Croatians are hitting the slopes with their digital wallets in hand! A new survey reveals that 61% of winter travelers are ditching cash in favor of cards, smartphones, and smartwatches. And they’re ready to splash out—49% are planning a winter getaway, with nearly half budgeting between €50 and €150 per day, reports Poslovni Dnevnik.
But there’s a catch—many ski resorts and tourist spots are still lagging behind on digital payments. The biggest pain points? Restaurants (23%), parking (22%), and ski passes (14%). A whopping 37% of consumers say the lack of cashless options could make them spend less or even take their money elsewhere!
Despite this, Croatia remains the top winter destination for locals, though Slovenia (20%) and Austria (16%) are strong contenders. And it’s not just skiing—travelers are increasingly splashing out on spa treatments, gourmet dining, and cultural experiences.
Visa’s Croatia boss, Renata Vujasinović, warns businesses to step up their game: “Without digital payments, they risk losing customers—especially in competitive hotspots like ski resorts.”
With 60% of Croatian skiers now preferring a completely cashless experience, the message is clear—adapt or get left out in the cold!