According to initial data collected by the Croatian National Tourist Board from Croatian airports, during the upcoming summer flight season, from the end of March to the end of October, Croatia will be connected to 122 foreign cities. The most operations are expected on routes to London, Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna. In the 2025 summer flight schedule, around 485 flight routes in domestic and international traffic are expected to be realized, with a forecasted 2% increase in passenger aircraft operations compared to last year's summer flight schedule.

“Aviation traffic is extremely important for achieving positive results in Croatian tourism, especially when it comes to demand from markets geographically distant from Croatia. Our goal is to improve air connectivity with foreign countries every year, which is particularly significant for our southern destinations, which are more reliant on air transport, and in the context of achieving the strategic goal of strengthening pre- and post-season tourism. Air connectivity is extremely important in the pre- and post-season for better accessibility to our destinations. This means we must actively encourage the opening of new unique connections, of which there are about 40 this year, as well as their earlier launch, focusing more on programs that connect key emitting geo-zones with Croatia. For strategic partnerships, including collaborations with airlines, we have allocated over 3 million euros this year. In this context, we expect the increase in the number of planned operations, which we have recorded compared to last year's summer flight schedule, to positively influence overall tourism results," said Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, announcing the first major influx of guests to the country during the upcoming Easter holidays.

Additionally, during the summer flight season, direct connections between Croatia and 42 foreign countries are expected—mostly from Europe, while connections with destinations on other continents are planned for countries such as the USA, Canada, South Korea, Qatar, and the UAE. Overall, almost all airports expect an increase in traffic, with the highest number of passenger aircraft operations planned for airports in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Looking at emitting markets, the highest number of passenger aircraft operations are planned for Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Poland.

Individual airports with the highest expected operations on routes to Croatia are Munich-Franz Josef Strauss, Frankfurt/Main-Frankfurt Airport, Vienna-Vienna International, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and London-Gatwick.

In total, during the summer flight season, approximately 54 different airlines will operate on routes between Croatia and foreign countries, with the airlines that foresee the highest number of rotations on domestic and foreign routes being Croatia Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, Eurowings, and Lufthansa. For example, Ryanair will connect Croatian airports to more than 60 cities in Europe this summer, while Croatia Airlines will connect to more than 30.

The inflation rate in Croatia, measured by the consumer price index, was 3.2 percent year-on-year in March, according to data released by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (DZS) on Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive month of slower price growth on an annual basis, while Eurostat data shows that inflation in Croatia remains among the highest in the Eurozone.

The DZS published the first estimate of the consumer price index, according to which the inflation rate in March 2025 was 3.2 percent compared to March 2024. In comparison to the previous month, February 2025, it was, on average, 0.4 percent higher.

The trend of slowing price growth on an annual basis, which had been observed for several months, was interrupted in October 2024. After an increase of 2.2 percent in October, 2.8 percent in November, 3.4 percent in December, and 4 percent in January this year, annual inflation returned to a downward path in February, with a growth of 3.7 percent. The trend of slowing down continued in March.

According to the main components of the index, the estimated annual inflation rate for services is 6 percent, for the group including food, beverages, and tobacco it is 4.4 percent, for energy it is 2.1 percent, while industrial non-food products excluding energy have decreased by 0.2 percent, as stated in the DZS announcement.

On a monthly basis, compared to February 2025, prices of industrial non-food products excluding energy rose by 2.1 percent, services increased by 0.7 percent, while energy prices on average decreased by 1.2 percent, and food, beverages, and tobacco prices dropped by 0.2 percent.

The DZS announced that the final data on the consumer price index for March, according to the ECOICOP classification (European Classification of Individual Consumption according to Purpose), will be published on April 15.

Eurostat: Inflation in Croatia in March 4.3 percent, among the highest in the Eurozone

According to the first estimate released today by Eurostat, the annual inflation rate in March, measured by the harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP) in Croatia, was 4.3 percent, the same as in Estonia and Slovakia, making these three countries also the ones with the highest inflation in the Eurozone.

In the entire Eurozone, the average annual inflation rate in March was 2.2 percent. After Croatia, Estonia, and Slovakia, the highest inflation, at 3.6 percent, was recorded in Belgium, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Zagreb International Airport (MZLZ), the concessionaire of Franjo Tuđman Airport, forecasts a rise in passenger numbers to 4.7 million in 2025, following a record-breaking 4.3 million in 2024. With this increase in traffic, the airport also expects a revenue boost of approximately 11% compared to 2024.

