Speaking at the Tourism 365 conference in Opatija, he noted that stronger price competitiveness could have delivered even better results in 2025.
This year’s figures show arrivals up by 2% and overnight stays up by 1%, with growth spread across the pre- and post-season.
The government is also investing €350 million in continental tourism to drive year-round travel.
Meanwhile, EU officials highlighted the upcoming European strategy for sustainable tourism, due in spring 2026, which will address short-term rentals, new technologies, and labour mobility.