August 17, 2021 - German tourists in Croatia, especially those coming from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, are expected to holiday in the country for at least another 3 weeks. 

Traditionally loyal German tourists came back in large numbers this season. Since the beginning of the year, almost 1.6 million German tourists have recorded more than 11 million overnight stays in Croatia, a third more than last year. They have exceeded 80 percent of the results from the best tourist year ever in Croatia. In Istria, for example, they surpassed even that record 2019 in the number of overnight stays, and about 266,000 of them are still holidaying along the coast. And that's not the end, reports Vecernji List.

The travel season has just begun in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, the two federal states from which most German tourists come. The school holidays, which trigger the most massive wave of travel, began in these parts of Germany only in August, and for the next two or three weeks, the Adriatic can still count on a large number of Croatia's loyal and beloved guests.

There are still about a million tourists on the Adriatic, and the number has decreased by only a few tens of thousands after the Assumption weekend. There are 840,000 foreigners, and the largest number of Germans is in Istria, where 122,000 were hosted yesterday.

"The total number of our guests dropped by about 20,000 after last weekend, and currently there are about 275,000 in Istria. In 2019, there were about thirty thousand more of them, but that is why there are 30 percent more German tourists than that year. Thus, we also have a slight increase in tourists from Poland and the Czech Republic in August, and we have been recording similar results practically since the beginning of the year. Reservations are still coming; from today’s perspective, it looks like we will have a great August and an excellent September. Of course, provided that we remain responsible and that the COVID-19 situation does not worsen in our country and Germany. These are guests who are difficult to replace with any other market," says the director of the Istrian Tourist Board, Denis Ivošević.

For now, there is no fear about German tourists. ID Riva Tours, a German tour operator specializing in travel to Croatia, says that interest in Croatia is not waning. On the contrary, places on ships cruising the Croatian Adriatic are in demand not only now for August but also for the whole of September, and the last guests could be seen off only in mid-October.

"This is a real surprise; no one dared or hoped that the season would be so successful, quite similar to 2019. With good preparation from the Croatian side, we got everything else, including the situation with competitors and major markets. Now the only thing that matters is that the hosts remain as responsible as possible. Clearly, they cannot be held accountable for guests' behavior, but they must be an example of their behavior, and irresponsible guests must be warned. Only with such an attitude do we justify what we promised at the beginning of the season, i.e., that we are a responsible and safe country," says the owner of ID Riva Tours Selimir Ognjenovic and adds that complaints and dissatisfied guests are less than expected due to the crowds that have flooded our coast in recent weeks.

Last weekend, for example, 86 percent of overnight stays were realized compared to 2019. There are now about two hundred thousand more guests than last season, which was rapidly coming to an end after the Assumption due to the spread of the infection.

Guests on the Adriatic stay longer than in previous years, and tourism is recovering faster measured by overnight stays than by the number of guests. But this is not the only positive trend that corona has spawned.

"Perhaps even more important is the change in the structure of guests. Namely, tourists come who have incomparably stronger purchasing power than those we hosted before the pandemic. For example, a holiday home for three people in the central part of Istria is now easily filled for 2,500 euros for seven days. Before the pandemic, it was certainly 300 euros cheaper. This is, along with the Germans and the growth of hotel occupancy, the biggest gain this season," says Ivošević.

In addition to the most numerous Germans, local guests did not disappoint, of whom there are still about 160,000 at sea. They are followed by Slovenes, Poles, Italians, Austrians, and Czechs. Rovinj, Vir, Poreč, Umag, Medulin, and Mali Lošinj, and Crikvenica still dominate the list of top destinations.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

June 27, 2021 - Due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Zadar County, it is now considered a low-risk area for travelers returning to Germany. 

As of today, Zadar County is a low-risk area for travelers returning to Germany, reports HRT.

This means that those who leave that county for Germany must first register digitally, have a negative test when entering the country, or self-isolate until a negative test is presented. This does not apply to those who have been vaccinated.

Yesterday, out of 86 new COVID-19 cases, 42 were recorded in Zadar County. At the COVID wards at the Zadar General Hospital, 10 patients were hospitalized, and there are currently 207 active cases in the county.

