Published on
September 21, 2025
Croatia is making significant strides toward expanding its connectivity with China as talks progress with Air China and Hainan Airlines for potential direct flight routes. The move comes in response to the growing demand for travel between the two nations, particularly as Chinese tourism to Croatia continues to rise. By establishing nonstop flights, Croatia aims to make it easier for Chinese travelers to visit its stunning destinations, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb, while further enhancing its position as a prime European tourist destination. With both airlines involved in discussions, Croatia hopes to solidify these connections, increasing air travel options and fostering deeper economic and cultural ties with China.
Croatia is working towards establishing direct flight connections to China, responding to the steady growth in Chinese tourism. This move comes as the Croatian government and tourism authorities aim to further develop the country’s tourism sector, which has become a major contributor to the national economy. Discussions are currently underway with several major Chinese airlines to introduce nonstop flights between China and Croatia, signaling the country’s intent to tap into one of the world’s most significant tourism markets.
The Croatian National Tourist Board has taken significant steps toward securing these direct connections, including meeting with representatives from prominent Chinese airlines in Beijing. Among the airlines being discussed are Air China and Hainan Airlines, both of which play an integral role in China’s international travel network. Air China, as one of the largest and most established carriers in China, is particularly interested in expanding its European network, while Hainan Airlines has a history of operating routes to popular European destinations. By establishing direct flight services, Croatia aims to not only increase the number of Chinese tourists but also bolster its growing relationship with China, which has already become a critical partner in the tourism sector.
Shanghai stands out as the most significant unserved route to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. With its vibrant economy and status as a global financial hub, Shanghai represents a critical link to the Chinese market. The city is the busiest unserved destination from Zagreb, with many business and leisure travelers interested in visiting Croatia. Beijing follows closely behind Shanghai in terms of potential traffic, and both cities hold immense tourism potential for Croatia. Currently, there are no direct flights connecting China’s major cities to Zagreb, making it a less accessible destination for potential tourists.
The importance of direct flight routes cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in facilitating easier travel for foreign visitors. In 2017, Beijing Capital Airlines, a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines, had proposed a direct flight route between China and Croatia. However, the plan was ultimately shelved despite initial preparations. Beijing Capital Airlines had filed for a permit to operate two weekly flights using a large Airbus A330-200 aircraft. These flights were expected to increase the number of Chinese tourists visiting Croatia and provide a significant economic boost to the country’s tourism sector. Unfortunately, the service was never implemented, and Croatia continued to rely on indirect connections.
Despite the setback in 2017, the surge in Chinese tourists to Croatia in recent years has reignited interest in direct flight services. In 2024, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Croatia reached an impressive 250,475, representing a significant increase of 41.3% compared to the previous year. This uptick in visitors marks an additional 73,042 Chinese tourists, further underlining the potential for Croatia to become a more attractive destination for Chinese travelers. This growth has also seen Chinese tourists surpass those from South Korea, who have long been a staple of Croatia’s summer tourism season.
Zagreb has long enjoyed seasonal summer flights with South Korean carriers, particularly with T’Way Air, which operates flights during peak travel periods. However, the rise in Chinese visitors has prompted Croatian tourism officials to shift their focus toward securing direct connections from China. The trend of Chinese tourism in Europe has been shifting, and Croatia stands to benefit significantly from this realignment.
Despite this impressive growth, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Croatia is still not at pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Croatia welcomed 492,381 Chinese tourists. This figure represented the height of Chinese tourism to Croatia, and while 2024 shows an encouraging recovery, the country is still working to reach these pre-pandemic numbers. The numbers of Chinese tourists are expected to grow further in the coming years, as more direct flight routes are added and travel becomes more accessible.
In 2024, the largest share of Chinese visitors traveled to Dubrovnik, the picturesque coastal city known for its Old Town and stunning architecture. Dubrovnik has long been one of the most popular destinations for international visitors, with its medieval charm and scenic views attracting millions of tourists annually. Following Dubrovnik, cities like Split, Zadar, and Zagreb received notable numbers of Chinese visitors, though Dubrovnik remains the main draw. The appeal of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, rich in history and natural beauty, makes it a prime destination for Chinese tourists seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
However, between January and August of 2025, the number of Chinese tourists to Croatia saw a slight decline of 1.8% compared to the same period in 2024. This small drop in arrivals may be attributed to global economic conditions, travel restrictions in certain regions, or other unforeseen factors that affect international tourism patterns. Despite this slight dip, Croatia has seen a positive trend in the number of overnight stays, with a 1.6% increase during the same period. This suggests that while the number of visitors may have declined slightly, those who are visiting Croatia are staying longer and spending more, indicating that the quality of the experience remains high.
The Croatian government and tourism officials are hopeful that the resumption of direct flights from China will lead to even more significant growth in the tourism sector. By strengthening its connectivity with one of the world’s most lucrative tourism markets, Croatia is positioning itself as a key destination for Chinese travelers. With the right infrastructure in place, Croatia can continue to tap into the growing demand for European travel from China, ultimately increasing tourism revenue and expanding its global tourism profile.
Croatia is working to establish direct air connectivity to China through ongoing talks with Air China and Hainan Airlines, aiming to meet the growing demand for Chinese tourism and enhance access to key Croatian destinations.
As the country continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the future of Croatian tourism looks bright, with potential growth from key source markets like China playing a significant role in this recovery. Direct flights from major Chinese cities will not only make Croatia more accessible but also ensure that its tourism sector remains competitive in the global travel market.
