June 5, 2020 - Summer is coming in the Kingdom of Accidental Tourism. A very nice gesture from the Makarska Tourist Board director to promote Mozambique.

One of the big positives of the corona era has been seeing the number of people volunteering their time and expertise to help others. I genuinely think the world became a little bit of a nicer place (readers from the USA, look away now), and that the sense of community has been strengthened as a result.

And what a lovely gesture from the Makarska Tourist Board director to promote Mozambique tourism rather than her own destination at this time of crisis.  

It could be that the director got a little confused by the message of a recent insipid campaign by the Croatian National Tourist Board called #CroatiaLongDistanceLove. Perhaps the director misunderstood the point of the campaign and thought that we were supposed to be showing love from Croatia by supporting destinations a long distance from Croatia. 

Or perhaps she was just being nice. 

Life and tourism promotion in the Kingdom of Accidental Tourism can look a little unconventional at times. 

Take golf. For many years - until I asked why and it was removed - the Croatian National Tourist Board was promoting an 18-hole golf course in the centre of Zagreb.

Yes, really. 

And Game of Thrones fans were advised to check out an exhibition of old fruits in Zagorje, rather than learn anything about Kings Landing by the official Croatian National Tourist Board. 

And who can forget the epic slogan - Croatia will waste your time. Plastered all over the Croatia National Tourist Board social media during an official campaign.  

Full of genius, and obviously too clever for the number of people who didn't quite get it.

Croatia will not waste your time, but (with some very notable exceptions - and you can see who in our Virtual Croatia series), the Croatian tourist board is a complete waste of time. It should be abolished by Act of Parliament, along with the Ministry of Tourism and the tourism sector of the Croatian Chamber of Economy. And the tourist structure should be rebuilt, using those talented directors who somehow function in this dysfunctional system, qualified experts and AI. 

It really is not that hard. 

And if the Makarska Tourist Board needs photos of Makarska beaches, may I recommend Makarska Riviera Beaches, run by the legend that is Vice Rudan. A private initiative, naturally.

For more examples of genius from the Mighty State of Uhljebistan, visit our dedicated shrine of appreciation. 

Do you want a better Croatia for your children? Would you like to get involved in our #CROMADS Croatia 2.0 movement. If yes, contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Makarska 2.0? Together we can make Croatia a better place. 

CROMADS: Why You Should Move to Croatia, With or Without Uhljebistan

CROMADS: Zašto biste se trebali preseliti u Hrvatsku, s ili bez Uhljebistana

As Vecernji list writes on the 4th of June, 2020, Dr Gordan Lauc took to Facebook to explain just why the new coronavirus spread as quickly as it did.

''The good side of this knowledge is that we now know that the vast majority of people who become infected will overcome the disease without any major problems. This is also great news for our tourist season, because even if a certain number of infected people do show up, there will probably not be many seriously ill people,'' wrote Gordan Lauc.

Gordan Lauc also posted a link to a scientific paper on Facebook which he considers important for understanding the new coronavirus.

Namely, Gordan Lauc points out that research shows that at least 40 percent, and in some cases even more than 80 percent, of people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus either don't develop any symptoms or only mild ones. That explains, he believes, why the virus initially seemed to spread very quickly.

''The path to the truth is not easy an easy one, especially when you're researching something new and unknown. But what distinguishes science from pseudoscience is that in science, we're constantly questioning the current knowledge, looking for new evidence and making new hypotheses based on it.

Scientists know this and are accustomed to this form of re-examination, but unfortunately, in the flood of information about the coronavirus during this pandemic, sometimes in public and in the media, the difference between what is considered scientific truth and what is yet to be proven gets lost. An unusual feature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is that it causes almost no symptoms in some people, while in others it causes a severe disease that can often be fatal.These asymptomatic cases have significantly contributed to the spread of the virus, while confusing scientists who couldn't understand how the virus spreads so fast and jumps from person to person in such vague ways.

