Croatia has registered a 2% rise in visitors from the United Kingdom in 2026, with more than 840,000 British arrivals recorded so far this year, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board.
Jet2 Announces Expanded UK-Croatia Flight Connections for 2027
Jet2 will launch new scheduled flights connecting Edinburgh Airport to Pula from May 2, 2027. Additionally, a new route between London Luton Airport and Dubrovnik will commence on May 7, 2027, expanding access for UK travelers to Croatia.
New Hotel Openings Near Opatija and Dubrovnik Scheduled for 2027
The Marriott Opatija Resort and Spa is set to open near the town of Opatija in 2027. Near Dubrovnik, the Hilton Lopud Beach Resort and Spa will also debut next
year. The Croatian National Tourist Board expects these to contribute to higher quality hotel accommodation, with both local Croatian and international hotel chains expanding their presence.
Tourism Board Targets Year-Round Growth and Seasonal Extension
The Croatian National Tourist Board has prioritized strategies to develop tourism beyond the summer peak, focusing on extending visitor interest into the shoulder seasons. Director Kristjan Staničić noted that city breaks and gastronomy are areas of growing appeal among British tourists, which the board plans to leverage.
Marketing campaigns targeting UK visitors in 2027 will promote not only summer travel but also winter tourism opportunities. These include Christmas markets in Zagreb, Osijek, and Varaždin,
as well as winter experiences in Croatia’s mountains and national parks, characterized by snow-covered landscapes.
Staničić emphasized the unique appeal of winter, stating, “Clients can also experience our mountains and national parks in the winter season, with the snow, which is a special experience.”
The tourism board will arrange familiarization trips for UK travel agents in 2027 to provide firsthand knowledge of Croatia’s offerings. “We will be organising fam trips to Croatia, because we think this is the best way to get to know what we are offering,” Staničić added.
