November the 25th, 2021 - The largest Croatian tourist company, Valamar, has its eye on the purchase of another hotel in a very popular Austrian ski resort.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Marija Crnjak writes, the Supervisory Board of Valamar Riviera, the largest Croatian tourist company, has approved the recapitalisation of the Austrian subsidiary Valamar A GmbH with the aim of acquiring the Marietta 4 * hotel in Obertauern, which will thus become the second hotel in Austria managed by Valamar.

Over the next two years, further investments are planned in Austria, which include investments in raising the quality of the Marietta Hotel and the Valamar Obertauern Hotel, the company reports.

“Hotel Marietta 4 * with 120 keys is today one of the largest and best hotels in the famous Obertauern ski resort. It provides its guests with a fantastic location on the ski slope near all of the facilities in the destination. With the completion of this transaction, Valamar will operate two hotels in Austria, which will employ more than 130 Valamar employees from the Republic of Croatia during the winter.

For Valamar, this acquisition represents an important step forward in the further internationalisation of our business portfolio with the aim of expanding it and managing hotel and tourist facilities in the best winter holiday destinations across Austria and Italy. The recapitalisation of the Austrian subsidiary of Valamar A GmbH by Gustav Wurmboeck, one of Austria's largest shareholders in Valamar Riviera, aims to accelerate the further expansion of the Valamar Group's portfolio, with the acquisition of the Marietta Hotel being another significant step in that same direction,'' they stated from the very well known company.

Zeljko Kukurin, President of the Management Board of Valamar Riviera, pointed out that the further expansion of the largest Croatian tourist company's portfolio in the direction of winter holiday tourism is an important step forward in the internationalisation of business and the use of Valamar's management synergies.

"Experience so far has shown us that guests who come to us in the summer want to spend their holidays in Valamar's facilities during the winter. In addition, by expanding to winter tourism, we're providing our employees with year-round permanent employment, increased income and the opportunity to gain international experience and develop their careers in the long term here with Valamar,'' concluded Kukurin.

For more, check out our dedicated business section.

November 25, 2021 - The Alka Knights Society will attend a gala lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Esplanade in Zagreb!

Hajduk is not the only association from Dalmatia that received an invitation to a gala lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron. Representatives of the Alka Knights Society received an invitation on Wednesday to join the French president at the Esplanade table in Zagreb! 

"We are extremely honored by the invitation, and we will gladly respond. As urgent obligations personally prevented me, I decided that Dr. Ivan Nasić, secretary of the Alka Knights Society, would go to the festive lunch. In the ceremonial uniform, President Macron would be greeted by Alkar Andrija Hrgović and Alkar boy Ivan Vučković. We hope to welcome President Macron's birthday in France as well," the president of the Alka Knights Society, Dr. Stipe Jukić, said for Slobodna Dalmacija. 

Jukić's hope of meeting with President Macron in France is about the expected presentation of the Sinj Alka in Versailles. The Alka's first visit to France was agreed in detail before the Croatian presidency of the EU, as part of Croatia's cultural and historical presentation to Europe. In addition to the ceremonial parade of the entire Alka procession in the area of the historic French castle, the Alkars were to demonstrate the course of their knightly game.

Unfortunately, this did not happen due to epidemiological measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, as the French hosts liked the idea, the invitation remained open as soon as the conditions were created. In Sinj, they reckon that if the pandemic subsides, the Alkars could parade through Versailles in the spring of next year, and then, they believe, they would undoubtedly be able to greet the main host, President Macron.

"The Alka Knights Society was founded in 1715, and today it acts as an association of citizens.

The main activity of the Society is to organize the Alka Tournament of Sinj. A great number of volunteers care about the work of the Society (Assembly, Governing Board, Supervisory Board, Court of Honour). The members of the Society are exclusively of local origin. The Alka Knights Society is the owner of two trading companies – Alka marketing d.o.o. and Alkarska ergela d.o.o.