A significant scientific paper was published today that should close one of these unknown chapters. The link to the work is below, and here I'm going to convey only some of the most significant conclusions: At least 40 percent (and even more than 80 percent in some cases) of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus (i.e. positive on a PCR test) will either not develop symptoms, or the symptoms they do develop will be mild. These people will not even know they're infected and will be able to transmit the virus to others. This explains why, at first, it seemed to us that the virus was spreading very quickly. It actually didn’t spread so quickly, but we tested more and more people and found more positive cases that had been infected previously, only no one knew that.

The good side of this realisation is that we now know that the vast majority of people who become infected will overcome the disease without any major problems. This is also great news for our tourist season, because even if a certain number of infected people do show up, there probably won't be many seriously ill people (something similar to what we saw recently on Brač).

The downside is that if/when the virus returns to Europe, it will be very difficult to control the epidemic by targeted testing and the isolation of the contacts of infected people. That way, we'll be able to find, at most, only half of the potential vectors of the disease. In fact, the only thing we'll have left at our disposal will be the so-called Japanese model in which we will all have to try to be as responsible as possible and try not to spread the virus,'' Gordan Lauc wrote in a statement.

For more on coronavirus in relation to Croatia, follow our dedicated section.

As Jadranka Dozan/Poslovni Dnevnik according to a Eurostat survey, the Croatian unemployment rate has increased, with the number of registered unemployed people rising from 122,000 to 147,000.

After most European Union (EU) countries resorted to restrictions on work and movement due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic back in March, unemployment and claims for unemployment benefits rose across the bloc in April.

At the same time, various measures and aid to preserve jobs were introduced by national governments to try to alleviate the economic shock caused by the pandemic, and according to Eurostat, the number of unemployed people in the EU eventually increased by 397,000 people in April, to a massive 14.08 million in total.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate thus rose from 6.4 percent in March to 6.6 percent, which is still slightly lower than it was back in April last year (when it stood at 6.8 percent). According to the Eurostat survey, the Croatian unemployment rate has increased from 122,000 to 147,000, reaching a concerning 8.1 percent from 6.8 percent back in March this year.

Six EU member states had higher rates in April - with Spain and Greece leading the way, followed by France, Cyprus and then by two Baltic states.

In contrast, the Czech Republic boasts the lowest unemployment rate, standing at a mere 2.1 percent (with a monthly increase in the number of unemployed of only 7,000), Poland is currently at below three percent, in Germany and the Netherlands it stands at about 3.5 percent, and in five other countries, the unemployment rate remains below five percent.

The circumstances caused by the ongoing pandemic have also led to certain discrepancies with regard to the globally used standard definition of unemployment according to the International Labour Organisation (there are unemployed people who have been actively looking for work for four weeks and can start working in the next two). In addition to government support at the EU level, this has also somewhat mitigated the increase in unemployment.

However, according to Eurostat, unemployment among young people under the age of 25 in the Union rose slightly in April.

There were 2.62 million unemployed people in the EU in March and 2.77 million of them in April, marking an increase from 14.6 to 15.4 percent. For Croatia, the latest data refers to March with 24,000 unemployed people and a youth unemployment rate of 16.2 percent.

For more on the Croatian unemployment rate, follow our lifestyle page.

June 5, 2020 - The Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board and Osijek-Baranja County are organizing a wine month titled “Open Cellar Days” from June 12 to July 11.

In principle, it is 4 vineyards and 4 weekends of wine hedonism, reports HRTurizam.

Thus, visitors will be able to enjoy the open cellars of the most famous winemakers from the area of ​​Slavonia and Baranja, which will be open from 10 am to 7 pm. In each vineyard, there will be an educational program titled "Little School of Wine", where visitors who pre-register will be able to learn about wines, and there will be concerts, exhibitions and poetry readings.

Ivana Jurić, director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board, pointed out that this is the first major event since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, and due to the epidemiological measures in force, the Open Cellar Days will be dispersed according to the principle "4 vineyards, 4 weekends" to prevent all wine lovers from gathering at the same time at the same place.

"About ten days ago, we came up with a formula to make an event without a large concentration of people in one place, so we are doing a dispersed event Open Cellar Days of Osijek-Baranja County, which is held in accordance with the National Civil Protection Headquarters. The event is held in our four vineyards - Baranja, Feričanac, Erdut and Đakovo vineyards, while the finale will be held in Osijek, with the Evening of Wine and Art, one of the largest wine events in Osijek-Baranja County.

