March the 4th, 2022 - Zagreb February tourism is continuing the positive trend seen so far this year which makes a very pleasant change when compared to what we've been seeing over the last two years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, according to the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ), the Croatian capital recorded 137 percent more arrivals and 105 percent more overnight stays in February than it did back in pandemic-dominated February 2021, during which many countries were still in lockdown and severe restrictions on travel were in force.

Luckily for Zagreb February tourism for 2022, an impressive total of 45,082 arrivals and 104,104 overnight stays were registered, and, in addition to Croatian guests, most overnight stays were made by guests from: Russia, Italy, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. In February, there were 31,337 overnight stays realised by Croatian tourists, which is an increase of 35 percent when compared to February last year, and foreign guests realised 72,767 overnight stays, an increase of 164 percent. Out of the total number of arrivals, 16,231 (representing growth of 43 percent) and foreign tourists 28,851 (representing growth of 277 percent).

On that occasion, Martina Bienenfeld, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, said: "We're pleased that February has continued the upward trend and that we are, in total, during the first two months of 2022 at 90 percent of the amount of overnight stays realised during the same period back in 2019. In real terms, in January and February, we recorded 87,915 arrivals and 211,307 overnight stays, which is an increase of 155 percent in arrivals and 119 percent in overnight stays when compared to the first two months of 2021.

We're also seeing a gradual recovery in business, the so-called MICE segment. Namely, based on the data collected during 2021, the Zagreb Tourist Board recorded a total of 664 business meetings, which is an increase of 28 percent more meetings than in 2020. In addition, we're pleased with two recent independent studies where our city has achieved great results compared to other European and global cities. One is the Ovo Network survey, according to which Zagreb ranks fourth as a destination for families with children (https://bit.ly/3Mdj3TH), and the other is the Holidu.co.uk survey (https://bit.ly/3pubpLc ) according to which Zagreb is in tenth place as the safest city to travel to for women.''

While Zagreb February tourism numbers are of course worth celebrating, we can't forget to mention the horrendous situation taking place in Ukraine as a result of the unjustified Russian invasion of that country around a week ago. The Zagreb Tourist Board has compiled all the information on the reception of Ukrainian refugees in the area of ​​the City of Zagreb on its website. The information is available in Ukrainian, English and Croatian, and it summarises instructions on accepting and assisting Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes.

For more, check out our travel section.

March the 4th, 2022 - The Croatian Maritime Affairs Ministry (Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure) has presented its INTESA project, an innovative system which will work to improve maritime transport efficiency and overall safety in the Adriatic Sea.

As Morski writes, organised by the Croatian Maritime Affairs Ministry, an online meeting was held on March the 2nd, 2022, at which the activities of the aforementioned ministry within the INTESA project - Improving Maritime Transport Efficiency and Safety in the Adriatic were presented to stakeholders, who were primarily from the wider Split area.

Among other things, the pilot activities of upgrading the Croatian unified interface for maritime formalities was emphasised, which enabled two-way exchange of information with port IT systems, with special focus on the national port information system - nPCS.

A description of future actions was also presented within the scope of this praiseworthy project, with a view to facilitating the exchange and distribution of MSI maritime security information, while the activities of other Croatian and Italian project partners were briefly presented.

The INTESA project, with a total value of 2,896,480.00 euros, of which 85 percent is being co-financed by the European Union (EU), will establish a network between the national maritime administrations of the Republic of Croatia and neighbouring Italy and the most important port authorities in the Adriatic Sea as a whole. The aim of the project is to harmonise and optimise the procedures of the entire maritime transport process, for the purpose of a much more efficient and safer port and maritime transport system.

The project itself began on January the 1st, 2019, and will end on June the 30th, 2022, and in that period, the Croatian Maritime Affairs Ministry has had 265,020.00 euros at its disposal, of which 39,753.00 euros are from the Croatian state budget.

In addition to the employees of the Croatian Maritime Affairs Ministry, the meeting was attended by representatives of the State Hydrometeorological Institute, the Croatian Hydrographic Institute, the Maritime Faculty in Split, the Plovput company and the Port Authorities of both Split and Ploce in central and southern Dalmatia.

For more, make sure to check out our lifestyle section.