The head of the National Civil Protection Headquarters Davor Božinović and the Chief of the Zadar Civil Protection Headquarters, Ante Babić, hope that the increasing number of newly infected will not affect the success of the tourist season.

"It is certainly not good because nowadays, given that this is a pandemic that has affected the whole world, given that this is a pandemic that has affected the whole world, and given that those countries from which tourists come, their citizens listen to the recommendations of their countries and to see where they should come to eventually rest and be healthy. So it’s not good, but I repeat again, I don’t think it should ultimately jeopardize the season. If this had to happen already, then it is better today, in June, than possibly in a month or so. We hope that the numbers will start to drop as soon as possible, but the biggest responsibility is on all of us," Babić said.

13 new cases in Zadar County

Today there are already fewer infections in Zadar County. The Civil Protection Headquarters announced that there are e13 new positive cases in the last 24 hours.

380 samples were tested and 611 residents were monitored.

For all, you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, including travel, border, and quarantine rules, as well as the locations of vaccination points and testing centers across the country, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and select your preferred language.

May 21, 2021 - Croatia should be removed from Germany's red list today, meaning from Sunday, no quarantine will be required to return to Germany, and travelers will only need to show a negative test.

Before the big school holiday weekend for the Pentecost begins in Germany, the German Robert Koch Institute should remove Croatia from the list of high-risk countries at 3 pm today. This is great news for Croatian tourism, which could achieve some slightly higher numbers in the next two weeks when Germans traditionally travel, reports Jutarnji List. 

Judging by what happened this Easter, when Istria, along with Mallorca, was the only country in Europe to be green, and when German tourists flocked to the doors of Istrian hotels, camps, and holiday homes in one day without any announcement, that scenario could be repeated. And in mass numbers because of the nicer weather this time around. 

This means that from Sunday, no quarantine will be required to return to Germany, but only a negative test. Also, those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered from COVID are already free from quarantine. This is good news for the beginning of this weekend, the Minister of Tourism Nikolina Brnjac said. 

This means that all travel agencies will be working full steam ahead this weekend to be ready for any inquiries as travel moves forward. However, it would have been easier for the tourism sector if we had had a better situation two weeks ago and if this German Institute had removed Croatia from the list of high-risk countries. 

For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, including travel, border and quarantine rules, as well as the locations of vaccination points and testing centres up and down the country, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and choose your preferred language.

March the 31st, 2021 - Istrian tourism could be given a breath of fresh air amid the ongoing pandemic as an influential German publication publishes an article detailing where German tourists may travel without the need for quarantine.

The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the entire world, but those countries which typically rely heavily on tourism have suffered tremendously. Croatia, with tourism being its strongest economic branch, hasn't been immune to the devastating economic effects of the pandemic, lockdowns and travel uncertainty. Istrian tourism, however, has been given a new spring in its step as the influential German publication Die Welt tells German tourists, who are otherwise great lovers of Istria, that they may enter.

As Morski writes, Nera Milicic, Head of the Croatian Tourist Board's representation over in the German city of Munich, explained the following: This publication in Die Welt, which is one of the leading ''opinion makers'' among German media, and whose readers have higher purchasing power and higher demands, will certainly contribute to the additional perception of Istria, but also Croatia, as a desirable holiday destination for German guests.''

The author of the article, Sonke Kruger, stated that it is possible for German tourists to travel to Istria without the need for self-isolation or quarantine upon entering Croatia and returning to Germany, but there is still the obligation to present a negative PCR test at the border. The author additionally emphasised the fact that Istria is the most attractive and the most accessible Croatian region for German visitors, many of which tend to come by car.

The article also conveys information from German tour operators who are very interested in Istrian tourism and holidays in Istria, and pointed out that many Istrian hotels are already open, while the number of accommodation options available to tourists will only increase even further in the coming months.

It's worth adding that in addition to Croatia and the mention of Istrian tourism for German visitors in that particular article, it also lists the parts of Spain and Portugal where German tourists can currently travel without mandatory quarantine on returning home to Germany, but it is noted that various regulations related to the prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus are still in force, from mandatory testing to strict hygiene rules and the wearing of protective masks.

