(ANSA) - ZAGREB - In Croatia the summer season has seen record numbers both in arrivals and overnight stays, along with a massive flow of Italian tourists who, after five years, are finally returning to the Eastern Adriatic coast.

According to Croatia's Ministry of Tourism, in the first eight months of this year, about 11.5 million tourists spent their holidays in the country, which recorded an increase by 8% compared to last year. About 66 million overnight stays were recorded, with an increase by 6%. 90% of tourists were foreigners, confirming Croatia as one of the most popular summer tourist destinations in Europe. But the country is getting more and more popular also among Korean, Chinese, Russian and American tourists.

The Germans are once again ranked first (1.7 million), followed by Slovenia and Austria, and after years, the Italians come fourth, totaling 913,000 arrivals. Compared to last year, the growth in the number of Italians was the strongest, 7.2%.(ANSA).