March the 4th, 2022 - The much loved Croatian Mljet National Park (NP Mljet) has opened its proverbial doors to visitors once again today! The gorgeous park, situated in what is otherwise the southernmost and easternmost of the Adriatic islands of Dalmatia, attracts countless visitors from all over the world, and with the coronavirus pandemic hopefully dying down, fingers are crossed for an excellent season.

As Morski writes, the Croatian Mljet National Park has announced that this beautiful protected island oasis has opened its doors once again for guests today (March the 4th, 2022).

The national park itself is a favourite place to visit for those spending time in both southern and central Dalmatian mainland destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Makarska and the smaller areas dotted between them. The park covers the western part of the island, Soline bay, Malo jezero (Small lake), Veliko jezero (Great lake) and a 500 metre-wide sea belt from the cape of Mljet which spans 54 square kilometres in total.

Enjoying the natural and cultural values of the Mljet National Park is possible at a price of just 70 kuna for adults, 35 kuna for children from 8 to 18 years of age and 50 kuna for students. Admission for children under the age of 7 is still free, and a purchased ticket also includes a boat ride on the Great lake (Veliko jezero) and free guided tours.

Now that it is once again open to visitors from all over the world, you can visit the stunning Mljet National Park from Friday to Sunday from 08:00 to 15:00, and you can buy tickets at the Information point at the Great lake. Visitors are also provided with free parking at the entrance to Vrbovica.

A visit to the island and the Mljet National Park is possible by ferry line from the port of Prapratno on Peljesac to the port of Sobra on Mljet, and the ferry timetable can be accessed by clicking here.

For more on Croatian national parks, click here.

March the 4th, 2022 - The Croatian National Bank (CNB/HNB) has sold a massive 171 million euros to various banks in a recent exchange rate intervention, the first which has taken place since back in June last year.

As Jadranka Dozan/Poslovni Dnevnik writes, on the 2nd of March, the Croatian National Bank intervened in regard to the exchange rate by selling off foreign exchange to banks in order to preserve the stability of the exchange rate, while 171 million euros were sold to banks at an average exchange rate of 7.562505, the central bank announced.

As a result of this foreign exchange intervention, which has obviously been primarily driven by increased demand for foreign exchange, about 1.3 billion kuna is being withdrawn from the system.

After the opening of that day's trading, the market exchange rate of the euro/kuna stood at 7.58, which is slightly higher than it had been. In the daily reviews of leading banks on the Croatian foreign exchange market, it could be read that on Tuesday this week, there was a slightly higher demand for euros by corporate clients for foreign currency payments, but in the past few days, a slightly higher demand was attributed primarily to the retail sector.

As briefly touched on, the Croatian National Bank last intervened in the foreign exchange market back in mid-June of last year, but then it was by buying foreign exchange from banks as a result of increasing appreciation pressures, while the last time it intervened by specifically selling off euros was in the first half of April 2021.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.

March 4, 2022 - The European Water Polo Championships in Split will be held from August 27 to September 10, 2022, at Spaladium Arena. 

A special program awaits water polo this year, with the World and European Championships held just a few months apart. Namely, the first to be held is the pandemic-postponed World Aquatics Championships, and after the initial news that the Fukuoka tournament would be postponed yet again this summer, FINA announced in early February that the tournament would go on, but in Budapest instead from June 18 and July 3.

The world's best water polo players will thus compete in Hungary this summer - and just two months later, Split will host the European Water Polo Championship from August 27 to September 10. 

The 16 best national teams in Europe will compete at Split's Spaladium Arena this summer. The draw will take place on April 23. 

European Water Polo Championship, Split, August 27 to September 10:
Croatia
Greece
Hungary
Serbia
Spain
Italy
Germany
Montenegro
Georgia
Germany
Israel
Romania
Malta
Slovakia
Netherlands

The European umbrella organization for water sports (LEN) has decided that the Russia water polo team will not play in Split. LEN has banned all Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in their competitions, both club and continental.

"The European Water Sports Federation (LEN) met yesterday and decided not to invite Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to LEN events in response to the invasion of Russian forces in Ukraine, until further notice," LEN said in a statement, adding that no LEN competitions would be organized in Russia or Belarus until further notice.

LEN also expressed support for Ukrainian athletes and the Ukrainian people.

"LEN strongly condemns the actions of the Russian government supported by Belarus in its invasion of Ukraine. This act of war has ruined the lives of Ukrainian citizens and is completely contrary to the sporting spirit," LEN added.

