68% of Croatian Residents Thinking of Going to Coast This Summer
July the 1st, 2021 - As many as 68 percent of Croatian residents are planning on heading to the country's coast this summer, marking an increase when compared to last year.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, this year, 68 percent of Croatian residents are planning to travel during the summer holidays, significantly more than last year when just 54 percent of them planned such a holiday, according to the results of the MasterIndex survey which was published on Tuesday.
The survey was conducted for Mastercard back in May 2021 by the Improve agency on a sample of 1,043 users of banking services in Croatia aged from 18 to 55. A total of 68 percent of the survey's participants plan to spend their summer holidays this year in Croatia, with 39 percent saying they will definitely go on holiday somewhere in the country this year, a jump of 16 percent from a year earlier, while 29 percent plan to travel, but aren't yet quite sure of where and exaxtly when, this year's survey showed.
The main reasons for the large decline in the travel segment during the coronavirus pandemic were the epidemiological measures, fear of coronavirus infection and financial uncertainty. Thankfully, that is dinally changing, an increasing percentage of the population has been vaccinated and that has led to a drop in the number of infected people and to a more optimistic financial outlook, so more and more people are opting for a long awaited break somewhere, the statement said.
The research also showed that this year's summer holidays are being planned for primarily by (78 percent) highly educated people, those with higher incomes and those from Zagreb or Northern Croatia. In terms of travel, 51 percent of respondents have no fear of contracting the novel coronavirus.
When it comes to Croatian residents with certain concerns, the main fear is the possibility of contracting the virus. In addition, they're afraid of travelling and then being faced with quarantine, while 11 percent are worried that they will not be able to return home on time. In terms of safer travel, 22 percent of the respondents opted to ban boarding for passengers who didn't have a negative test.
Survey participants who will not go on holiday this year in 28 percent of cases cited financial uncertainty as the main reason for their indecision, 21 percent said they gave up on the idea this summer because of work commitments, and 20 percent cited health concerns as the main reason for not going to the coast. Half of the respondents said they would stay in private/family accommodation during the summer.
That number is then followed by 37 percent of Croatian residents who plan to stay in their own properties, with family or friends, and this accommodation option is most common among respondents from Zagreb (46 percent). Only 17 percent of the respondents plan to stay in hotels. The price of accommodation this year plays a much bigger role in choosing a travel destination than it did last year - the price-quality ratio is crucial for 64 percent of people, and the cost of the accommodation is the most important factor in choosing a destination for 62 percent of the Croatian residents surveyed.
For more, follow our travel section.
Croatian Dok-Ing Presents Robotic System for Military and Civilian Use
July the 1st, 2021 - The Croatian Dok-Ing company has presented the world's very first robotic system for both military and civilian use, putting Croatia on the map when it comes to robotics and other innovative technologies once again.
Robotics might not be among the first things one would associate Croatia with, but the country has come on leaps and bounds in this regard over recent years, with robotics even entering the school system in some areas. This has allowed Croatian children to have the opportunity to learn about the skills likely needed for the future as technology changes rapidly and on a global scale.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Darko Bicak writes, the Croatian Dok-Ing company, which has been a global leader in the production of autonomous vehicles for demining, mining and firefighting for three decades now, recently presented its new project - Komodo.
As Vjekoslav Majetic, the founder of the Croatian Dok-Ing company pointed out, Komodo is the synthesis of all previous knowledge and technology of this company in one single product.
Komodo is a ''tank'' that can be used in all kinds of extreme conditions, whether they be war conditions or civilian ones, anywhere where it has become too dangerous for people to be present unless absolutely necessary. The Croatian Dok-ing's new robot is modular and can be adapted to various missions, from extinguishing fires in a chemical or nuclear environment through to sampling and analysis, to weapons and combat operations as a classic combat vehicle or tank.
Komodo, which has a hybrid diesel-electric drive, should be in series production by the year 2023. The price will stand at an eye-watering 5-10 million euros, depending on the equipment and orders, and Majetic says that they could deliver about 100 of these impressive Croatian machines a year.
For more on Croatian innovation and the companies behind it, make sure to follow Made in Croatia.
CRTA Zagreb: Regional Centre of Excellence for Robotic Technologies Opens
July the 1st, 2021 - The Regional Centre of Excellence for Robotic Technologies, CRTA Zagreb, has opened in the Croatian capital, more specifically at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture.
As Iva Badanjak/Novac writes, CRTA Zagreb's grand opening took place with the participation of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, University Rector Damir Boras and numerous other government officials.
