The Croatian tourism sector presented its latest offerings to the Slovak market at ITF Slovakiatour in Bratislava, held from January 29 to 31, 2026, alongside the Danubius Gastro fair.
The event brought together Slovak media, tour operators, and tourism sector partners at the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) stand to discuss upcoming travel trends, traveler preferences, and opportunities for Croatia to attract visitors seeking active and experience-focused holidays.
Slovak travelers predominantly reach Croatia by road, giving it a competitive advantage over more distant Mediterranean destinations. At the fair, discussions included practical considerations such as route planning, avoiding peak-season crowds, opportunities for pre-season travel, and itineraries that combine multiple regions.
The concurrent gastronomy fair highlighted Croatia as a destination offering a combination of cultural, culinary, and outdoor experiences. Visitors were particularly interested in campsites, cycling routes, and destinations away from the most popular coastal areas, reflecting a shift toward more flexible, experience-driven travel.
Miodrag Mlačić, director of the HTZ Representative Office for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, told Karlobag.eu that “Croatia was the first choice for Slovaks in 2025 and another record year in a row was achieved from that market.”
According to HTZ, Slovakia remains among Croatia’s top ten source markets, and positive trends are expected to continue in 2026.
The Croatian exhibition also included meetings with representatives from Slovak travel agencies and the government, including a brief working session with Rudolf Huliak, Slovak Minister of Tourism and Sport, emphasizing tourism’s economic significance and the value of bilateral cooperation.
Interest in campsites reflects broader changes in the market. Modern Croatian campsites increasingly offer mobile homes, family facilities, and active holiday concepts that combine nature and comfort, with locations near national parks, coastal areas, rivers, and lakes.
Cycling is also a key focus for Slovak visitors, with demand for marked routes, bike-friendly accommodations, and integrated experiences linking cycling, local gastronomy, and cultural activities. Visitors are also exploring less-known destinations to avoid overcrowding and engage with local events, nature, and attractions.
The growing interest in experiential and active holidays aligns with wider European travel trends and presents an opportunity for Croatia to promote tourism beyond the peak season and traditional coastal hotspots.
For business owners in outdoor hospitality, glamping, caravan, and RV sectors, these trends suggest potential for expanding high-service campsites, creating thematic routes, and offering off-the-beaten-path experiences. Engagement with tour operators and media remains key, influencing both booking behavior and traveler expectations.
The fair underscores the need for sustainable management and infrastructure investment, ensuring that growth in visitor numbers supports the quality of experiences while distributing tourism across regions.
For Croatian destinations, the focus for 2026 will likely include high-category campsites, activity-focused packages, and offerings in interior and island locations outside main flows, aligning with the preferences of Slovak and other Central European travelers seeking flexibility, authenticity, and active travel experiences.