In addition, LEN announced that it supports a concrete humanitarian initiative of the Croatian Art Swimming and Diving Associations to accommodate Ukrainian athletes and family members as refugees.

This project, supported by FINA, will allow athletes to continue to train and represent Ukraine in international competitions. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, and the hosts will be Zagreb, Zadar, Rijeka, and others, according to the LEN website.

Source: Gol.hr

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

March 4, 2022 - The Croatia women's handball team lost to France (19:21) in the 3rd round match of Group 4 in the EHF EURO 2022 qualifiers on Thursday. 

It was an exciting match in which Croatia did not give up even when they were far behind. However, in the end, Croatia missed two seven-meter throws.

Numerous injuries in the Croatia national team significantly changed the starting lineup compared to the World Champs. Coach Nenad Šoštarić, therefore, started with Ivana Kapitanović in goal, Andrea Šimara and Ana Turk on the wings, Ana Debelić as the pivot, and Valentina Blažević, Dora Krsnik, and Dejana Milosavljević in the outside positions. 

Unusual nervousness plagued both teams at the start. France missed four attacks (with two saves by Croatia's goalkeeper), and Croatia three. The first goal was scored at the beginning of the fifth minute by Andrea Šimara. On the other hand, France reached their first goal in the sixth minute. After that, they scored two more and held their advantage. Croatia played great defense, especially Ana Debelić and Kristina Prkačin, who held the middle.

Olivier Krumbholz was not overly pleased with his team's game and constantly rotated players for the ideal lineup to handle Croatia's defense. However, Croatia struggled in the attack but did not give up. In the 20th minute, it was 7:7.

France then scored two goals in a row for 7:9 in the 23rd minute. After that, Croatia could equalize from two seven-meter throws but missed both. Just 90 seconds before halftime, France went up by three goals for the first time - 8:11. With another goal in the last seconds before halftime, the result was 8:12. 

France opened the second half better. In five minutes, they scored three goals, and Croatia only one, making it +6 - 9:15. Croatia, however, showed character again. With three goals in a row in the 40th minute, they managed to halve the advantage of the Olympic winners and reach 13:16. Five minutes later, they were even closer, at minus two - 16:18. 

At 17:19, Croatia had two attacks to equalize, but France instead scored for 17:20 with seven minutes to go. 

Nevertheless, Croatia rose again. Josipa Mamić's goal just 90 seconds before the end put Croatia behind by only one goal - 19:20. However, France quickly responded on the other side for the final 19:21.

Valentina Blažević scored four goals and Dejana Milosavljević three. 

The return match will be played on Sunday at 17:30 in Toulouse.

Source: HRS

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

March 3rd, 2022 - The documentary performance Bakice (Grannies) is based on testimonies of poor elderly women from Rijeka who survive by collecting discarded plastic bottles

Written and performed by Kolektiv Igralke from Rijeka, the documentary performance Bakice (Grannies) has been winning the hearts of audiences all over Croatia ever since it premiered as part of the programme Rijeka 2020 - European Capital of Culture. The play is now beginning to conquer the international theatre scene, reports Novi list.

Following the international festival of contemporary performing arts Mladi Levi in Ljubljana, the Zoom Festival in Rijeka and the Ulysses Theatre, the play is now heading to the prestigious Theatertreffen Festival in Berlin.

Out of 357 applications from 61 countries, the expert jury selected only five projects to be included in the programme of the Theatertreffen-Stückemarkt Festival in Berlin. Among them is the play Bakice, a project of the artist collective Igralke from Rijeka.

Authors and actors Sendi Bakotić, Ana Marija Brđanović, Anja Sabol and Vanda Velagić will perform their play in Berlin in May 2022, accompanied by the Bakice director and co-author Tjaša Črnigoj from Slovenia.

The Theatertreffen Festival is one of the most renowned European theatre festivals, which historically featured great names such as Pine Bausch, Samuel Beckett, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Heiner Müller, Thomas Ostermeier and many others.

Theatertreffen-Stückemarkt is a platform that presents new progressive authors and projects from all over the world. Kolektiv Igralke and Tjaša Črnigoj were invited to stay in Berlin for two weeks and participate in various workshops and networking programmes with foreign artists and producers. They’re also in the running to win a production of a new project at the Schauspiel Leipzig theatre in the 2023/2024 season.