In 1979 the Alka Knights Society collection of uniforms, equipment and weapons was declared a monument of the highest category. In 2007 the Alka of Sinj was entered in the Register of Croatian Cultural Monuments, and on 16th of November, 2010 it was included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity," reads the Alka website.

For more on Inland Dalmatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 25, 2021 - The Split Cornaro Advent will take place for the first time, with eight holiday houses serving up festive fare, warm drinks, and live entertainment! 

Celebrating the holidays in Split is always festive, with entertainment and culinary treats to warm our bellies during the *slightly* colder months. This year, too, a vibrant Split Advent program has been announced. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the Christmas market and enjoy the diverse offer of souvenirs, jewelry, decorations, and hopefully find unique gifts for their loved ones.

"Pamper your senses with gastronomic treats, offered by charming houses with the sounds of merry Christmas hits, and take the opportunity to gather your family at the rich children's program. Come to Split and experience the most fun Advent, with the remark not to forget your sunglasses," reads the new Split Advent website. 

The opening is scheduled for November 27 at 6 pm, and holiday houses will be displayed at several locations. Most interesting this year is that holiday houses will decorate the Cornaro ramparts for the first time! A total of 8 will be on offer for visitors to eat, drink, and imbibe. 

“Everyone will be allowed to enter during the day because only seating will be used, and there is not as much traffic during the day. Most of the traffic takes place in the evening when the location will be controlled with Covid certificates. From 7 pm on, Advent will not be possible without Covid certificates, and people will be checked. Those without Covid certificates will be asked to leave the area.

Work will be done every day from 9 am to midnight, and testing will be organized. Visitors will be able to be tested at an affordable price of 50 kuna, and everyone is invited to respect epidemiological measures," announced the organizers of Split Advent. 

The entertainment program at Cornaro begins on Monday, November 29, when visitors will be greeted with DJ Sully and DJ Flex. 

On Tuesday, November 30, DJ Brothers will take the stage, and on Wednesday, DJ Mathew Bee will throw a Snowman party. 

Next Thursday, December 2, Peco and Sivia Dvornik will delight with duets, and there will even be an after-work party!

On Friday, December 3, the legendary Dalmatino group lifts the holiday atmosphere, DJ Peco follows next Saturday, and XXS Band (Countdown show) closes out the opening week on Sunday.

You can find all the information about the 2021 Split Cornaro Advent program on the newly launched website. 

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

November 25, 2021 – From the epic medieval harbour of Vrboska and the buzz of Hvar town to the historic streets of Stari Grad and 250 kilometres of brilliant beaches, this new footage of summertime on Hvar is making us yearn for next season.

© Goran Šafarek

Hvar Town is overflowing with life in summer. By day, families wander by the waterside or between restaurants in the old town. By night, bars and discos are vibrant and full. In Stari Grad, a constant stream of excited new visitors arriving by boat. Such scenes tell of the popularity of summertime on Hvar. Arguably, this is Croatia's most well-known island for holidaymakers.

© Goran Šafarek

But, away from the throngs of people in Hvar Town and Stari Grad, there's a distinctly different side to this island. Famously, Stari Grad Plain (Starogradsko polje) on the interior looks much the same now as it did over 2000 years ago. That's how long grapes and olives have been cultivated here. Pretty rows of vines and fields of olive trees or lavender colour the landscape all over Hvar. Passing by these agricultural endeavours gives a better reminder of just how much room there is for everyone on Hvar.

As shown above, the long, ancient harbour at Vrboska © Goran Šafarek

With 250 kilometres of its own coastline, Hvar is not short of beaches. People love swimming in the island's crystal clear waters. Sailors love them too. In the ancient harbour of Vrboska, there's an altogether different feeling to arrivals by boat. Here, elegant yachts gracefully cruise into the long, thin harbour. They find temporary homes near small, traditional fishing boats. Inside, summertime sailors may have chosen this beautiful part of the island because of its famous restaurants. After the gastronomic joy of lunch, maybe they'll wander the historic promenade or visit one of the famous winemakers near here.