For all current coronavirus information specific to Croatia, including travel and border rules, as well as testing centres across the country, make sure to bookmark this page.

August 19, 2020 - German daily newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung explains to its readers that a large part of the Croatian coast has a small number of newly infected people and that Zagreb and Dalmatia are recording their growth.

"The decision is based on real trends, not the current picture," the German Foreign Ministry said in a statement regarding the introduction of measures against the spread of the coronavirus for people coming from Croatia, Jutarnji List reports.

The statement was quoted by the renowned Munich-based Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), which concluded: "So German tourists do not have to face mandatory tests at the moment."

In this regard, the newspaper reminds that "those at risk are those in which more than 50 newly infected people per 100,000 are counted for seven days in a row", while the rest of the country is not problematic: "Large parts of favorite coastal areas are recording extremely low numbers."

In the article entitled "When the party-tiger roars", SZ also reminds of the cases of German tourists, mostly young people, who obviously brought the coronavirus from their Croatian vacation back home.

"Croatia, with its countless islets in the Adriatic Sea, actually seems ideal for avoiding the masses and escaping the virus. Apartments are more widespread than large hotels. It is known more as a paradise for campers and sailors than as a destination for parties," the German newspaper points out. It is also stated that the average age of those infected in Croatia is 34 years.

It also reminds of the fact that Croatia had a minimal number of infected people before the borders opened, and that in order to facilitate the entry of tourists into the country, it organized registration online, and quotes Croatian doctor of infectious disease, Alemka Markotic, who points out that the situation is under control and that Croatian healthcare is well prepared.

However, the highest-circulation German newspaper Bild considers the situation in Croatia worrying because, in its online edition, it asks: how much longer will we be able to spend our holidays in Croatia?

The article primarily provides information for potential German tourists about the situation and regulations in Croatia, but like SZ, it states that an increasing number of new infections have been registered in the Split and Zagreb regions and that infections are most widespread at parties and nightclubs.

However, it points out that the Split area, with an average of 46.45 new cases a day in the last seven days, has almost reached the limit of 50 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants.

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May 13, 2020 - Leading German tour operators, including TUI, are interested in achieving part of the season in Croatia, which is among the destinations that could be booked for the summer, with airline arrangements, according to the Croatian National Tourist Board.

Noting that the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and its German representative offices are constantly and proactively communicating with the German market and partners about the possibilities of cooperation and the arrival of German tourists in Croatia this summer, HTZ Director Kristjan Staničić said that Croatia was mentioned in communication with the leading media in that market as a possible destination for summer vacation, primarily because of the excellent results in preventing the spread of coronavirus and as a destination that can be reached relatively quickly by car.

Apart from these trips, there is interest in "air bridges", i.e., the arrival of tourists by tour operators and airlines, however, for any travel from Germany, warnings for travel abroad will first need to be lifted in that country. This is expected in mid-June, and according to some information for some destinations, planes could be ready around June 10. Still, it will all depend on the epidemiological picture in Germany and the countries where tourists would travel.

According to Staničić, the President of the Management Board of TUI, Fritz Joussen, believes that it is necessary to distinguish destinations with conditions for receiving guests from those that are still out of reach, marking Croatia as a destination that meets the requirements.

"Assumptions and interest of TUI and other German tour operators for the arrival of German tourists in Croatia certainly exist, as well as to realize part of the season and minimize their own losses. Interest is also present among individual German tourists, with whom we also constantly communicate through networks and offices," says Staničić.

However, how, when and with which transport these trips will be realized is still being negotiated. As specific destinations will undoubtedly be out of the reach of organized tourist traffic through agencies and tour operators, Staničić believes that there will be enough air capacity to provide charter flights or regular airlines to individual destinations. Without presenting plans to invest in that market in the new circumstances, Staničić reminds that for years HTZ has been cooperating with leading German tour operators and airlines (TUI, FTI, ID Riva, RSD, Eurowings, Condor and others), and believes that some projects can be achieved.

"These companies use our communication messages all the time, as well as the new #CroatiaLongDistanceLove concept, and as soon as adequate conditions are created in the German market, we will conduct a targeted online campaign for certain groups of tourists and residents of the southern German provinces, which start at the end of June and the end of July, depending on the individual German province," reveals Staničić.