Franjo Tuđman Airport surpassed the four-million-passenger mark for the first time in 2024, and the growth trend has continued into the first quarter of 2025. During the latter part of the winter flight schedule, passenger traffic rose by 8% compared to the same period last year.

According to MZLZ, these figures confirm Zagreb’s growing importance as a key regional aviation hub. With strong winter traffic, the airport has ensured year-round direct connectivity to numerous destinations.

Zagreb: 70 Destinations, 20 Airlines

"In 2025, Zagreb will be connected to 70 destinations—six domestic and 64 international—served by a total of 20 airlines," MZLZ representatives stated. The airport is entering the summer flight schedule well-prepared, expecting further traffic growth and an expanded network of destinations.

A key player in this development is Croatia Airlines, the national carrier. In summer 2025, it will introduce new routes from Zagreb to Milan, Prague, Bucharest, Madrid, and Hamburg, with three weekly flights from early July to late October. The airline will also increase frequencies on existing routes to Barcelona and Tirana, while flights to Berlin and Stockholm will commence at the end of March.

Ryanair Expands Its Network

Ryanair will launch a new route to Palermo on March 30, with three weekly flights. The airline also plans to increase weekly frequencies to Milan, Rome, Malta, Brussels, Palma de Mallorca, and Frankfurt Hahn. Additionally, the Memmingen route, previously seasonal, will now operate year-round.

Air France and Lufthansa Increase Flights

Turkish Airlines aims to expand its Zagreb-Istanbul service to 24 flights per week at the peak of the summer season, with up to four daily flights on selected days. KLM will deploy larger aircraft on its Amsterdam route, while Air France and Lufthansa will increase flight frequencies and use larger aircraft on routes to Paris and Frankfurt.

Return of Intercontinental Routes

Intercontinental flights are also set to return in the summer schedule. South Korean carrier T’way Air will resume its Seoul-Zagreb route with three weekly flights from June 10 to October 25, 2025, operating non-stop without technical layovers. Meanwhile, Canadian airline Air Transat will continue its direct Toronto-Zagreb service three times a week from mid-May to early October.

Ryanair Leads Winter Traffic Growth

MZLZ credits Ryanair with the largest contribution to the increase in passenger traffic during the 2024/2025 winter schedule, with the airline connecting Zagreb to 22 destinations. Greek carrier Aegean Airlines also played a role by increasing frequencies on its Zagreb-Athens route.

Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines further strengthened Zagreb’s connectivity with Istanbul, while Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Air France, and KLM contributed to the winter growth by deploying larger aircraft.

When you think of Europe's oldest cities, Italy might come to mind. But surprisingly, the answer could be Croatia—specifically, Dubrovnik. Well, sort of. What caught our eye on Facebook wasn't a real photo of the city, but rather an AI-generated image of Dubrovnik that looks more like a scene from Game of Thrones than the actual historic city.

Clearly, we weren’t the only ones intrigued. The post racked up over 200 comments and 4.3k Likes, claiming to showcase one of Europe’s oldest cities. But in reality, it’s just an AI rendering of Dubrovnik.

This highlights a growing concern with the use of AI in media. While these tools can create stunning visuals, they also blur the line between fact and fiction. The danger lies in how easily AI can be used to manipulate perceptions, spreading misinformation without people even realizing it. As AI-generated images and content become more convincing, it’s important to remember that not everything we see online is what it seems.

MEETEX 2025, Croatia's leading B2B event for the MICE industry, is once again bringing together domestic and international participants in Zagreb. From the 1st to the 3rd of April, The Westin Zagreb hotel will host targeted B2B meetings, inspiring lectures by renowned experts, and numerous networking opportunities – from coffee breaks to evening gatherings. With a rich program and exclusive FAM trips, MEETEX provides a unique platform for business growth and strengthening collaboration in the business events industry.

One of the key figures behind this successful project is Adem Braco Suljić, co-founder and director of MEETEX, whose career in the MICE industry spans over 30 years. The Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board spoke with him about what this year’s edition of MEETEX brings to international buyers and Croatian exhibitors, as well as what makes Dubrovnik a successful congress and incentive destination.