In the background, sailors into Vrboska © Goran Šafarek

All these different aspects of summertime on Hvar and more have been captured in an all-new video made by Goran Šafarek. Goran, who is an independent biologist, publicist, photographer and filmmaker, was on the Adriatic working in summer 2021. His assignments included film work commissioned by Croatian National Parks. But, he took advantage of being on the coast and made time between assignments for a family sailing holiday. He visited Korčula island and Hvar island, using the opportunity to make new videos of each.

© Goran Šafarek

Total Croatia News has already published Goran's new video of Korčula, which you can watch here. This new one of Hvar has us pining for summer and making plans for next.

For more info about Hvar island, look here. And for the latest news from Hvar, bookmark Total Croatia News pages here

November 24, 2021 - Is Split winter tourism that hard to achieve? Croatia's second-largest city and the star of summer loses its buzz as soon as the seasons change. But it doesn't have to be that way. Our new TCN series looks at the Split businesses working hard in winter to give locals, and visitors, the environment they deserve. Continuing this week with Split winter tourism at Brasserie on 7, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, and Charlie's Bar. 

If there is one power couple that has engraved their name in the Split hospitality industry, it is Maria Mustapić and Korana Bučić, two Aussie-Croats who moved to Split back in 2004, opening one of the first proper hostels in the city, a backpacker's bar, and two of the city's finest culinary establishments. 

TCN has long been fans of Mare and Ko and their consistent effort to create an inclusive environment in the center for foodies, wine-os, and travelers looking to let loose on holiday - even in the winter. 

We caught up with Maria to find out what motivates them to keep Split alive in the offseason, what needs to change, and what we can expect from them this year. 

Croatia and Split had booming year-round tourism in the 1980s until the outbreak of the Homeland War, but now the Dalmatian coast sleeps through the winter. Why do you think that is?

As people have mentioned before, the summer season has become so intense and popular that there has been a shift. People see Croatia as predominantly the Dalmatian coast, which is the land of the sea. The most that we have to offer is the crystal-blue Adriatic, sun, and beautiful islands. 

When Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, you had the other regions included as well. Thus people saw Croatia differently. The Greek islands, the Italian coast, or French Riviera, were the main places for holiday goers in summer, whereas Croatia has always been pleasant and pristine, but it wasn't on the map. Almost like it was kept a secret. 

Because people work so much in the summer,  they like to take the winter off. Many more places used to be open year-round, which is a huge factor. But again, it is a catch-22 - if no people are coming, then why would you stay open? It is hard to balance. 

The market depicts that we work in the summer and rest in the winter. During Yugoslavia, there was more industry and manufacturing, and the main income wasn't tourism. More people were living in the city, which made the city fuller. It’s hard to feel the city when it's empty, and there are no inhabitants in the palace anymore. The same goes for Dubrovnik. But it is a shame that it has become so bare and empty here in winter. 

If flights were not the problem, does Split have a winter tourism offer, and if yes, what is it?

I think we have to work on that. I think Split can be accepted as a city-break destination where travelers get away for 3 days. They don’t expect much, except for some life around town. They arrive, rent an apartment, but once they step out of their place every night, they want to see it happening. I think to start, that is all that can be expected. If you’re here for only 3 days, I suppose you won’t book in a cooking class or something similar; you won’t look much into extracurricular activities.

I think Split ultimately could start with congress tourism over winter. Congress tourists have a plan while they are here and in their off time, they can explore the city, dine at some restaurants, see a few sights, be amongst nature, and walk the beach promenade. But it is still relatively simple. Depending on where they are coming from, the weather could be refreshing for them, too.

I believe the town needs to be happening, and people will feel that especially if we have nice weather and establishments stay open - including a few more shops. 

Are you aware of any initiatives to improve the winter tourism situation? 

The biggest initiative I can see is the digital nomads movement. Split is becoming more and more enticing for digital nomads. Since there is a market for them, initiatives are taken to entertain them, which are becoming successful and a lot of fun. We are also beginning to create a really lovely culture around digital nomads. 