He adds that in Germany, as well as in other markets where they plan to carry out promotional activities, they will certainly use the current image of Croatia as a safe and 'corona free' country.

Asked about estimates and expectations from the most important market for Croatian tourism, the HTZ director believes that we could achieve up to 30 percent of last year's record turnover, when Germans could travel abroad again after June 14.

TUI and other major German tour operators are currently showing similar interests for Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Spain and Austria, whose governments, according to information from German tourist circles, are negotiating with the German government on the possibility of establishing air tourist bridges after the Germans are allowed to travel.

These circles also claim that this should be agreed or negotiated at the government level, and Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli said earlier this week that Croatia had begun negotiations with Germany on tourism.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 2, 2020 - Will the main tourist season be saved in Croatia? A look at the country's biggest market - Germany. 

Goran Rihelj of HRTurizam writes that at present, the main hope of the tourism sector is that at least part of the peak tourist season will be salvaged in Croatia, especially for private renters, in order to generate at least some tourist traffic and earn some profit.

But the current state of the coronavirus development tells us that it is not realistic to expect any tourist activity this year, let alone in the main tourist season. 

Germany has traditionally been Croatia’s primary market, and so it was last year. The total turnover in 2019 (overnights) is dominated by the German market (19.5%), followed by the domestic market (12.73%), and Slovenia (10%) and Austria (7%).

If we look at the current situation around the coronavirus, where we have more questions and assumptions than answers, we can very optimistically expect that we will still get some tourist traffic in the main tourist season.

All 16 regions in Germany have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and as of March 31, 2020, in Germany, there are 62,000 coronavirus cases and 583 deaths, according to the Robert Koch RKI Institute. The regions most affected are Hamburg, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.

Scientists from the universities of Mainz and Hamburg and an interdisciplinary research group have developed an "optimistic scenario" about the early development of the coronavirus pandemic in Germany.

According to Maniz economics professor Klaus Wälde, who co-authored the study, Germany is currently just at the beginning of the pandemic, which is expected to peak in June, while full recovery is expected in Germany or August or September.

According to the study, the coronavirus pandemic in Germany is not expected to end before August or September, reports Swr.de

The data are "rough and optimistic forecasts", the scientists explained in the study's conclusion, as key issues related to the coronavirus pandemic have not yet been addressed and, there are too many assumptions. In Austria, there are currently 10,366 coronavirus cases and 146 deaths, and in Slovenia 802 cases and 15 deaths.

A survey by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce conducted among family accommodation providers found that over 90 percent of them feel the effects of the coronavirus on business in the form of reduced reservations, and 60 percent estimate their current financial damage at up to HRK 50,000.

More than 2200 family accommodation providers, mostly from Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Split-Dalmatia and Istria counties, participated in the survey. As many as 94 percent of them offer accommodation only, only 3 percent are bed and breakfast, and only 2 percent are rural tourism.

Also, the survey reveals that Germany is a key market for three-quarters of renters surveyed.

Although Croatia is an auto destination (78% of guests arrive by car, 15% by air, 4% by bus / Tomas Summer 2017) in the current situation, where we are all in self-isolation, where borders are closed, and air traffic is grounded, it is difficult to expect a quick opening of borders and any tourist activity. Ultimately, no one knows exactly how long this situation will last, and only then does the loosening of measures and the gradual opening of borders begin.

If we look at the "optimistic" estimates of the study from Germany, Rihelj says; unfortunately, we can hardly expect that there will be any tourist activity in the main tourist season. Although, of course, everyone in tourism is hoping that there will still be tourism activities, realistic estimates and logic tell us that tourism will only recover in the spring of 2021. There are also many factors, as well as too many unknowns about the coronavirus, so it is extremely difficult to plan and predict anything.

Rihelj concludes by saying when the whole situation calms, we still do not know whether the coronavirus will return at the beginning of winter this year, i.e., whether it will remain or just disappear as SARS, and whether scientists will find a cure. Looking at the current bigger picture, unfortunately, tourism can expect an awakening only from next year, and of course not in the same numbers as it has so far.

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