Which parts of this year’s MEETEX program would you highlight in particular?

Events like MEETEX, which is a B2B networking marketplace for the business tourism industry with pre-arranged 1-on-1 meetings, are quite restricted by a strict format if serious business is to be conducted. In such circumstances, innovation is not easy, as we didn’t want to turn the event too much into an incentivized marketplace. MEETEX was designed to be a professionally organized event that delivers maximum business results.

And when there’s business, it’s easy to find ways to have fun. Despite all limitations, MEETEX has been innovative and unique in many ways since its inception and first edition in 2019. It was probably the first single-destination B2B MICE networking marketplace with exhibitors from only one country in the world. It was also among the first to introduce the one-room concept, sustainable and green initiatives, engagement with academia, and the inclusion of tourism students. Naturally, we introduce something new every year.

MEETEX 2024 - Photo - MEETEX

I can’t be too specific about 2025 because we like to surprise participants, but I can say that this year’s focus will be less on the concept and more on experience, well-being, self-care, and an overall human-centric approach to participants. For 2026, we are preparing a serious and significant novelty, but first, let’s successfully complete this year’s edition, and we’ll soon talk about the next one. 

How do you attract and select international buyers for MEETEX, and which countries will be represented this year?

Attracting foreign guest buyers has been a surprisingly serious challenge even for us in the organizational team, who have extensive experience in the international business tourism industry. Events of this kind are now abundant worldwide, which is no surprise given that the entire world recognizes the importance of business tourism and the MICE industry. However, the pool of truly high-quality buyers is not growing but shrinking. Without getting into the reasons – from the pandemic and geopolitics to the recession – I can only say that persistence, professionalism, hospitality, and hard work pay off. MEETEX has successfully positioned itself as a globally recognized event, gathering almost 100% new buyers each year.

To be more specific – buyers appreciate our single-destination concept and want to attend an event where they can explore the entire MICE offering of a single destination. Additionally, they see that we genuinely care and are making an effort to broaden the perception of Croatia as more than just a leisure destination. Of course, we also feel the effects of global upheavals, but we find ways to adapt, even if it means bringing in more buyers from overseas markets.

This year, for example, we are bringing buyers from 20 countries across four continents – Europe, North and South America, and Asia. We will have many buyers from the UK, as well as from Canada and the USA. We rigorously select them through a process carried out by three people over several months.

What benefits can Croatian exhibitors—service providers and destinations—expect from participating in such a specialized event?

Considering that participating in MEETEX involves two and a half days of intensive networking with carefully selected hosted buyers and agents from practically all over the world—whose sole purpose is to connect Croatian stakeholders with the global MICE market—and that the MICE industry is one of the most lucrative niches in tourism, all of this being organized by professionals who are themselves part of this world, it is actually difficult to find any argument against participating.

We provide the conditions for high-quality and efficient networking between people from different parts of the world, with the long-term goal of extending the season for our exhibitors and the economy with visitors who have significantly higher spending power than standard holiday tourists. MEETEX truly delivers exceptional value for money, and consequently, an excellent ROI—placing us in the Top 10 in Europe.

During previous editions of MEETEX, nearly 12,000 individual meetings have been organized. What participant feedback motivates you the most to continue developing this event? Can you share a concrete example of a successful collaboration that has emerged from past editions of MEETEX?

MEETEX was conceived as a project that would benefit not only the business tourism community but also all other sectors of the economy that stand to gain from improving Croatia’s reputation as a destination for both leisure and business tourism. Business tourism undoubtedly extends the season in the best and most efficient way, as it is most active throughout spring and autumn. Moreover, according to all relevant statistics, it attracts visitors with three to five times the spending power of leisure tourists. Unfortunately, everyone is aware of this, which makes the competition fierce.

However, we see that Croatia’s MICE industry continues to grow steadily despite challenges.

For the second year in a row, we have had to close exhibitor registration earlier than planned simply because we reached full capacity. We are unwilling to compromise quality for the sake of quantity or short-term financial gain. If MEETEX did not deliver results, it would no longer exist. As for the exact individual outcomes, I cannot disclose them, as they fall under the internal business affairs of our exhibitors. What matters is that we are growing as a destination, and when the destination grows, everyone benefits—which was the goal from the very beginning. That is the answer to your question about our motivation.

