Visitor numbers to Croatia have soared in the past eight months, prompting speculation that the European destination could hit the same peak that it did in the nineties.

According to offical figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office (CNTO), so far this year 241,443 British visitors have arrived in Croatia – a a boost of 23 per cent compared to the same period last year.

As such, the country is on target to reach 300,000 UK visitors and could even return to the record-breaking figure of 500,000, previously reached in 1990.

Part of Croatia’s popular appeal has been sparked by it’s status as a top budget destination, and the ability for holidaymakers to combine a cultural holiday with a beach holiday in cities like Dubrovnik.

Meri Matesic, UK & Ireland Director of the CNTO, said: “I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow in 2013, especially with the introduction of more flights, new routes and holiday packages from providers like Jet2, giving UK travellers greater flexibility and choice when booking a holiday to Croatia.”

This week sees the launch of the second wave of the CNTO’s 2012 marketing campaign which will run across UK newspapers.