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After several years of decline and stagnation in certain traditionally important markets, the first and still incomplete data from the eVisitor system for July and the first seven months of 2026 show a visible recovery in tourist traffic from the Czech Republic, Hungary and Italy, reports the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ).
The Czech market stands out in particular, recording double-digit growth in arrivals in July, while Hungary continues a steady upward trend, and Italy is once again showing signs of recovery after a long period of stagnation.
Thus, in July, but also at the level of the previous part of the year, i.e. the first seven months of 2026, a significant return of guests from the aforementioned countries was recorded. It is encouraging to note that this growth is coming especially from the Czech market, after several years of declining tourist traffic from that country, while Italy has been recording stagnation in tourist traffic for the past few years.
Compared to the same period last year, the number of arrivals in July Czech guests bigger by 12 %, and the number of nights for 7%, while looking at the cumulative seven months, the same market achieved growth of 5% in arrivals and overnight stays. During the year, Czechs recorded the most overnight stays in Wife, Split-Dalmatia i Zadar County, while, taking into account the destinations themselves, they stayed most in Umag, I deny it i Medulin.
Positive results with Hungarian market further confirm its importance for Croatian tourism and the continued stable interest of Hungarian guests in traveling to our country. In July, we recorded an increase of 8% in arrivals and 7% in overnight stays of Hungarian tourists compared to last year, while from January to July 2026, an increase of 7% in arrivals and overnight stays. In the first seven months of this year, the largest number of Hungarian guests stayed at KvarnerIn Wife and u Zadar County.
Particularly pleased with the return of the arrivals trend Italian guests since the beginning of the year, with results for the first seven months recording growth of 2% in arrivals and overnight stays, compared to the same period last year. During July, arrivals from the Italian market grew by 1%The positive trend is expected to be further confirmed during August, when Ferragosto traditionally takes place, the period in which Italian guests make the largest number of their summer trips.
According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, Italians were happy to choose Croatia this year during the pre-season for shorter weekend trips, where they were particularly attracted to destinations in Wife i na Kvarner.
These are markets that have played an important role in the structure of Croatian tourist traffic for years, but have faced various challenges in recent seasons: from a decline in interest and changing travel habits to stronger competition from other Mediterranean destinations. That is why the current results do not just represent a short-term increase in the number of arrivals and overnight stays, but may also signal Croatia's renewed strength in markets where guests are well-acquainted with the domestic offer and are inclined to return.
