AGP Executive Report

Heat & Travel Pressure: Croatia’s summer momentum is building fast, but the wider European travel mess is spilling over—UK heatwave conditions and Dover congestion have already triggered hours-long queues and forced France to suspend extra EU border checks, a reminder that peak-season bottlenecks can hit even before you reach the Adriatic. Croatia Tourism Ops: Croatian airports are bracing for another record summer, with Split and Dubrovnik facing the toughest seasonal swings. Visitor Experience: Beach “towel reservation” disputes are starting early along Dalmatia and Istria, as limited cove space meets rising July-August demand. Policy Watch: Croatia’s tourism ministry says new short-term rental registration-number rules won’t apply until 2027. Sustainability & Community: Dubrovnik’s Red Cross volunteers cleaned Solitudo’s Mandrač Beach as part of the national “Croatia Volunteers” campaign, while Dubrovnik again landed on a top sustainable tourism list. Regional Growth: Hvar has completed a €77m water and wastewater upgrade—good news for both residents and tourism. International Links: Uzbekistan’s foreign-policy adviser met Croatian leaders, including tourism officials, to discuss expanding cooperation and investment.

Dover Travel Chaos Eases: After near five-hour ferry delays in 30C heat, the Port of Dover says traffic is now “free flowing” after French authorities suspended extra EU border checks under the Entry/Exit System (EES), with missed sailings offered a free next-slot option. Croatia Short-Term Rental Rules Clarified: Croatia’s tourism ministry says new registration-number requirements for holiday rentals won’t start until 2027, with owners required to display numbers on booking platforms once the Hospitality Activity Act is adopted. Dubrovnik Sustainability Boost: Dubrovnik is back on Wanderlust’s Travel Green List for a second year, highlighting efforts to protect the UNESCO core while keeping tourism responsible. Hvar Water Upgrade Finished: A €77m project on Hvar—new water networks, wastewater plants, and submarine outfalls—has been completed, supporting both residents and the island’s tourism economy. World Cup Prep in the Spotlight: England add Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri to their Florida camp as Thomas Tuchel finalises a 26-man squad ahead of warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica.

Coastline Construction Debate: Croatia’s Adriatic is seeing another surge of new apartments, villas and tourism projects from Istria to southern Dalmatia, and locals are asking the big question: is there too much building for the long-term? Dining Shift: Croatian restaurants are also trimming the “massive tourist menu” as costs rise, staff stays scarce, and operators push for faster service and less waste. Tourism Demand & Access: Jet2 reports record May half-term departures, with Croatia among the popular picks—while the wider travel mood is “book with a backup plan” as fares stay high and entry systems tighten in some places. Heritage Spotlight: Krk Bridge is back in the spotlight as a once-giant engineering landmark that helped turn ferry-dependent access into a tourism gateway. Weather Pressure: UK heat and holiday crowds are expected to drive heavy traffic and border queues—another reminder that summer travel can get messy fast.

World Cup Buzz: England’s 26-man squad is out, with Thomas Tuchel going “team-first” and making headlines by leaving out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold while recalling Ivan Toney; the announcement video even sparked a spelling blunder. Croatia Travel Signal: Croatia’s US pull keeps climbing—American overnight stays booked via Croatian agencies rose about 31.7% in 2025, and the US is also surging in cruise/circular travel. On-the-ground Croatia Moments: Zadar is getting fresh spotlight for its sunset scene and the Adriatic Sea Organ, while Brijuni’s famous parrot Koki turns 70 with special tours planned. Summer Logistics Watch: Croatia-bound visitors may feel the wider travel squeeze too—hot bank-holiday traffic and border-check delays are already snarling routes in Europe, and Schengen border controls remain a live issue.

World Cup Shockwaves: England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to name his 26-man squad, and the big headline is Harry Maguire being left out—he says he’s “shocked and gutted,” while reports also point to Phil Foden and Cole Palmer missing out too. Croatia Culture & Heritage: Dubrovnik-area archaeologists have uncovered a rare ancient Greek terracotta mask in a cave on the Pelješac Peninsula, linked to theatre and Dionysus worship. Hotel Industry Moves: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) adds four brands—Almanac, Regal, STORY and TemptingPlaces—expanding into new markets including Zagreb. Dubrovnik Summer Line-Up: The Midsummer Scene Festival returns to Fort Lovrijenac (June 24–July 5) with “One for All,” a comedic Three Musketeers-style production. Tourism Practicalities: A new Croatia travel guide highlights the Dalmatian coast’s growing US connectivity with direct flights.

