BackgroundThe main objective of the study was to determine the degree of sensitization to Anisakis spp. antigens in healthy coastal population of Dalmatia given the high thermally unprocessed fish intake rate present in this area, suggested as a significant risk factor for anisakiasis. We performed a monocenter, cross-sectional pilot study stratified by geographic area of residence, conducted at the County secondary healthcare provider Medicine-biochemical Laboratory in Split (Croatia), from November 2010 till December 2011, on 500 unpaid volunteer subjects undergoing routine blood analysis and belonging to the south coast of the Adriatic Sea.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe studied the IgE seroprevalence to Anisakis spp. Ani s l and Ani s 7 allergens by indirect ELISA in healthy subjects, which were selected at random in the region of Dalmatia (Southern Croatia), among islands, coastal urban and inland rural populations. In order to detect possible cross-reactivity to other human helminthes, serum samples were tested also for the presence of IgG antibodies to Ascaris lumbricoides and Toxocara canis. The overall and coastal Anisakis seroprevalences for the sampled population were 2% and 2.5%, respectively. The logistic univariate regression analysis confirmed that regarding anti-Anisakis IgE seroprevalence, raw fish intake, daily fish intake, homemade origin of fish dish and occupational contact (professional, artisanal or hobby contact with fishery or fish industry) were risk factors associated to Anisakis spp. sensitization, but neither of the variables was exclusive for a particular seropositive population. Also, a significant difference was observed between seropositive and seronegative subjects that had stated allergy or symptoms associated with allergy (atopic dermatitis, asthma or rhinitis) in their previous history.Conclusions/SignificanceBeing the first in Croatia, our study underlines the necessity of incorporating Anisakis spp. allergens in routine hypersensitivity testing of coastal population.

Croatia is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations when it comes to beach vacations, attracting nearly ** million visitors in 2024. Most of them traveled from Germany, with approximately ***** million visitors arriving from the country. Slovenia and Austria were two other key tourist markets for Croatia, although figures were significantly lower. Tourism’s contribution to GDP The contribution of Croatia’s tourism sector to the country’s economic success is undeniable. In 2024, the sector’s share in Croatia’s gross domestic product was measured at over 22 percent, which was still below pre-pandemic levels. However, this figure is forecast to increase over the following years and reach over ** percent by 2028. Most popular tourist towns Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, recorded the highest number of overnight visitors in 2023, at over *** million arrivals, marking a significant increase compared to the preceding year. Dubrovnik, also known for its role as a main filming spot for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, came second in the ranking with ****million visitors.

The international tourism expenditure in Croatia was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 291.9 million U.S. dollars (+27.25 percent). According to this forecast, in 2029, the expenditure will have increased for the ninth consecutive year to 1.4 billion U.S. dollars. Covered are expenditures of international outbound visitors to other countries from the selected region, including payments to foreign carriers for international transport. Domestic tourism expenditures are not included. The forecast has been adjusted for the expected impact of COVID-19.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. All input data are sourced from international institutions, national statistical offices, and trade associations. All data has been are processed to generate comparable datasets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the international tourism expenditure in countries like Cyprus and Turkey.

The international tourism receipts per capita in Croatia were forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total 347.1 U.S. dollars (+19.32 percent). According to this forecast, in 2029, the receipts per capita will have increased for the ninth consecutive year to 2,144 U.S. dollars. Receipts denote expenditures by inbound tourists from other countries. Domestic tourism expenditures are not included. The forecast has been adjusted for the expected impact of COVID-19. The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in more than 150 countries and regions worldwide. All input data are sourced from international institutions, national statistical offices, and trade associations. All data has been are processed to generate comparable datasets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the international tourism receipts per capita in countries like Serbia and Albania.

Overnight tourist arrivals in Dubrovnik, Croatia, increased at a fast pace throughout the 2010s, surpassing *** million in 2019. The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), however, brought a halt to this trend, reducing tourism in the city to just *********visitors in 2020 before figures began to increase again, standing at *** million visitors in 2023. These figures do not include the large number of excursionists and cruise passengers who typically enter the city during the peak season. Coping with Dubrovnik’s popularity For many years, the city of Dubrovnik has been a leading destination in the Mediterranean. As in many of Europe’s most prominent tourist cities, however, increasing visitor numbers led to problems with overtourism, to the point that UNESCO warned that Dubrovnik’s world heritage status was at risk. To cope with the limited capacity and resources, the city launched plans in 2017 to make tourism more sustainable, including limiting the number of cruise ships calling at the port and the number of visitors entering the city. Tourism across Croatia As in Dubrovnik, there was a growing number of international tourist arrivals throughout Croatia before the pandemic hit. The country has various coastal cities on the Adriatic Sea that are also popular tourist destinations. The Dalmatia region, where Dubrovnik is based, covers much of the coastline of Croatia and includes the city of Split. The Istrian peninsula in the north, where the city of Pula is based, is also popular. According to Croatia’s national tourist board, the capital Zagreb was the most visited city in Croatia.