The new facility will position itself as a regional reference centre for research, development and education in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) and a unique scientific and technological infrastructure in Southeastern Europe.
CRTA Zagreb consists of three laboratories for medical robotics, computer intelligence and an autonomous system, two student practicums, a toolbox and a space for researchers. The centre is intended for students in teaching, then scientific research projects and finally for various business people. One of the most important goals of the CRTA Zagreb will be to promote robotics in everyday life, as a branch of technology that can save people time, conducting simple tasks for them so that they have more time for other activities.
It also wants to attract researchers and research institutions from Croatia's immediate region and Europe and thus increase the scientific potential of the Zagreb FSB in this particular area. This will certainly be helped by the fact that for the needs of the development of medical robotics, a fully equipped operating room has been built, which enables the conduct of pre-clinical trials in real conditions.
Before visiting CRTA Zagreb, the project leader, Professor Bojan Jerbic, briefly presented the development and possibilities of the brand new facility, pointing out that the project started way back in 2005 and was primarily focused on cognitive robotics and the method of learning, ie how to teach robots by demonstration.
In 2016, the first robotic neurosurgical operation in Croatia was performed with the medical robot RONNA. RONNA experienced the 4th generation in 2018, won numerous awards in the category of best innovation and performed operations regularly until the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the goal is for RONNA to grow from a project to a startup and be offered to the rest of the world.
"We're pleased that the most modern centre for robotic technologies has been opened within our Zagreb Faculty. This proves our commitment to knowledge, innovation and development and makes us leaders in the technological revolution here in Croatia and the immediate region. Centres of excellence and research generate innovation for both the economy and society and they make everything more advanced and successful, so I believe that CRTA Zagreb will bring together numerous teams of scientists from the region and Europe and witness numerous pioneering solutions and technological products that will improve industry and medicine, but also Croatian society as a whole,'' said Jerbic.
The construction of a modernly equipped space, which covers 740 m2, began back in pre-pandemic 2019. The centre is located in the eastern building of the FSB, in the former laboratory for the development of HRT films. The CRTA project is estimated at almost 38 million kuna, and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund in the amount of almost 37 million kuna.
The dean of the FSB, Dubravko Majetic, said that CRTA Zagreb was officially opened on Monday and that they were expecting new students to enroll in a few days at the first university study of mechatronics and robotics. The initial quota of 60 students has already been filled.
The Rector of the University of Zagreb pointed out that CRTA is a top world project and "our future in scientific, educational and economic terms".
The Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, emphasised the importance of investing in science, which is a public good and the key to achieving personal, social and economic success.
"The success of the FSB proves that Croatia has great scientists and innovators and that we're making great progress in the field of innovation, and the role of the state is to support that growth and development, so the goal is to invest 3 percent of GDP in science, education and excellence,'' Plenkovic said.
CRTA Zagreb is also open to the public, as a place to spread technical and robotic culture, primarily for high school and elementary school students, but also for everyone else who is interested in the latest technologies that are changing the future of business and lifestyle as well know them.
For more, follow our lifestyle section.
Šibenik's Dario Šarić Becomes 5th Croatian Basketballer in the NBA Finals!
July 1, 2021 - Šibenik's Dario Šarić is the 5th Croatian basketball player to reach the NBA finals!
Dario Šarić became only the fifth Croatian basketball player in the NBA league finals. Dražen Petrović, Toni Kukoč, Žan Tabak and Ante Žižić succeeded before him, reports Šibenik.in.
Šarić reached the finals with the Phoenix Suns, who topped the Los Angeles Clippers 4-2 in the NBA Western Conference Finals.
It will be the third final for the Suns, who have lost the previous two they participated in. They last played in the finals in 1993, when they were led by Charles Barkley, but lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.
Before that, they lost to the Boston Celtics in 1976, also in six games.
The first Croatian basketball player to reach the NBA Finals was Dražen Petrović in 1990 with the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Petrović did not play next to Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler, and Portland lost to the Detroit Pistons 1-4 in the finals.
After Dražen, Jean Tabak reached the final in the Houston jersey in 1995 and won. However, Tabak didn’t have many minutes, as he was a replacement for Hakeem Olajuwon. Houston beat Orlando 4-0 in the final.
Interestingly, Tabak is the second European basketball player ever to win an NBA ring. Only a season before him, Slovak Richard Petruška won the title, also in the Houston jersey. Tabak also made it to the finals with the Indiana Pacers in 2000 when the LA Lakers defeated them.