With open cellars, visitors will be able to learn something new about wine through organized 'Small Wine Schools' in each vineyard, enjoy concerts, poetry readings and guided walks through the vineyards. "We believe that enjoying wine, wine cellars and vineyards is the best social remedy after a period of restrictive measures," concluded Jurić.

Tatjana Roth, Head of the Administrative Department for Tourism, Culture and Sports, emphasized the importance of wine as a tourist product of Osijek-Baranja County. "Food and wine are closely linked to the identity and promotion of the destination, and the rich wine-growing area has a significant impact on attracting tourists to our county. Throughout the Osijek-Baranja County Wine Month, visitors will have the opportunity to visit our four vineyards and enjoy the beautiful products produced by our hardworking winemakers who once again showed their willingness to join the event, open cellars, and generously welcome guests to present their wines."

The Open Cellar Days begin with the vineyards of Baranja, from June 12 to 14. The next weekend (Saturday, June 20) is reserved for the Feričanci vineyards, and the weekend after that, June 27 and 28, is reserved for the Erdut vineyards to celebrate International Danube Day on June 29. The Đakovo vineyards are on offer from July 3-4. Wine month ends on July 11 with the Evening of Wine and Art in Osijek, one of the most popular events in Osijek.

Matej Perkušić, director of the Baranja Tourist Board, pointed out that Baranja, as the flagship of continental tourism, will offer everything that visitors expect from this type of event - quality wines, great food and a beautiful natural environment. "Open Cellar Days give us hope, after these difficult times caused by the virus, to offer quality content to many tourists who are already slowly arriving in our area to relax and enjoy."

There will also be a wine safari, guided walks through vineyards and wine cellars with wine tasting, and nature lovers will be able to enjoy cycling, triathlon and hiking.

The visit to the Đakovo vineyards is planned at the time of the popular Đakovački vezovi, while the visit to the Erdut vineyards is planned to mark the International Danube Day on June 29.

Marija Burek, director of the Đakovo Tourist Board, pointed out the contribution of additional program content to this year's Đakovački vezovi. "The 54th Đakovački vezovi is held from Jule 3 to 5, and the Open Cellar Days of Osijek-Baranja County is a great opportunity to supplement the program content of this well-known event, which this year, due to coronavirus, will be held on a smaller scale than in previous years. As part of the event, wine cellars will be opened on the wine-tourist road "Zlatarevac" Trnava and the wine-tourist road Mandićevac."

In the end, we should certainly praise the synergy and the completed quality tourist product in four destinations. So far, Slavonia is not too recognized or branded as a wine region, although it certainly is. In fact, in Slavonia, there are top and famous wineries such as Ilok cellars, Belje, Erdut vineyards, Feravino, Kutjevo, Daruvar winery, as well as many other famous top winemakers such as Josic, Kalazic, Krauthaker, Galic, Enjingi, Antunovic Turk , Papak and many others.

It is important to point out that the visual of the event is a continuation of the #HeadOnEast brand, premiered at the Days of Croatian Tourism.

Such events are more than ideal as a motive for arrivals as well as branding Slavonia as a top wine region.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia,  follow TCN's dedicated page. 

June 5, 2020 - In May, in addition to the city record, the citizens of Split also broke the Croatian record in the monthly number of public bicycle rentals. A total of 9,168 rentals were achieved in Split, which is twice as many as in April, when there were 4,544 rentals. In total, since the beginning of 2020, over 25,000 rentals have been made in Split.

Dalmatinski Portal reports that the largest number of rentals was made by locals, or 96 percent of them. Last month, a total of 1,436 new users were registered in the system, while the total number of registered users is 7,075, of which 84 percent are domestic users. The station with the most rentals in May is the Riva, followed by Žnjan, Split 3, Zvončac, Spinut and others.

Given the growing number of new users and rentals from Split Parking, they call on all cyclists, but also drivers of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles, to be extra careful and responsible when driving. This especially refers to the way bicycles are used and the transport of children on bicycles, which, they emphasize, is prohibited with the existing offer of bicycles. But with the system operator, Nextbike, they found a solution so that parents with children could also use bicycles. These are child seats, and a number will be set soon.

