With Easter marking the traditional launch of Croatia’s tourist season, early indicators suggest a strong start for the country's vital tourism industry. Over the long Easter weekend, Croatia welcomed an average of 165,000 tourists daily, peaking on Easter Saturday with 180,000 visitors, according to Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina, reports Dnevnik.hr

“These numbers are very satisfying and in line with our expectations,” said Minister Glavina in an interview in Split. “We’re off to a promising pre-season and are optimistic for what lies ahead.”

However, Glavina cautioned against early optimism, pointing to geopolitical instability as a potential threat to the upcoming summer season. He stressed that pricing will play a crucial role in keeping Croatia competitive in the global market.

“We must strike the right balance with pricing,” Glavina explained. “Not just in accommodation, but across all services. Price stability is key to maintaining our appeal.”

Germany, traditionally Croatia’s largest tourism market—accounting for a quarter of all visitors—saw a 6–7% drop last year. The ministry aims to reverse that trend and strengthen ties with Croatia’s top ten source markets.

Despite concerns over affordability, domestic tourism is showing strength. Glavina noted that Croats themselves ranked as the second-largest tourist group in the first quarter of 2025, following the Germans.

“We’ve seen an increase in domestic tourism, and that’s encouraging,” he said. “We want more Croats vacationing at home—not just on the coast, but also exploring inland destinations.”

Some critics argue that domestic numbers are only up because of lower pre-season prices. But Glavina insists the goal is broader: to position Croatia as a year-round destination for both foreign and local travellers.

“We want to be more than just a summer hot spot,” he added. “We want Croatia to be seen as a destination for all seasons—rich in culture, nature, and hospitality.”

As the summer season approaches, all eyes will be on pricing strategies, regional stability, and how well Croatia can continue its early momentum.