Digital nomads get to see the city when it is not in the peak season or with tourism. They can see how locals live, like shopping at the pazar or fish market every day. 

Advent, of course, is also a great initiative that has to stay afloat. 

Give us a few quick wins that could make Split a bit more attractive in the winter months?

We need to get the locals to come into town. For example, let's offer free parking down at the port to motivate people to go into town. We need to create a plan for the locals in winter and include the community, whether it's kids dancing on the Riva stage or something similar, the parents will come and perhaps the extended family. We will then create an atmosphere in town. I would love to see what the money is used for in summer because it isn’t noticed; Split is busy anyway in summer. 

However, we can use that money when it is not busy to create something. Another example is that certain events can be pushed to November. To start with, if we could build on November and December with flights and see if there is a difference made, we can include January and February. But if we can get enough to take us through the end of the year, that is huge. 

Then we can get the flights starting from March, and then in 5 or so years, we can incorporate January and February if the other months are a success. The initiative needs to be from the council and the tourist board, then the private sector can follow. But we can't do it on our own. 

Let's see the plan and agenda created for the summer and see how much of it can be crossed out or pushed to the winter. 

Are you planning an event(s) of your own soon?

We have our winter menu at Brasserie on 7. Our chef, Alex, has incorporated some of his French specialties like the cassoulet, which is done with a duck confit, pancetta, sausage, and beans.

We also have a pappardelle with lamb ragu, whipped pistachio, and orange confit. Because B7 is located on the Riva and breakfast and brunch is very popular, we also have the 60 kuna brunch special, where you can choose between the eggs Benedict, French toast, and porridge, and it runs until mid-day. The locals appreciate it as well. 

We are taking part in the Advent at Zvončac this year. Charlie’s Bar will be the main caterer for that within our company. Alex is creating the menu, and the offer is going to be loaded hot dogs. We have an Asian style one with sesame, soy, and cucumber, a Texan one with bbq sauce and beans, a New York one with cream cheese, scallions, and cheddar, a Spanish one with roasted peppers, and a classic with fried onions. 

Every second Friday, Zinfandel hosts Nomad Table with a set menu. It is a super fun event organized for digital nomads by Tanja Polegubić and Saltwater Nomads. There are games for everyone to interact and get to know each other better. 

When winter tourism is mentioned, many locals say that they do not want it, as they are tired after the busy season. What is your perspective as a successful business owner?

I think it is a shame that is the case. If you have a more stable income over the winter, then you can hold more staff. You have a core team. We already have that to a certain extent, but we would like to keep more people year-round. The turnover from the summer enables us to do that but it also cuts into your summer profits. It would be nice if it didn’t go from one extreme to the next. That way, people can rotate their holidays, and it will feel more like a year-round city. Everything will level out. But there is no one to stay open for; that’s the problem. 

While the staff does get very tired in the peak months, they can cut back on some hours towards the end of the season. On the flip side, they also get bored when they come to work, and there is nothing to do, which is demotivating. When you have your shift, and there are tables to be served, it is easier for everyone. The day goes by quicker; you feel more like you have accomplished something. 

What are the critical steps in your opinion to getting more flights in winter? 

I’m assuming it all has to do with finance. Airlines should be filling the seats and the demand, and subsidies should be available so that the airline doesn’t lose money. If Croatia can maybe invest in that on a national level, then perhaps we have something. The Ryanair Zagreb base will also take time to kick off. While they are connected to many destinations this winter and some 42 next summer, the bookings won’t happen overnight. 

Marketing is also one of the key successes. Split needs to be branded for Europe as a city-break destination, especially for travelers from the UK or Scandinavia who want to see a blue sky in winter. 

Split needs a program and agenda which needs to be marketed so that people have a clear idea of what they can do here. 

If you are a business in Split with a winter program, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject Split Winter Tourism. 

