Croatia tourism slump drives Slovak travelers to Montenegro and Albania

Rising prices in Croatia have hurt its traditionally affordable Adriatic appeal for Slovak tourists. In May 2025, restaurant and hotel costs rose 9% year‑on‑year, outpacing inflation, prompting visitors to consider the Balkans' cheaper alternatives. Direct seasonal flights now link Bratislava with Podgorica, Montenegro, and from 2026 with Tirana, Albania, offering short 1½‑hour flights to the coast.

In Split, private apartment owners report unprecedented reservation cancellations. June data show arrivals down 6.24% and overnight stays down 4.10% compared with a year earlier. To survive the season, landlords are slashing prices, while flexible cancellation policies let tourists switch at the last minute. The price pressure is also pushing Czech and Slovak holiday‑makers toward Italy, Greece and Spain, while high‑spending visitors from the United States and the United Kingdom continue to use upscale hotels.

The combined effect is a shift in regional tourism, with Montenegro and Albania emerging as cost‑competitive destinations for Central European travelers displaced by Croatia’s price surge.