August the 25th, 2026 – Croatia remains full of tourists, but with horrifically hot temperatures now the norm, “coolcations” pose a serious threat to hotter countries as they become increasingly popular.
The director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, said that there are still more than a million tourists per day in Croatia and that August is so far at the level of last year’s results. Index reports that when speaking on HRT’s Dnevnik, Staničić said that Croatia is still at the peak of the tourist season, but he did not want to forecast what August would be like until the end. “For now I can say that August is at the level of last year’s figures,” he said.
“coolcations” are becoming more and more popular as people tire of overwhelming heat
Staničić also commented on a new tourist trend, the so-called “coolcation”, or the growing interest in cooler destinations in northern Europe. As he explained, because of ever higher summer temperatures and repeated heatwave cycles, many people are looking for places where July and August are more pleasant than on the Mediterranean and in southern Europe. He believes this trend will continue in the coming years and that the tourism sector must be prepared for it. He recalled that climate change has been affecting travellers’ decisions for a longer time, but considers that Croatia, thanks to its diverse offer, can respond to such changes as well.
As an example he mentioned Gorski kotar and Lika, where lower temperatures, quality accommodation, good gastronomy and contents linked to nature and active holidays can be found even during the summer.
inspectors clamp down on illegal rentals and advertisements
Staničić also commented on the intensified work of the tourist inspection this season. Because of illegal operation, eight campsites, 23 holiday homes, 56 apartments, one smaller hotel and one hostel have been closed. He thanked the staff of the State Inspectorate and everyone involved in combating the black market. “Unfortunately, this is a phenomenon that is present and to which a response is needed,” he said. He added that cooperation of all institutions, tourist boards and competent services in the field is important, especially when there is knowledge of unregistered guests or facilities that provide services without being registered for it.
croatian tourism requires proper order
Staničić also spoke about the amendments to the Hospitality Activity Act, against which the Association “Save Small Family Renters” has submitted an objection to the European Commission. They object, among other things, to re-categorisation every decade, the need for co-owners’ consent in multi-apartment buildings, and the conditions for obtaining host status. Staničić expects the law primarily to help in combating the black market.
As one of the most important novelties he singled out the introduction of a registration number that every accommodation service provider will have to have if they want to advertise on global platforms. According to him, such a system should enable more effective control of both accommodation facilities and the online platforms on which they are advertised.
“Everyone has the right to turn to the European Commission,” Staničić said, adding that Croatia has taken over the European acquis which includes the introduction of a registration number. He assessed that this measure should be one of the key tools for combating the black market and “introducing order into Croatian tourism”.
