The figure of 50 million overnight stays was surpassed in September, which Croatia has never registered even on an annual level, and it is expected that this year the number of arrivals will exceed 10 million.
According to figures from this year's first eight months, arrivals went up five per cent from the corresponding period in 2004, while overnight stays went up seven per cent.
Kalmeta could not present exact data on this season's financial results, but said a record increase in foreign currency deposits in Croatian banks indicated the results were good.
The minister said the main characteristics of the past season was the fight against the grey economy in private accommodation and notably in the nautical charter.
He announced that amendments to the law on state inspection would introduce a more effective control of foreigners who rent houses or flats bought in Croatia for the summer, charge accommodation in their home countries and report guests as relatives.
Kalmeta also announced new investments in tourism and the adoption of a law on tourist land plots.
Also today, the government adopted a joint declaration of the fifth regional ministerial conference on illegal migrations, organised crime, corruption and terrorism which representatives of 14 countries will sign in Slovenia on October 27-28.
The government also formalised conclusions on the gas-supply system in Croatia.