Ukraine Support Pressure: NATO leaders Rutte and Sweden’s Kristersson say many allies aren’t spending enough to back Ukraine, urging more countries to “put the money where the mouth is.” Croatia Economy Watch: The European Commission has cut Croatia’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.7% and flags higher energy prices and Middle East-linked uncertainty. Parliament & Public Health: Croatia’s Parliament is set to debate tighter rules on alcohol sales, including local limits on shop hours and stricter age checks. Tourism Connections: Jadrolinija’s new fast ferry “Kvarner bridge” will run from 24 June to 30 August, linking Crikvenica Riviera with Kraljevica, Senj, Krk (Baška/Lopar) and Rab. Dubrovnik Culture & Care: A €22m senior centre in Dubrovnik nears completion, while the Midsummer Scene Festival returns to Lovrijenac with a new Musketeers-themed show. Heritage Underwater: Archaeologists continue work on a submerged Neolithic settlement near Korčula, aiming to uncover possible residential structures.

WWII Safety Operation: Police divers removed an ~80kg WWII aerial bomb from the sea near Korčula’s Luka bay, then transported it to open waters for safe destruction, with access to the bay temporarily restricted. Active Travel Spotlight: Britain’s The Telegraph is spotlighting Dubrovnik’s new Camino trail, calling it a calmer, less crowded pilgrimage alternative to Spain’s Camino de Santiago and highlighting local stays, food and the route’s solitude. World Cup Travel Reality Check: The US confirmed ICE and HSI will have a visible presence during the 2026 World Cup as ticket demand and bookings lag in places—while separate reports keep warning fans about scams and unofficial “trip” arrangements. Croatia Tourism Infrastructure: Osijek’s €13.5m Copacabana pool redevelopment is set to open mid-June, and Dubrovnik’s Centre for the Elderly is nearing completion ahead of an October opening. EU Rules for Rentals: New EU short-term rental rules start today across Croatia, pushing digital host registration and data sharing to boost transparency.

World Cup Travel Scams: Ghana’s sports minister Kofi Adams is warning fans not to pay anyone claiming they can arrange 2026 World Cup trips, saying no ministry-backed “slots” exist. War Crimes Probe: Croatia-linked legal attention is also growing after Austria opened investigations into “human safari/sniper tour” allegations tied to the 1990s Siege of Sarajevo. EU Rules for Stays: New EU short-term rental rules kick in today across Croatia, forcing platform registration and data sharing to boost transparency. Summer Infrastructure Push: Osijek’s €13.5m Copacabana pool redevelopment is set to open mid-June, while Dubrovnik’s new Centre for the Elderly nears completion with a planned October opening. Tourism Demand Signals: Unforgettable Croatia says late bookings surged for 2026 after travellers shifted away from the Middle East. Marina Innovation: Monaco’s Smart Marina competition spotlights Croatia’s Adriatic region through a new architecture challenge focused on modern, public-facing waterfronts.

Croatia’s Safety Spotlight: The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed Croatia’s Level 1 travel advisory—the lowest risk level—giving Americans a rare “normal precautions” green light as summer demand climbs. American Access Boost: Interest is also rising thanks to easier routes like United’s seasonal Dubrovnik links from Newark, helping Croatia stand out as a calmer, orderly alternative to more crowded parts of Europe. Tourism Pressure & Policy: Croatia’s summer debate keeps heating up: Parliament has approved tougher Foreigners Act rules, including a basic Croatian language/Latin alphabet requirement for permit extensions, while also allowing foreign workers to switch jobs after six months—aimed at easing labour shortages in tourism and hospitality. City Upgrade: Zagreb’s historic funicular has reopened after its first major restoration in over 50 years, modernised for safety and accessibility while keeping its landmark look. Inland Momentum: Mt Kalnik is being pushed as a new inland hiking and heritage draw, with local gastronomy and preserved nature at the centre.

Foreign Worker Overhaul: Croatia’s Parliament has passed major amendments to the Foreigners Act, tightening access with a one-year Croatian language and Latin alphabet requirement while also making it easier for legal foreign workers to switch jobs after six months and extending allowed unemployment periods. Zagreb Tourism Boost: Zagreb’s funicular has reopened after its first major restoration in over 50 years, with modernised safety and accessibility while keeping its historic look. Dubrovnik Keeps Momentum: Dubrovnik’s early-season numbers look steady, and restoration work at Fort Lovrjenac is underway to upgrade utilities and improve the visitor area. Inland Spotlight: Mt Kalnik is being pushed as a new inland hiking and heritage destination, adding local gastronomy to its natural appeal. Season Pressure: The week also highlights the ongoing debate over tourism taxes and the strain from summer traffic and overcrowding.

Domestic Weekend Travel Boost: Croatia’s tourism is getting a new rhythm as more people swap one big summer holiday for quick inland-to-coast mini-breaks, helped by faster motorway access and changing lifestyles—spreading demand beyond peak weeks. Cost of Living Meets Culture: Rising coffee prices are sparking unusually personal backlash, with locals treating the café ritual as part of everyday identity. Summer Taxes Debate: Ahead of the season, coastal municipalities are rethinking tourist taxes and seasonal levies as they juggle higher visitor pressure with rising costs for waste, water, and services. Road Reality Check: Summer traffic chaos is no longer just an inconvenience—it’s becoming a headline part of the driving experience, with bottlenecks around the A1 and ferry ports. Schengen Update: EU reporting and Frontex data point to fewer irregular crossings, but border risks remain persistent. Dubrovnik & Mljet Momentum: Dubrovnik arrivals and overnights are holding steady, while Mljet’s new daily Dubrovnik boat line is giving the park a strong early start. Transport Watch: Croatia Airlines’ Split runway incident is under investigation, while Fort Lovrjenac restoration is underway.