MEETEX is growing qualitatively, following and even setting trends. When we, as a country, overcome some infrastructural and transportation challenges that we unfortunately still face, I have no doubt that MEETEX will grow quantitatively as well, possibly expanding into additional niches.

What are Dubrovnik’s biggest advantages as a conference and incentive destination compared to other European destinations, from your perspective and long-standing experience in the MICE industry?

Highlighting all the advantages of Dubrovnik as a conference and incentive destination is almost impossible to even begin listing. This is a city that was once an independent Republic and, to this day, often serves as a global identifier for our modern-day Republic of Croatia. It is a destination that rightfully holds a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, seamlessly blending ancient history with modernity and even the future. It is a place that is undeniably attractive, where the saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" simply doesn’t apply—because Dubrovnik’s beauty is universally recognized. I like to say that Dubrovnik is a remedy for the soul, and the world acknowledges that.

Unfortunately, the city faces certain spatial and geographical limitations that are highly complex and cannot be resolved overnight, but we are on the right path.

Once we reach our goal, Dubrovnik will truly become a year-round destination in every sense. Although the issue of summer overcrowding due to cruise ship arrivals is often raised, we must not be selfish—Dubrovnik is unique, and the world deserves to see it. Let there be cruise ship tourists in the summer, but let there also be conference and incentive guests in the spring and autumn—some of whom may have first discovered Dubrovnik from the deck of a cruise ship. And hopefully, one day, they’ll arrive at a long-awaited congress centre, accessible via the much-anticipated full-profile highway. 

What trends do you currently see in the MICE industry, and how can Croatia, especially Dubrovnik, adapt to remain competitive in the future?

I recently read that our generation has experienced perhaps the greatest and most intense changes in social, societal, economic, and business conditions ever. Because of this, I must say that I am genuinely pleased to see that Dubrovnik—despite being a global brand and regardless of the common belief that it "doesn't need advertising because tourists come on their own"—remains present at almost every major international fair or marketplace. Precisely because we live in times when literally EVERYTHING—including tourism, people's character, habits, and expectations—is changing faster than ever, there can be no success without proactive adaptation.

Staying competitive has become truly challenging, which is why it is extremely important and commendable that—especially from my perspective as someone who has spent their entire professional and personal life in the MICE industry—the Dubrovnik Tourist Board's Convention Bureau remains proactive. It is also noteworthy that my dear colleague Romana Vlašić continues to tirelessly participate in trade shows and workshops. Beyond promoting the destination to potential guests, it is crucial that, as an experienced professional, she also gains insights into new trends and expectations and shares this knowledge with industry colleagues.

Finally, what are your messages for international organizers who are considering Croatia, and especially Dubrovnik, as a destination for their future events?

Come, you won't regret it. Joking aside, it's hard for me to be impartial. Despite many criticisms about inflated prices, sensationalism, and news stories about petty scammers – which, by the way, have always existed but weren't known because the flow of information was slower and more limited – Croatia is a beautiful, welcoming, peaceful, and above all, a safe destination. In today's world, the latter is truly a huge asset and a fantastic advantage. Furthermore, the first records of international congresses held in Croatia date back to the 19th century, which means no one can say we are "new" or that we don't know how to do it.

We know, we know, trust me – I have participated in organizing events with 20,000 people, and the most agile and resourceful staff came from Croatia.

And Dubrovnik must be experienced, especially for younger generations who would solve everything "online." I would advise hotel representatives – sit the buyers or organizers on a fam trip next to a glass wall overlooking the sea or the city, whether in the lobby bar or the conference room, offer them coffee, juice made from Dubrovnik oranges, a little rožata (crème caramel) and almonds... And you've already done half the job without saying a word! The other half – the professionalism of the staff, the quality of the service and F&B offerings, the incredible variety of options for incentive programs, culture, history, Konavle, Cavtat, Mlini… well, anyone who doesn't recognize that doesn't deserve you.

In a dazzling boost for Croatia’s tourism sector, foreign tourist revenues hit a record-breaking 15 billion euros in 2024, marking a significant rise despite global uncertainties. According to the Croatian National Bank (HNB), the fourth quarter alone raked in nearly 1.8 billion euros — a 10.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023, translating to an additional 164.6 million euros in the national coffers.

