In the summer of 2022, Croatia’s first fully open high season since 2019, tourism returned in force in many and manifold forms. There was a full complement of music festivals. Airlines increased their schedules significantly, from budget to Boeing 767-300 planes zooming in direct from New York to Dubrovnik. And, in that tell-tale tick of approval, celebs came back.

All within the space of a single fortnight, David Beckham brought his family to a luxury retreat on the island of Lopud near Dubrovnik, tennis star Venus Williams was spotted dining on the waterfront of Zadar, and Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Chris Rock were joined by Sacha Baron Cohen and rapper Sean Combs on a luxury yacht in the Adriatic.

Days after his victory at Wimbledon, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic was also happy to pose with fans and restaurant staff for selfies as he relaxed around the Old Town of Dubrovnik.

Apart from the distant presence of the odd snapper’s lens from shore, celebrities can come to Croatia knowing they will be spending time in a safe, enjoyable environment for themselves and their family. Without having to be surrounded by huge security detail, they can savour the same things that any visitor to Croatia does, the clear, clean sea, the gorgeous scenery, the top-quality local cuisine, the fine wine. And, if they feel like letting loose, they have a whole yacht to party on with their friends – or, better yet, bring the party to a VIP-friendly…