Toni Kukoč played an important role with the Chicago Bulls, winning three consecutive championship titles (1996-1998). In the first final, the Bulls defeated Seattle and the Utah Jazz in the next two seasons.
Ante Žižić also played in the NBA league finals with Cleveland in 2018, but the Golden State Warriors won 4-0.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.
Delta Variant in Croatia Makes Up 43% of Cases, Capak Warns of New Wave
July 1, 2021 - The Delta Variant in Croatia currently makes up 43% of cases, said HZJZ head Krunoslav Capak, who warned of a new wave and stricter measures in autumn.
The goal of vaccinating 50 percent of adults with the first dose by July 1 has not been achieved, reports Dnevnik.hr.
"We set ourselves that goal of 55 percent of the population given the vaccines because we calculated how many vaccines we would get, and by that, we would vaccinate. However, interest has dropped, vaccination has slowed. Many people calculate that they do not want to be vaccinated now, but that they will be vaccinated later when they see the situation, which is bad because we cannot have this tourist season if we do not get vaccinated anymore," HZJZ head Krunoslav Capak told Nova TV and added that a new wave would come to us in the fall, and maybe even sooner because we have the Indian strain, which is present in Croatia with 43 percent% of cases since the last sequencing.
He announced stricter measures in the autumn.
"Certainly, there will be more restrictive measures if our numbers start to grow because, given that we have not been vaccinated enough, there is no other way to protect the health of citizens than to introduce stricter measures," Capak said.
Asked how he would encourage people to get vaccinated, Capak said:
"It's a difficult question. We counted on the common sense of our citizens. We thought - enough vaccines have been procured. We have communicated that 70-80 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated to solve this problem we have, which has stopped the global economy which stopped living in the world. The only way to get rid of it is to get vaccinated. We counted on it. However, we obviously miscalculated. Vaccination has slowed down, but I am still counting on being able to reach that level with the measures that we are introducing."
He also commented on problems with Covid certificates. Capak says that there were technical problems due to which some could not get a confirmation immediately, but these problems are continuously solved.
Capak also referred to trips abroad. He says there are no restrictions on Croats traveling across Europe. "We are green at the moment, except for two or three areas that have a high incidence problem," he said, adding that there are no restrictions on EU guests coming to Croatia, but they should have Covid certificates.
For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and choose your preferred language.
Meet Veronica Mulhall, First Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador, Arriving Tonight
July 1, 2021 - The second component of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week 2021 & Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project begins today - welcome to our first ambassador, Veronica Mulhall.
After an intense and stimulating 7 days of the inaugural Zagreb Digital Nomad Week, which covered 7 themes in 7 locations in 7 days, attention turns to the second part of the programme, as the Croatian capital prepares to welcome its first-ever digital nomad ambassador.
The Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador Project will run for an initial period of six months, from July 1 - December 31, 2021, with each calendar month hosting a new ambassador. Each ambassador will have a programme for the month, and the city will benefit from their insights and suggestions over the 6-month period, as the project explores digital nomad life in the city through the seasons. The project is a collaboration between Saltwater Nomads, Total Croatia News, and Zagreb Tourist Board, with accommodation support from Doma Zagreb Aparthotel.
At the finale of Zagreb Digital Nomad Week (you can read some key takeaways here), the first ambassador was announced - Veronica Mulhall from the USA, but living in Africa. You can see Veronica's application video below.
Veronica was already in Croatia when she applied for the ambassadorship, having flown in from Senegal. She is Marketing Director for the African Leadership Group, and her goal is to visit every country in the world. She has a particular interest in national parks, cultural centres, and UNESCO World Heritage. As such, Veronica is clearly in the right country, as Croatia has no less than 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as countless intangible UNESCO heritage (you can find the full list here).
Her undergraduate degree is in adventure education, and she has a certificate in community development focused on sustainable tourism. The deep-rooted passion to applying to be a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador is to show others that these lesser-known cities and destinations have so much to offer the world, so much rich history and culture.
Veronica will be arriving with her partner Julian, who is from Zimbabwe and the UK, and is traveling here from Ghana. They are an inter-racial couple who have already travelled in the region - Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia - as well as Africa, the US and Europe. Veronica has over 8 years of international living experience, while Julian has been a nomad for a year - his arrival will give Zagreb an additional DN perspective.
Veronica is a fully remote worker and is an outdoor enthusiast and a huge foodie, so it sounds like she has found the right city to spend a month in.
