In May 2024, Croatia experienced a 9% decline in the number of foreign tourists and a 17% decrease in overnight stays compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Croatian Tourist Board. Overall, in the first five months of the year, there was a slight decline in tourist arrivals and overnight stays, with a more significant drop among foreign tourists, while domestic tourists showed growth. The largest decreases in arrivals and overnight stays were recorded from some of the most important source markets such as Germany, Austria, and Poland. All types of commercial accommodation recorded a decrease in overnight stays, while non-commercial accommodation saw a slight increase. The majority of overnight stays were in hotels, but even there a decline was noted compared to the previous year.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the economic impact of the decline in foreign tourists on local communities and workers in the tourism sector. They highlight the need for government intervention to support the tourism industry and promote sustainable tourism practices. The narrative often includes concerns about over-reliance on foreign tourists and calls for diversification of the economy.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the statistics factually, focusing on the data provided by the Croatian Tourist Board. They provide balanced coverage, noting both the decline in foreign tourists and the growth in domestic tourism. The narrative is neutral, emphasizing the importance of tourism to the Croatian economy and the need to monitor trends closely.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to focus on the resilience of the domestic tourism market and the positive aspects of increased domestic tourist activity. They may frame the decline in foreign tourists as a temporary setback and emphasize national pride in the ability of Croatian tourism to adapt. There is often a focus on promoting Croatia as a safe and attractive destination for both domestic and foreign visitors.