The play Bakice which got the authors invited to the Berlin festival redefines the classical boundaries of theatre and art. It was written based on testimonies of poor elderly women from Rijeka who survive by collecting discarded plastic bottles.

Touching and unexpectedly entertaining, the play speaks about work, dignity, youth and old age, survival and life of women over the age of 65. In a time where it’s become ‘normal’ to dig through garbage bins, Bakice are questioning where we are and where we’re headed as individuals and as a society.

The play’s impact goes beyond theatre walls, as donations for programme booklets go directly to the four women who shared their personal stories which are featured in the play: Albina, Ludmila, Marta and Suzana.

March 3rd, 2022 - Sandi Chiavalon, one of Croatia’s leading olive oil producers, was looking to invest around seven million kuna into a new olive grove in Istria.

Renowned olive grower Sandi Chiavalon was planning to lease 30 hectares of land in the Vodnjan area, close to another large olive grove owned by Oio Vivo, where he would plant nearly 10,000 olive trees and hire four new workers to manage the operation.

As reported by Glas Istre/Bojan Žižović, his plans fell through. In a strange turn of events, the Ministry of Agriculture didn’t approve the decision of the City of Vodnjan to lease state-owned land to Chiavalon, whose oil is produced in Vodnjan and exported to 23 countries worldwide.

This is a major agricultural project which, according to Chiavalon, would be beneficial for the wider community, including the national and city budgets. The state, however, says that Chiavalon and other local farmers cannot lease more than ten hectares of state land at once, as stipulated by the City of Vodnjan.

The decision of the state comes off as petty, as consent could have clearly been given in this case. As Chiavalon explained, the City’s land management plan indeed states that up to ten hectares of land can be leased to one party, but exceptions are allowed as long as it’s a single plot - as is the case here. The land in question is a single plot of about 70 hectares, divided by the City into six agricultural units of which Chiavalon was looking to lease three.

In the tender, whose content was approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, it was stated that whoever applies for one plot can lease up to 40 hectares of land on the said plot. Now that the tender is closed, the Ministry changed the tune and said that a maximum of ten hectares can be leased on the plot in question. As things stand, Chiavalon’s choices are to either lease only ten hectares or abandon the project entirely.

‘They called us from the City to have us choose which of those three plots of ten hectares we would lease. That doesn’t come close to what I wanted to do here - introduce an automated system, a completely new technology for grove maintenance… The question is whether we will take those ten hectares at all, we have to make an economic analysis of whether it’d be profitable to do it all on a land of that size. There are various systems in olive growing nowadays; intensive groves are robotically managed and processed. But for something like that we’d need a single large plot of land. We currently own 68 plots at 12 different locations. In those conditions, you can engage in organic olive growing only conventionally. When you have a single block of land, so to speak, such as Oio Vivo, only then can you introduce modern automated systems’, said Chiavalon.

Asked whether there was a chance of him leasing more than ten hectares in this area in the future, Chiavalon said he might if a new tender was announced. ‘As we had to drop out, some other people would probably apply to get the land. However, the question is who can make it operational because it’s a considerable investment’, said Chiavalon.

The olive grower from Vodnjan would have doubled the count of his olive trees if he got the lease he was going after. He currently owns 30 hectares of land, but as mentioned above, split between 12 different locations, which results in production costs 20 to 30 percent higher than if he were to cultivate a single parcel of that size.

He says there’s always the option to increase their output by purchasing produce from other farmers, but they want to grow as much of their own produce as possible.

Asked who was to blame for what happened, Chiavalon said the problem might lie in the lack of communication between the Ministry and the City of Vodnjan. ‘But the City did not come up with the tender out of thin air, it had to do so with the consent of the Ministry, whose clerk then said it wasn’t implemented well. If it had come to another clerk, it would have probably passed.’

He also pointed out that the laws concerning agricultural land keep changing and aren’t implemented efficiently. ‘This tender was announced a year and a half ago and was not completed in that time. In the meantime, the plot could have been cleared and a new grove planted. In 20 years, there were only three tenders for the lease of state-owned agricultural land, which is a disaster’, he said, adding that at least one tender should be announced every year given how much uncultivated land there is in the area. ‘There are more than 3,000 hectares of uncultivated land in Vodnjan. There’s plenty of land for everyone who wants to work in agriculture. You just need to have the resolve’, said Chiavalon.