In 2024, small Croatian shipowners achieved a 22 percent increase in gross revenue and an increase in paid taxes and contributions by as much as 25 percent compared to the previous year, further confirming their role as a driver of tourism results in the pre-season and post-season and an important factor in the sustainable development of coastal communities.
“The results achieved in 2024 clearly show that small shipowners are one of the key pillars of Croatian tourism and the nautical industry. Based on indicators during this year’s season, we can already announce that the numbers in 2025 will also increase compared to 2024,” said the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners (HUPB).
Growth in gross income and paid taxes and contributions
According to official data, in 2024, small shipowners generated gross income of 369.4 million euros, an increase of 22 percent compared to 2023. Profit before tax amounted to 50.8 million euros, an increase of 30 percent, while 67.7 million euros in taxes and contributions were paid to the budget, 25 percent more than the year before. The sector employs almost 2,900 people, the fleet consists of 482 vessels, and the fact that 95 percent of guests come from abroad further confirms the competitiveness of the Croatian offer on the world market.
The special importance of small shipowners is reflected in the fact that their season lasts six months, which greatly contributes to the achievement of tourism results in the pre-season and post-season. This is precisely the fulfillment of one of the main goals of the Strategy for the Development of Sustainable Tourism until 2030 – the extension of the season. Shipowners achieve stable growth without state subsidies, finance modernization and employment themselves, reinvest profits and introduce innovations in vessel design, digital tools and ecological solutions in accordance with international standards.
“Croatian small shipowners are an indispensable support for the development of tourism and nautical offer, generators of growth in local communities and a partner of the state in the development of Croatian tourism. We are proud of the continuous growth and modernization of the sector, but we still face challenges that must be resolved in order to maintain this positive trend,” point out the HUPB.
Lack of adequate winter and summer berths
The biggest challenge remains the lack of adequate winter and summer berths. More than a hundred vessels are still waiting for the necessary infrastructure. Therefore, it is necessary to accelerate investments in port capacities, simplify administrative procedures and ensure uniform rules in ports along the coast. This would allow Croatian small shipowners to compete even more strongly on a global scale and continue to contribute significantly to the national economy.
Given the achieved results and the announced continued growth, the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners calls for this professionally organized sector to continue to be recognized as a reliable partner in state policy and infrastructure development, in order to ensure further growth and the full potential of one of the most important drivers of tourism results.
