Croatia tourism faces higher prices and changing visitor spending

Tourists in Split report steep increases in everyday costs, such as parking fees of €4‑5 per hour and restaurant meals around €15, leading to an afternoon spend of roughly €75. A recent analysis notes that Croatia’s overall price level (index 78.4) remains below many EU peers but is no longer viewed as a low‑cost destination. Foreign visitor spending rose 9.2 % in the first quarter of 2026, generating €945.2 million and contributing to a total tourism revenue of €15.298 billion for the year, up 2 % year‑on‑year. The higher prices have prompted some travelers to cancel reservations, forcing accommodation providers to lower rates and adopt stricter booking policies. Cancellation activity, sometimes only days before arrival, has been linked to flexible refund options and competition from events such as the World Cup, which diverted guests to other destinations. Perceptions of price vary, with some visitors calling Croatian costs comparable to Germany, while others note the impact of the euro’s introduction on price growth.