World Cup Buzz: Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalić has named a preliminary squad for the 2026 tournament, with stars like Modrić and Gvardiol alongside a deep group of midfield and forward options, as preparations ramp up in Rijeka and warm-ups follow. Dubrovnik Infrastructure: Just days after the government flagged the Dubrovnik motorway as a national priority, Croatia’s state motorway operator cancelled two key international tenders after bids came in well above the planned budget. Year-Round Travel: Ryanair is keeping Dubrovnik connected in winter, adding year-round flights to Dublin and Krakow to help the city move beyond a strictly summer-only rhythm. Tourism Workforce: New reporting says Croatia’s seasonal workers now have more leverage, with staff increasingly choosing jobs based on pay and—more importantly—living conditions. Design & Stays: Villa Dubrovnik has been named among the world’s most beautiful hotels for 2026 in the Prix Versailles awards. Culture on Screen: Zagreb’s “City of Film 2026” officially opened with free screenings starting at the main railway station.

Dubrovnik Road Shock: Just days after the government named the Dubrovnik motorway a national priority, Croatia’s state motorway operator cancelled two key tenders (Rudine–Slano and Slano–Mravinjac) because bids came in far above the planned budget. Winter Flight Boost: Ryanair will keep Dubrovnik’s Dublin and Krakow routes running all year, adding much-needed off-season demand. Air Travel Disruption: Croatia Airlines’ A220 aborted takeoff at Split, veered off the runway, and was damaged—everyone evacuated safely; investigations are ongoing. Cost Pressure for Guests: April inflation in Croatia rose to 5.8%, with transport and housing costs climbing fast, while restaurant and accommodation prices also increased. Island Strain: Record arrivals are again raising alarms about water, sewage, waste and electricity capacity on islands. Transport Reality Check: Jadrolinija is under summer pressure, with more sailings cancelled as peak season nears.

Dubrovnik Road Shock: Croatia’s motorway-to-Dubrovnik push hit a snag as two major tenders were cancelled after bids came in far above the planned budget—right after the government called the full link a national priority. Winter Flight Boost: Ryanair is keeping Dubrovnik connected year-round, adding all-winter service to Dublin and Krakow (twice weekly), replacing weaker winter links. Air Safety Disruption: Croatia Airlines’ A220 aborted takeoff at Split, veered off the runway and damaged lights/markers—everyone evacuated safely, but the airport saw delays. Island Pressure: With summer arrivals climbing, Jadrolinija is under strain and residents warn infrastructure—especially water and transport—can’t keep up. On-the-Ground Alerts: A WWII bomb will be removed from the seabed near Korčula on May 18, with temporary safety zones. Tourism Costs: April inflation rose to 5.8%, keeping household pressure high ahead of the peak season. Local Life: Vir’s population has surged past 4,000 as families relocate for year-round support.

Road Tragedy: A bus crash near Slavonski Brod on the Zagreb–Serbia highway killed 10 and injured at least 45 early Sunday; the bus had Kosovo plates and was on a Germany–Pristina route, with authorities still investigating the cause. Eurovision Buzz: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest reaches its Grand Final in Vienna today, with free global streaming options widely available—plus protests and boycotts still casting a shadow. Sports Spotlight: Miami won the debut FIBA 3x3 World Tour Zadar 2026, beating Amsterdam 21–19 in a packed Adriatic finale. Tourism Pressure: Croatia’s summer strain keeps building: island infrastructure is under water-and-services stress, and the sector still can’t find enough workers even after importing thousands. Transport Updates: Croatia Airlines plans to cancel about 900 flights next quarter, while Jadrolinija cuts 15 sailings on the Split–Ancona peak route.

Airline Cuts: Croatia Airlines says it will cancel about 900 flights in the next quarter (around 5% of planned operations) as jet-fuel costs keep biting, while Jadrolinija also trims peak-season capacity with 15 fewer sailings on the Split–Ancona line. Island Pressure: With record arrivals continuing, Croatian islands are again warning about strained water, sewage, waste and power systems as summer populations can multiply fast. Workforce Crunch: Even after importing thousands of seasonal workers, the tourism sector still says it needs roughly 5,000 more staff for this summer. Rail Access: The Adriatic Express returns for summer 2026 with direct overnight service from the Czech Republic to Rijeka—and for the first time, onward direct connections to Koper. Travel Market Signals: Ryanair’s latest move to axe 12 routes and 700,000 seats across Europe underlines how quickly airline capacity can shift when airport fees and fuel costs change. Local Policy: Parliament adopted amendments to Croatia’s Foreigners Act to better manage foreign labour while tightening oversight.