Across the entire year, revenues from international visitors grew by 2.7%, a healthy 388.6 million euros more than the previous year, proving that Croatia remains a top contender on the global tourist map, reports Jutarnji List. 

Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome. “In 2024, we saw almost 15 billion euros in tourism income — a record for us. What’s even more exciting is that we achieved this during both the pre-season and post-season, thanks to massive investments in tourism infrastructure,” he said.

Highlighting Croatia’s push for value for money, Minister Glavina explained that major promotional efforts at global tourism fairs had ensured Croatia’s place as a top-value destination. “The focus is no longer just on the summer months; we’re elevating the quality of our services and positioning Croatia as a sustainable, year-round destination,” he added.

The Dubrovnik Tourist Board is organizing the traditional Dubrovnik Flower Market, which will take place from the 3rd to the 6th of April, 2025. This event brings together flower enthusiasts, horticulturists, and artists, offering a rich and diverse program that will enhance the city's spring atmosphere and attract visitors of all ages.

The event kicks off on the 3rd of April with the "Floral Collage" workshop at the Dubrovnik Natural History Museum for young children, led by museum educator and curator Dubravka Tullio. On the same day, at 4:00 PM, a fresh flower arrangement workshop will also be held at the museum, led by Kristina Skvrce. Reservations for this workshop can be made via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The heart of the event, the flower market, will take place on the 4th and 5th of April in Lujo Šoletić Park from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs from local growers and agricultural estates. They will also have a chance to learn about native flower species and receive expert advice on planting and maintenance. Exhibitors at the market include Agrovrt – Metković, Ankora Ltd. – Zaton Veliki, CZR Josipovac – Župa dubrovačka, OPG Jurić – Kutina, OPG Lucija Volgemuth – Sisak, OPG Marija Bagić – Kutina, OPG Marija Mesić – Kutina, OPG Snježana Meštrić – Bjelovar, OPG Stjepan Valent – Kneginec Donji, OPG Tomislav Varvir – Mali Bukovec, Vrtlar Ltd – Dubrovnik, and Vrtlarija Čičić Ltd – Sisak. (OPG stands for Family-Run Agricultural Business)

On Friday, the 4th of April, visitors can take a guided tour in English through the Trsteno Arboretum, with free organized transport departing from Pile at 3:15 PM. Reservations are required via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. At 4:00 PM in the Arboretum, Jasna Held will perform a storytelling session entitled "The Silver Birch" for the youngest attendees.

Themed Tours of Dubrovnik Gardens 

On Saturday, the 5th of April, at 10:00 AM, a themed tour in Croatian, "Walking Along the Old Dubrovnik Gardens," will be led by author Nikolina Kapović. The same tour will be available in English on Sunday, the 6th of April, under the title "Walking Along the Old Dubrovnik Gardens." The meeting point is in front of TIC Pile. In addition to its stunning architecture, Dubrovnik is proud of its historic gardens, which provide a refreshing green contrast to the city's stone landscape. The Pile, Konalo, and Boninovo areas have been home to unique garden suburbs since the Renaissance, maintaining their character to this very day. During the tour, participants will learn about the historical development of these gardens, visit several historic sites, and explore the botanical heritage of Dubrovnik’s Renaissance gardens. Reservations can be made via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

On Saturday, the 5th of April, at 5:00 PM, a workshop on crafting doves from fig tree pith will be held at Deša – Lazareti, led by Tonka Šperanda and Vesna Pejović. The number of participants is limited, and registration is available via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When will construction begin on the shopping centre at the former Remiza site in Dubrovnik? This question has frequently been raised in Dubrovnik’s public discussions, as the lack of such a retail offering is evident not only for tourists but also for the local population. 

Dubrovački Vjesnik reached out to Pemo’s management for answers regarding the start of construction and the design of the planned shopping center, reports Dubrovački Vjesnik. 

Along with a conceptual design image they provided, they briefly commented:

"We hope for the adoption of urban planning conditions that will create the prerequisites for building the shopping centre—an additional retail offering that has long been missing for both residents and visitors of our city. If the relevant city authorities approve the proposed urban planning changes in a timely manner, we will immediately proceed with obtaining the necessary construction permits, with the planned completion and opening of the shopping center in the second half of 2026. These changes have been awaited for many years, and we believe the time has finally come to bring this long-prepared project to life," stated Pemo’s management.