"Nicer and warmer weather is coming and we expect that the numbers will continue to grow and that is why we appeal to users to use bicycles responsibly and correctly, as stated in the instructions. This means that it is forbidden to ride with another person on a bicycle, especially children. We warn about this because we want to protect our youngest, and we will soon install a number of bicycles with child seats that will enable safe transportation. If it turns out that there is an increased interest, as we procure new bicycles, we will also procure additional seats. We also ask drivers to pay attention to cyclists," said Marko Bartulić, director of Split Parking.

The figures show that users have created the habit of using bicycles and that they are becoming a favorite means of transport for more and more citizens from month to month. The company says that the use of bicycles is good for health and environmental protection, it is cheaper and faster, and the use of bicycles ensures the necessary social distance. In order to meet the growing demand, the entire system is being improved, which will set up about 40 new stations and 175 new bicycles in Split by the end of the year. This will give each district at least one station, and all-important institutions and frequency locations will be covered.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

As Novac writes on the 3rd of June, 2020, starting this weekend, the Istrian Tourist Board is launching intensified media advertising in its emitting tourist markets with special emphasis on the area of ​​Austria and southern Germany, under the slogan "Istrien so nah!" (Istria so close!).

Building on the current destination campaigns conducted in cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), the last of which being "The vacation you deserve is closer than you think" which is being directed towards seven European markets, Istria wants to focus additional attention on its close and faithful markets - German-speaking tourists.

The promotion of the Istrian Peninsula was actively carried out by the Istrian Tourist Board during the previous period of coronavirus induced "dormancy", so, among other activities, two significant newsletter campaigns were realised at more than 500 addresses in Austria and Germany.highlighting Croatia's good crisis management during the pandemic, while in the second, the opening of accommodation and catering facilities, attractions and other tourist facilities was presented.

The director of the county office, Denis Ivosevic, believes that the long-standing friendship between Istria and its Austrian and German guests will be expressed even during these extraordinary circumstances, mutually confirming the level trust built over many years - on the one hand - the optimism and loyalty of Istria's visitors, and on the other hand, by the development of high quality services and facilities on the Istrian Peninsula.

By always following the trends in the travel market, as well as listening to the wishes of its visitors, Istria has developed a type of tourist infrastructure that, even in these difficult times caused by the global pandemic, can offer the necessary security and all the conditions required for a pleasant holiday.

An additional incentive in choosing a destination will be provided by the advertising momentum on online channels, which is scheduled to begin on June the 5th and will last for six weeks, intended primarily for visitors looking for an offer of camping and private accommodation.

Selected motifs, such as attractive Istrian panoramas, from the famous views of Rovinj and the picturesque outline of its old town, a romantic twilight over Porec to the nearby Brijuni islands and more will be used to lure German and Austrian tourists who are more than likely needing a getaway after the last period, to Istria.

Advertisements promoting Istria also contain a partner logo that officially connects Istria County with one of the world's strongest brands - the football giant FC Bayern Munich. The agreement on this important strategic partnership with the tourist board was signed two years ago, on June the 4th, 2018.

In addition to the Tourist Board of Istria County, this advertising is financially supported by the Croatian Tourist Board and several leading hotel companies in Istria.

For more, follow our travel page.

June 4, 2020 — Will the cost of hospitality services in Croatia drop because of the coronavirus crisis?

Many hotels are still closed in early June, and restaurant terraces are mostly empty, according to Zadarski List. Yet there are no discounts, and prices remain fixed. This year there is no overbooking, but there is almost no collapse in accommodation prices. What gives? The director of Lošinj's Tourism Board Dalibor Cvitković offered an explanation.

"The recommendations at our destination are that there is no need to lower prices compared to the same period last year, but to provide additional services, such as parking or something similar," he said. "There will be offers, like six days plus one gratis, or three people, then the fourth gratis, and the tourist board will offer a free ferry in September, but there is no collective reduction of prices."

Cvitković said Lošinj keeps prices steady because service is at a high level. Bookings are at 30 to 40 percent of last year's figures.