(Doma Zagreb Aparthotel - 4-star luxury in central Zagreb)
The couple arrive tonight from the coast, and they will be hosted by project partner, Doma Zagreb Aparthotel, in the centre of the city.
TCN will be publishing an interview with Veronica shortly, and there will be more details of the programme and opportunities to connect published early next week.
(The Doma Zagreb Aparthotel is located in central Zagreb, with offroad parking, just a few minutes walk from the main square)
Are you interested in being a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador? Learn more about the project - rolling applications are ongoing until November.
For the latest news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, visit the dedicated TCN section.
You can follow Veronica Mulhall on Instagram or visit her website here.
House of Istrian Olive Oil Has Been Reopened in Pula With New Address
July 1, 2021 - The House of Istrian Olive Oil now has a new address in Pula and its doors are once again open to all lovers of not only olive oil but, in particular, Istrian oil, which is considered one of the best in the world.
After a challenging year, the House of Istrian Olive Oil moved and continued to work in a new space in Istarska 30, only fifty meters from the Pula amphitheater, reports HrTurizam.hr. All fans of the history of olive growing and top Istrian olive oils, both domestic and foreign guests, will be able to continue to enjoy a unique cultural and tourist product.
As the initiator of the project and the owner of the House of Istrian Olive Oil Lorena Boljunčić explained, the concept of the House of Oil remains the same, but the new space gives it greater opportunities and new dynamics.
“The museum part has been expanded to include a number of interesting facts from the history of Istrian olive growing from the Roman period to the present day: how the Romans produced olive oil, where it was exported, how oil refining has changed over the centuries and a number of important facts about modern olive oil production. Through educational guided tastings, visitors can learn how to recognize quality extra virgin olive oils, to which aromas and flavors you should pay attention and taste different varietal oils from various Istrian producers. The entire space covers 560 square meters," said Boljuncic.
Let us remind you, the House of Istrian Olive Oil was opened in 2017 in Pula. Through many years of work, an innovative cultural and tourist product has been created to promote a part of the Istrian culture: top Istrian oils with international awards as well as other valuable and Istrian products. Wanting to be a responsible member of the local community, the Oil House has participated in many events in the Istrian County, and more than 25,000 foreign guests from all continents and over 50 countries have passed through the museum and education/tasting.
The House of Istrian Olive Oil has entered the renowned tourist guides and has won awards and recognitions. Thus, in 2017, it received the Golden Goat Award of the Istria County Tourist Board, and a year later the Council of Europe received the House of Oil in the European organization of Cultural Routes with an emphasis on the route "Olive Routes".
Also in 2019, the House received the international BIG SEE award for interior design for public use and was nominated for the best Slavic museum Živa award.
For more information about the museum and guiding packages prices, be sure to check their website.
When it comes to olive oil, Croatia is one of the leading countries in the industry. From Istria to Dalmatia, you can find all the information you need to know about the origins, processes, and where to buy Croatian olive oil on the Total Croatia page, now in your language!
Agreement Reached Between Govt, Unions and Protesting Orljava Workers
ZAGREB, 30 June, 2021 - An agreement was reached on Wednesday between two trade unions, workers of the Požega-based Orljava company and the government on three monthly wages in arrears to be paid and on efforts to be made to find a new strategic partner for this clothes company.
Construction and State Assets Minister Darko Horvat received the workers after they held a protest rally outside Government House on Wednesday, demanding talks with the government's representatives.
After the meeting Horvat said that there was no need for the protest to have been held because the government had already taken certain steps in reference to the fate of the Orljava company.
"The government is not running from its obligations. Workers will get their three outstanding salaries in accordance with the law. I promised them that they would get their pay in the next 10 days," Horvat told reporters in Government House.
Horvat: We insist on finding a strategic partner for Orljava
He said that the government is not thinking of liquidating the company but is insisting on finding a strategic partner. We think that there is no other way out. We have launched very intensive talks with Hemco from Đakovo, he said.
Hemco is specialised inn manufacturing protective clothes.
"At the moment, all the conditions that the government has set for Hemco have not been met for it to take over Orljava, until we negotiate the final details as there is still one small uncertainty," said Horvat.
He announced that a hearing has been set for Friday when Orljava will be assigned with a trustee.
Union leader Tomislav Kiš said that they found common ground with the government and established common stances, objectives and wishes.
For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Olympic Basketball Qualifiers in Split: Brazil Outshines Croatia 94:67
June 30, 2021 - Brazil outshines Croatia in their first game of the Olympic basketball qualifiers in Split on Wednesday 94:67.
