Croatia Connected With US As United Airlines Expands Its Network With A New Direct Flight From Newark To Split, Poised To Revolutionize Travel And Attract More Tourists

Published on December 3, 2025

Croatia Connected With US As United Airlines Expands Its Network With A New Direct Flight From Newark To Split, Poised To Revolutionize Travel And Attract More Tourists. The launch of this new direct route marks a significant step in enhancing accessibility between the United States and Croatia, offering American travelers a convenient and efficient way to explore the stunning Adriatic coast. With this direct connection, United Airlines is set to boost tourism to southern Croatia, particularly Split, by providing a seamless travel experience that will attract more visitors to this historically rich and picturesque region. This expansion is expected to fuel growth in American tourism, reshaping the dynamics of Croatian travel for the coming years.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County is experiencing a surge in American tourists, strengthening the United States’ position as one of the most significant tourism markets for this Adriatic region. Data for 2025 reveals an impressive double-digit growth in US visitors compared to the previous year. From the start of the year until November 1, the county recorded 267,259 arrivals from the US, reflecting a notable 13.7% increase from 235,113 during the same period in 2024.

This rise in tourist arrivals is mirrored by an increase in overnight stays. American visitors contributed 723,951 overnight stays, a 13% jump compared to 2024, indicating a sustained interest in longer stays and reinforcing the region’s appeal to American travellers.

While this growth is significant, Americans did not top the list of foreign visitors to the county. The United Kingdom maintained its lead, with UK tourists accounting for 289,815 arrivals. Although this represents a slight dip from the previous year, British visitors still spent an impressive 1.4 million nights in the county, a trend that reflects their preference for longer holidays on the Croatian coast.

As Dubrovnik Airport continues negotiations with a major US airline for additional direct flights in the coming season, speculation about the potential for even more American visitors is heating up. An additional direct route could very well propel the US to the number one spot in terms of visitor numbers by 2026, solidifying Dubrovnik-Neretva County’s status as a leading destination for American travellers.

But the growing presence of US tourists on Croatia’s coast may face competition from another emerging development. Split Airport is set to become the second airport in Croatia to welcome direct flights from the US, with United Airlines introducing a new Newark–Split route in 2026. This could lead to a redistribution of American tourists between Croatia’s major coastal airports, as Dubrovnik and Split vie for dominance in the US market.

Tourism analysts predict that this new connection may increase the overall number of US visitors to Croatia, but the distribution of travellers between airports will be a key factor. The introduction of direct flights to Split could provide an alternative gateway to southern Croatia, potentially attracting visitors who might otherwise have flown into Dubrovnik. Nonetheless, Dubrovnik remains a magnet for American tourists, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-renowned UNESCO heritage sites.

Despite the potential changes in flight routes and airport competition, one thing remains clear: American interest in Dubrovnik and the broader Dubrovnik-Neretva County shows no signs of waning. The growing number of US tourists reinforces the county’s standing as a major international destination, and with plans for more direct flights and new connections, 2026 could mark a turning point for the region’s tourism rankings.

As the county continues to attract increasing numbers of American visitors, it’s expected that the region will adapt to meet the demand. From expanding services at Dubrovnik Airport to enhancing infrastructure for tourists, local authorities are likely to invest further in boosting the region’s tourism capacity. With strong growth in US arrivals and the promise of further airline connections, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is positioning itself to remain a top choice for American travellers for years to come.

Croatia Connected With US As United Airlines Expands Its Network With A New Direct Flight From Newark To Split, Poised To Revolutionize Travel And Attract More Tourists. This new direct route enhances convenience for American travelers, making it easier than ever to visit Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast and boosting tourism to Split and beyond.

While the UK remains a key source market for tourism in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, American visitors are increasingly becoming a dominant force in the region’s tourism landscape. With the potential for more direct flights and continued growth in US tourist numbers, 2026 could very well witness a reshuffling of the top tourism markets for the county, with the US poised to take the lead. The region’s continued appeal to American travellers suggests a promising future for tourism in southern Croatia.