Croatia is struggling: prices are exploding, the number of holidaymakers is falling dramatically!

Croatia is struggling: prices are exploding, the number of holidaymakers is falling dramatically!

Croatia's tourism is facing major challenges. In a year that began after a record year in 2022 with 3.5 million German vacationers, there is now a noticeable decline in the number of visitors. Experts see the main cause as sharply increased prices and new competition. Nera Miličić, the director of the Croatian Tourism Authority, emphasizes that the return of competing destinations has a decisive influence on this development. Ljubo Jurčić, a former economy minister, is also critical of the country's pricing policy and calls for structural changes to stop the negative trend.

The uncertainty of the economic situation in Germany seems to be encouraging many vacationers to plan their travel budget more carefully. The price increase for accommodation, especially in the peak season months, is perceived as problematic. Jurčić also warns that Croatia may have reached its maximum tourist capacity, which could lead to a further decrease in revenue. However, since 2023, the country has aimed to strengthen the off-season to stabilize the peak season and promote quality accommodation.

Price increases as the main obstacle

A decisive factor in the decline in the number of visitors is the sharp increase in prices in Croatia. Reports from tourists about price increases are alarming: for example, the price of a taxi ride has doubled from 60 euros to 120 euros. Significant price differences are also reported for everyday products and services. In Split, for example, fewer boat tourists book berths and instead cook more often themselves on board, which represents a new trend to reduce costs.

Economy Minister Ante Susnjar has called on the industry to avoid excessive prices, while Governor Boris Vujcic pointed out that prices in Croatia have risen twice as much as other Mediterranean competitors in the last three years. Restaurateurs in particular justify the price increases with increased raw material and rental costs, which, however, has a disadvantageous effect on many vacationers.

Government measures

In view of these developments, the Croatian government, together with the National Bank, is warning of the economic consequences of price increases. Economic analyst Mladen Vedris highlights the worrying discrepancy between the 50% increase in prices and the increase in purchasing power of just 15%. In order to create greater transparency, the Croatian government introduced new regulations in May 2025 that require retailers to publish price lists online on a daily basis.

Croatia is therefore faced with the task of both managing seasonal fluctuations in tourism and controlling price developments in order to counteract the possible decline in visitor numbers again. Only through targeted measures and a revision of pricing policy can the country hope to maintain its attractiveness as a tourist destination.

For more information on the situation of Croatian tourism see the reports on fr.de and kosmo.at.