Croatia opened their Olympic qualifying campaign on Wednesday against Brazil at Spaladium Arena in Split. After three years, Croatia's best basketball player Bojan Bogdanović played an official game in the Croatia jersey again.
The tournament opened on Tuesday, June 29. In Croatia's group, Brazil, led by the former Croatia coach Aco Petrović, convincingly defeated Tunisia 83:57. In the other, Group A, Germany beat Mexico 82:76.
1st quarter
Brazil led 4:0 at the start of the 1st quarter until Ukić scored Croatia's first basket and a 3-pointer for 4:3 with 8:20 to go. An Ukić field goal made it 10:5 before Sakić and Dreznjak came back for 12:10. With 3:37 to go, Croatia was down 23:10 before Žižić scored for 23:12 and 23:14.
Žižić was on fire with a 2pt driving layup for 23:16!
A personal foul saw Hezonja make both free throws for 24:18 with just under two minutes to go. A 2pt jump shot from Rogić put Croatia just 4 behind at 24:20. The 1st quarter ended 25:20 for Brazil.
2nd quarter
The 2nd quarter started with a foul drawn on Hezonja who scored both free throws to reduce Brazil's lead to +3 (25:22). Hezonja's 2pt driving layup made it 28:24 with 7:38 to go. Bogdanović re-entered the game straight after.
Marčinković nailed a stunning 3-pointer for 31:27 with 6 minutes left. Brazil had a 10-point lead with 4 left (37:27). Ukić assisted Bilan for 37:29.
An Ukić 3-pointer gave Croatia life again as they were behind by 5 with just over 2 minutes to go (37:32).
Bogdanović made up for his poor play in the game thus far by nailing a 2pt jump shot for 37:34. Croatia called a timeout at 40:34 and 45 seconds to go. Brazil ended the 2nd quarter with a 3-pointer for 45:34.
3rd quarter
The 3rd quarter started with Brazil leading 49:34. Ukić missed two free throws, but Hezonja made two soon after for 49:36.
A Bogdanović 3-pointer made it 51:41, followed by a 2pt fadeaway jump shot for 54:43. A Žižić dunk and free throw saw Croatia come back for 54:46.
A 3pt jump shot by Jordano slighted reduced Croatia's gap to -12 (61:49) with 3:16 to go. Bogdanović reduced it to -10 moments later (62:52).
Bogdanović scored both free throws for 63:54 with 2 minutes to go. The 3rd quarter ended 71:55 for Brazil.
4th quarter
Ukić opened the final quarter with a stunning 3 points for 71:58. With 7 minutes left in the game, Brazil led 79:59.
Bogdanović nailed a 3-pointer for 84:62, but Brazil's lead was too hard to catch. It was 90:62 with just over two minutes left in the game.
Bilan scored for 92:64, but Brazil kept increasing their lead. In the final minute of the game, it was 94:66. Dreznjak scored 1/2 free throws, and the game ended 94:67.
Croatia plays against Tunisia at the same time tomorrow. After the group stage, there is a day of rest, and on July 3, the semifinal matches are scheduled. The final match is scheduled for July 4 at 7:30 pm. Only the winner of the tournament will qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. Croatia's group crosses over with Germany, Russia, and Mexico.
The Split tournament and the other three hosted by Belgrade, Kaunas, and Victoria in Canada are all scheduled from June 29 to July 4, 2021.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.
Zagreb Stock Exchange: Indices Continue Falling For Third Day
ZAGREB, 30 June, 2021 - The main Zagreb Stock Exchange indices dived significantly on Wednesday, slipping for the third day in a row, however they managed to end June in the green and doubled their increase since the start of the year.
The Crobex dropped by 0.78% to 1,980 points while the Crobex10 fell by 0.67% to 1,218 points. Both indices closed in the red for three days running now.
This however, is the fourth week that indices have increased and they have ended the month in the green. The Crobex is 2.5% stronger month on month and the Crobex10 is 1.8% stronger.
Regular turnover on Wednesday amounted to a modest HRK 4 million or about 1.8 million less than on Tuesday.
Not one stock crossed the million kuna mark.
The most liquid stock was the HT telecommunications company with a turnover of HRK 807,000. The price of its share increased by 0.54% to HRK 187.50.
A total of 30 stocks traded today, with 3 of them recording share price increases, 19 registering share price decreases and 8 remaining unchanged in price.
(€1 = HRK 7.491244)
For more about business in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
