It’s about time. In recent years, international tourism has been steadily growing in the Balkans as visitors discover the rich culture and beauty of the Adriatic coastline. Croatia, in particular, has seen a hotel boom to match the explosive tourism growth. Many visitors first discover the country’s charms on a cruise stop, then return to explore Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian coast, and Istria to the north. (Read our first-hand report of travel to “the pearl of the Adriatic” and the Dalmatian coast.) Now The Financial Times is reporting that tourism is surging in Slovenia and Croatia as security concerns deter visitors from North Africa. As a result, the hotel scene is red-hot.
As we reported a few years ago, the InterContinental Ljubljana will be the first five-star hotel for the Slovenian capital when it opens in August. What to expect in this €42m development? 165 guest rooms, expansive conference and event facilities, a spa, swimming pool, and sky-high restaurant with panoramic views. This is the first time that the city will have a recognizable international luxury hotel brand, decidedly changing how Ljubljana will be perceived as a tourism destination. The Financial Times reports that “guest-nights in Slovenia hit a record 10.8m last year, an 8 per cent rise on 2015.” This translates to “five per cent of economic output.”
Likewise, Croatia is seeing a record number of tourists (16.3 million in 2016). There are many hospitality projects in the works. Some of the most recent buzzworthy openings include Brown Beach House in Trogir and Royal Blue Hotel outside Dubrovnik, while there are constant rumors of major luxury hospitality brands (hello Aman and Four Seasons!) scouting real estate in the region.
Additionally, these Croatian luxury boutique hotels are all sure to be safe from popular tourists areas, without sacrificing any amenities, services, or things to do outside of the hotel.