Home » CROATIA TRAVEL NEWS » How Croatia’s New Flights, Hotels, and Festivals Are Set to Make It a Must-Visit Destination for British Travelers

Monday, February 17, 2025

Croatia has been making a concerted effort to attract more international visitors, particularly from the UK, to boost its tourism sector. Despite being ranked 10th on Google’s list of most searched travel destinations in 2024, Croatia faces challenges with getting tourists to return for multiple visits. A report from the European Travel Commission revealed that, out of 73% of Europeans planning to travel before March 2025, only a small percentage (4.1%) considered Croatia their top destination. The country’s tourism strategy for 2025 is focused on enhancing its appeal and ensuring sustained interest from travelers.

New Developments in Croatian Travel for 2025

To make Croatia a more prominent destination, a range of new initiatives have been introduced. Among the significant changes, a boost in flights, new hotel openings, and a schedule of exciting events are expected to shape the country’s tourism in 2025.

One of the most notable developments is the addition of new flights from the UK. Jet2 has responded to demand by adding flights to Croatia from several major UK airports. The new routes will connect Birmingham, London Stansted, and Manchester with Pula and the Istrian Coast from May through October 18, 2025. The flight schedules include:

• Birmingham: Twice weekly (Monday and Friday) flights between 6th and 17th October 2025.
• Manchester: Twice weekly (Monday and Thursday) flights between 6th and 16th October 2025.
• London Stansted: Weekly Saturday flights on 11th and 18th October 2025.
• Liverpool to Split: A new easyJet route launching on June 9, 2025.

These additional flights are expected to generate a positive response, further cementing Croatia’s status as a summer destination for UK travelers.

A New Ferry Route to Enhance Connectivity

An exciting addition to Croatia’s transportation infrastructure will be the revival of a ferry service that had been dormant for several decades. This service will connect the Italian port city of Trieste with Poreč, Rovinj, and Mali Lošinj, making it easier for visitors from Italy and beyond to reach Croatia. The new ferry routes, set to start in June 2025, are expected to boost tourism in Istria and the neighboring Kvarner region, making the area more accessible to a wider range of travelers.

New Hotels and Accommodations to Attract Visitors

In 2025, Croatia will see the opening of several new hotels, each offering unique experiences for visitors. These new accommodations will cater to both luxury travelers and those seeking more budget-friendly options.

• The Heritage & Resort Hotel Monumenti in Pula, located with seaside views from all four sides, will open in spring 2025. With an investment of €35 million, this hotel will be part of the final phase of the Sv. Katarina-Monumenti project.
• The Marriott Isolano Hotel, opening in March 2025 on Cres Island, will mark the Marriott group’s first venture into Croatia.
• For luxury seekers, the Hilton Hotel Preko will open on Ugljan Island in May 2025. Additionally, the five-star Hyatt Regency Zadar, which opened last year, offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.

These new properties will significantly enhance Croatia’s accommodation offerings, appealing to both luxury and mid-range travelers.

A Vibrant Calendar of Events to Draw Visitors

To further enhance the country’s appeal, Croatia has curated an exciting lineup of festivals, culinary events, and outdoor experiences throughout the year. These events are designed to appeal to a broad range of interests, from food lovers to adventure seekers. Key events include:

• Festival of Lights in Zagreb (March 19 – March 23)
• Asparagus Festival in Lovran (April 1-30)
• Weekend Food Festival in Rovinj (April 11 – April 13)
• Highlander Medvednica (June 6 – June 8)
• Prosciutto Fair in Istria (October 17 – October 19)

These events will not only provide entertainment and cultural experiences but also help boost Croatia’s tourism numbers by attracting international visitors throughout the year.

Projected Growth and Future Prospects

With these exciting changes, Croatia is poised for a strong performance in the tourism sector. The country is expected to outperform its 9% growth in UK arrivals from the previous year, thanks to its improved flight options, new hotels, and growing event calendar.

Notably, Dubrovnik, a historic city along Croatia’s coast, has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Hottest Travel Destinations for 2025 by Yahoo Finance. According to data from Kayak, Dubrovnik saw a 6% year-over-year increase in interest, solidifying its position as a bucket-list destination for many travelers.

Impact on the Global Travel Industry

Croatia’s aggressive push to ramp up its tourism sector in 2025 will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the global travel industry. The combination of new flight routes, affordable transportation options like ferries, a range of accommodation options, and diverse cultural experiences will make Croatia an even more attractive destination for international travelers. This may encourage other countries to similarly invest in their tourism infrastructure to remain competitive in the post-pandemic travel landscape.

A Bright Future for Croatia’s Tourism

With its revamped offerings, Croatia is clearly positioning itself as an enticing and affordable destination for travelers in 2025. The country’s dedication to attracting more visitors through better flight options, new hotels, and a vibrant calendar of events promises to elevate its status as a must-visit location for tourists from around the world. This strategic move will undoubtedly impact the global travel landscape and inspire other nations to enhance their tourism sectors as well. Croatia’s tourism future looks promising, and its potential for growth remains strong.