ZAGREB, 24 November, 2021 - COVID-19 has been found in the feces and nose swabs of two lions in the Zagreb ZOO, which is the first confirmation of this virus in a species in a Croatian ZOO, the Agriculture Ministry said on Wednesday.

The two lions were tested after manifesting the clinical signs of the disease and due to their epidemiological link to a person (the lions' handler) with COVID-19. This was done as part of a programme monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in animals and determining their role in the epidemiology of COVID-19 in Croatia, a press release said.

The ministry said that for now, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health, there was no evidence that pets had a major role in transmitting COVID-19 to humans and the risk was considered very low.

Nonetheless, the ministry said, it is recommended that persons suspected of having or having COVID-19 avoid close contact with their pets and that animals of persons with COVID-19 be isolated.

ZAGREB, 24 November, 2021 - The European Commission on Wednesday approved Croatia's new map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027 which will enable much higher co-financing for all regions, including the most developed one, the City of Zagreb.

So far Croatia has been divided into two NUTS2 regions - Continental and Adriatic Croatia. As of 1 January, it will have four - Pannonian Croatia, North Croatia, Adriatic Croatia, and the City of Zagreb.

There are three NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) levels - NUTS1 covers all of Croatia, NUTS2 are statistical regions, and NUTS3 comprises the 21 counties.

Under NUTS2, the maximum intensity of aid for enterprises has been 25%.

Under the new statistical division, the maximum intensity for aid for large companies in Pannonian Croatia, where GDP per capita is 41.58% of the EU average, is 50%, 25% more than now.

The same applies to North Croatia, where GDP per capita is 48.43% of the EU average.

In Adriatic Croatia, where GDP per capita is 60.33% of the EU average, aid can now be up to 40%, 15% more than now.

In the City of Zagreb, where GDP per capita is 109.4% of the EU average, aid can go up to 35%, 10% more than now.

In all the above regions, the maximum aid intensities can be increased by 10 percentage points for investments made by medium-sized enterprises and by 20 percentage points for investments made by small enterprises, for their initial investments with eligible costs up to €50 million.

Lika-Senj County, which is part of Adriatic Croatia, qualifies as a sparsely populated area having fewer than 12.5 inhabitants per km2. As such, it will enjoy more favourable treatment in the context of operating aid allocations.

Croatia's regional map defines the regions eligible for regional investment aid. The map also establishes the maximum aid intensities in the eligible regions. The aid intensity is the maximum amount of state aid that can be granted per beneficiary, expressed as a percentage of eligible investment costs.

Revised Regional aid Guidelines adopted by the Commission on 19 April set out the conditions under which regional aid may be considered to be compatible with the internal market and establish the criteria for identifying the areas that fulfil the conditions.

Guidelines identify the most disadvantaged as well as the outermost regions whose GDP per capita is below or equal to 75% of the EU average. Three of Croatia's four statistical regions meet this criterion.

ZAGREB, 24 November, 2021 - Slavonia and Baranja have economy, employment and population growth trends but further development requires change so that the region's potential can be utilised even more, a conference called "The Croatia we need" heard in Osijek on Wednesday.

Regional Development and EU Funds Minister Nataša Tramišak said the absorption of EU funds had certainly contributed to those trends.

In the last six years, she said, 740 enterprise projects have been contracted in Slavonia and Baranja, helping to create 2,000 and retain 11,000 jobs.

Both European and national financing should be utilised, Tramišak added.

She announced that a 2021-27 regional industrial transition concept is being planned.

"We wish to create strategic chains of value, connect small, medium and big producers, exploit raw materials, manufacture products and put them on the brand market," she said, adding that such an approach would make Slavonia and Baranja a more attractive region.

Osijek-Baranja County head Ivan Anušić said that for Slavonia to develop better, it was necessary to change some laws so that agriculture could create added value "by processing what we produce, not only to function based on incentives."

He also underlined the need for a different approach to timber exploitation and the management of the Danube and Drava rivers.