Croatia tourism sector faces shifting business models and platform fees

The Croatian tourism sector is undergoing significant structural changes driven by evolving market trends and new regulatory obligations for accommodation providers. Rental owners face increasing pressure from booking platforms; for instance, Booking.com's costs have risen due to commissions and VAT requirements, while Airbnb is expected to transition to a uniform 15.5% fee borne by hosts in 2026.

In response to these shifts, there is a growing emphasis on developing direct sales channels and independent websites to maintain profitability. Meanwhile, in Dubrovnik, Mayor Mato Franković reported a successful season, highlighting the success of the Dubrovnik Pass. The cultural card has seen a 20% increase in September compared to last year, with over 432,000 units sold, representing a significant portion of visitor transactions.