dubrovnik-Neretva County stood out with a notable 19.6 percent increase in revenue, reaching €9 million, followed closely by Zadar County, which saw a substantial 15.6 percent surge, amounting to €31.4 million.
Contrasting Trends in Croatia's Nautical Tourism
Despite the overall revenue growth, the region witnessed a decline of 4.3 percent in the number of vessels in transit, with a total of 224.4 thousand vessels recorded. This decline highlights a contrasting trend within the nautical tourism sector, indicating potential challenges in vessel traffic management and infrastructure utilization.
The data further revealed that most vessels in transit were under the Croatian flag, accounting for almost 50 percent of the total, followed by vessels from Germany, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Notably, vessels from Austria were the only ones to experience an increase in transit compared to the previous year.
In terms of vessel types, sailing yachts dominated the transit, constituting nearly 60 percent of the total, followed by motor yachts with a share of approximately 32 percent. Vessels ranging from 12 to 15 metres in length were the most common, representing 37.4 percent of the total.
The positive revenue growth underscores Croatia's continued appeal as a premier nautical tourism destination, offering a diverse range of experiences along its stunning Adriatic coast. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating vessel traffic, the sector remains resilient, poised for further growth and development in the years to come.