"We are waiting for June 15, it is our D-day because the German government has recommended to its citizens not to go anywhere until then, and the Germans are our main market," he said.

The price of an apartment for four people on Lošinj in the peak season ranges from 80 to 100 euros, and for a hotel room, depending on the view and the hotel, between 150 and 200 euros. In other words, about the same as last year.

In Split, prices range from HRK 600 to HRK 4,000 per night. In case you book an apartment for tonight, for two adults and two children in Crikvenica, in a hotel it will cost you around HRK 1,400 and in family accommodation from HRK 500 to HRK 2,000.

Lošinj and other destinations think September can offer a bounce-back, with the pandemic already waning a few months and restrictions completely eased.

The president of the Family Tourism Association at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Martina Nimac Kalcina, said that there are price reductions, but it depends in which parts of Croatia. Maybe not in Istria and on Lošinj, but Croatia has a sea all the way to Dubrovnik.

Prices across the board are lower about 15 percent, she said, but the distribution isn't even. Istria's prices have barely fallen, while other parts of Croatia's coast have seen dips of around 20 percent.

"Owners of luxury villas are mostly reluctant to lower prices, except as discounts as part of certain promotions," Nimac Kalcina said. "Domestic guests, if they come directly to the owner of the facility, can certainly lower the price, considering that there will be unfilled facilities this year."

She predicted domestic guests could easily find available accommodation at prices 50 percent lower than last year.

Nedo Pinezić, a well-known tourist expert and employee, especially of family accommodation, said supply and demand dictate prices, not a mutual agreement among all accommodation owners. This oscillation started in 2016, as demand rose faster than supply, leading to a jump in prices.

Stagnation settled in last year, in the first half of July, Pinezić said, leading to a chain reaction of price cuts across the market. Most cuts start with the highest-end accommodations and trickle down. Pinezić called it the "greatest opportunity for discounts."

"In the corona season of 2020, we still don’t know what will happen to demand or prices," he said. "For now, we speculate that July, August and September will be "peaceful months" without the spread of the infection and that summer trips to the sea will be available. However, this summer there will be no guests from overseas destinations, nor those who will not be able to get a vacation, nor those who are in some way affected by the corona and post-corona crisis.

"The volume of demand will decrease, especially from more potent markets, which will increase the pressure to lower prices," he concluded.

ZAGREB, June 4, 2020 - Croatia's Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlic Radman on Thursday met with ethnic Croats in Kotor and Tivat during a two-day visit to Montenegro, expressing Croatia's support to Montenegro on its European journey as well as satisfaction with the status of the Croat minority in the country.

Grlic Radman met in Tivat with the president of the Croatian National Council of Montenegro, Zvonimir Dekovic, and the president of the Croatian Civic Initiative (HGI) and member of parliament, Adrijan Vuksanovic.

"The native Croatian community of Boka Kotorska fosters Croat identity, history, the common past. They are a jewel here that contributes to a better understanding and multiculturalism, coexistence, which we are proud of, and they strengthen Montenegro's diversity. With this visit I wanted to testify to their work and activities," said Grlic Radman.

"We strongly support Croats in Montenegro and their representatives in the Montenegrin parliament. Croats here are an example of how we can work together and be a factor of European values that Croatia has achieved with its membership of the European Union. As the chair of the European Union, Croatia strongly and sincerely advocates Montenegro's European path," Grlic Radman underlined.

Vuksanovic who is the leader of the HGI party,  the only Croat minority political party in Montenegro, said that Croatia and Montenegro are friendly countries and that Croats in that country are a bridge in their relations.

Grlic Radman also met with the Archbishop of Bar and Apostolic Administrator of the Kotor Diocese, Msgr Roko Gjonlleshaj who informed the minister of the history of the diocese and the current situation regarding the appointment of the future bishop.

After the meeting, Grlic Radman visited Saint Tryphon's Cathedral as well as the future Croatian consulate which will be housed in a old palace in downtown Kotor owned by Croatia, which is currently being reconstructed.

On Friday, Grlic Radman is scheduled to meet with President Milo Djukanovic, Parliament Speaker Ivan Brajovic and Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic.