September the 24th, 2026 – Croatia must keep investing in its nautical tourism sector as 2.7 million overnight stays are recorded so far in 2026.
In the first eight months of this year, over 431,000 charter guests visited Croatia, who recorded more than 2.7 million overnight stays. Ana Blaskovic reports for Poslovni that Croatia must continue investing in nautical tourism in order to maintain competitiveness, while also resolving the issue of concessions that are expiring for individual marinas, it was said at the conference Nautical Tourism of Croatia 2030.
The country currently has 216 nautical tourism ports and other facilities for berthing and accommodating vessels, with almost 19 thousand berths. Minister of Maritime Affairs Oleg Butković emphasised that the key challenge remains seasonality, since the highest traffic and revenues are realised in July and August. The goal is to develop a year-round business model and additional content that would attract nautical tourists outside the main season as well.
According to his words, the Croatian Government should soon adopt decisions on the extension of concessions for individual existing concessionaires who have the documentation ready. The process, he said, is being prepared in cooperation with the ministries of tourism and finance and the European Commission. At the Croatian Chamber of Economy they emphasise that for further investments it is necessary to ensure legal certainty and a competitive business framework.
Concessionaires say they are ready to continue investing in marinas and charter, while the sector is at the same time being pressed by rising operating costs and a shortage of quality labour. The Ministry of Tourism and Sport highlights the green and digital transition as important directions of development.
