Travel

August 3, 2019 - While Jelsa may be having a poor season with its current 2-star tourism strategy, the future is very bright indeed - listen to what the tourists are saying after they discover the secrets Jelsa doesn't share.  I have spent a bit of time this summer looking at the current state of tourism in my beloved Jelsa on Hvar. Saddened by the poor quality in a destination which could do so much better, I decided to give something back to the town which has given me so much - a proper tourism strategy, much of which can…

A look at the two busiest airports in Croatia this summer - Split and Zagreb. At the end of last month, TCN reported that Zagreb Airport should see a 5% increase in passengers this year.  "Since the start of the concession, at the end of 2013, until today, Zagreb Airport has recorded a 45% increase in passenger numbers. Growth is continuing this year as well in line with our plans and expectations,” the airport said. However, July was expected to be a bit slower than last year thanks to the absence of the World Cup.  Namely, Ex Yu Aviation reports…

August 2, 2019 - Split continues to impress this summer! According to eVisitor data, in July, 189,547 arrivals and 630,467 overnights in the area of Split were recorded, which is an increase of 5% in arrivals and 4% in overnights compared to the previous year. The largest number of arrivals was achieved by tourists from the United Kingdom, the USA, France, and Germany. Split is indeed one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Croatia, as evidenced by the fact that from January to July, 517,422 arrivals and 1,484,138 overnights were achieved, which is an increase of 9% in arrivals…

August 1, 2019 - Want to learn the secrets of a fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site but have your small children in tow? Now you can with Explore Split With Your Kids, a new Diocletian's Palace by Ivica Profaca. As parents, we have all been there. On holiday in a historic and cultural place and desperate to explore the heritage and learn more of the fascinating history of the city we are visiting.  But we are on holiday with the kids...  There is absolutely no chance of you being able to enjoy a fascinating 2-hour walking tour of a historic…

The stunning Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach in Bol on the island of Brač, which is otherwise the third largest island in Croatia and the largest Dalmatian island, is no stranger to being hailed for its unbelievable beauty.  Having found itself listed on seemingly endless lists of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and indeed the whole world, it should come as no surprise that yet another travel page has recognised its unique shape and incredible magnificence.  Croatia boasts many a beautiful beach, but very many of them dotted along this country long and rugged coasline, as well as on…

Ika is a small fisherman's village, located near Opatija, and for the last five years, it has hosted the unique event called "Vino i Vruja" (Wine and the Underwater Wellspring; you have to admit it has a nicer ring in Croatian). A group of enthusiasts gathered together in the Ikarski barkajoli association, supported by the City of Opatija and the local tourist board, and each year, they put a selection of the best Croatian wines in the underwater wellsprings of Ika, where they are given a year in the perfect conditions to age. This Saturday, last year's batch will be taken…

July 31, 2019 - Continuing our look at Croatia as It Once Was, a visit to the capital Zagreb in 1969 to meet plenty of people enjoying their summer holiday.  Zagreb is a city that has really grown on me in recent years as it has developed from the boring city that it was when I first arrived.  There is plenty going on, a much better gourmet scene, a much more multicultural scene, and a very vibrant tech and entrepreneurial scene. Whereas 15 years ago I could not wait to get my business done and leave, today I could quite…

A new tunnel in Split will eventually connect the Ferry Port and the exit below the Koteks skyscraper, which should relieve the traffic unloading from the busy harbor. Dalmatinski Portal reports on July 30, 2019, that on Tuesday morning, Minister of Transport Oleg Butković was stuck in traffic as he left the port of Split. Namely, as Butković was returning from Korčula and on his way to visit the County Prefect Blaženko Boban, he too had to experience the crowds when leaving the ferry port, which is routine since the new one-way traffic regulation was introduced. Despite all this, Butkovič…

France has seen a steady increase in visitors to Croatia in recent years, at an annual difference of between 5-10 percent. This year is no different, with 300,000 arrivals and more than a million overnights in the first seven months, which is up 6 percent from the same period last year, says HTZ France. As Goran Rihelj of HRTurizam writes on July 30, 2019, the positive trend continued in July, with French tourists making 121,000 arrivals and 477,000 overnight stays, which is up 7 percent on arrivals and 10 percent on overnight stays compared to July last year. "We are…

July 31, 2019 - As the Ministry of Tourism restricts access to the transparent and award-winning eVisitor statistics system and last available statistics pointing to another record season, many destinations are reporting the exact opposite. So is anyone having a record season in Croatia? Meet Vanja Jelic Stjepovic from Adriatic Travel Collection. A few days ago, I posted on my Facebook wall that I was looking for any tourism businesses who were indeed having a record season to be featured on TCN. Although it is the peak season and people were busy, I was expecting a few replies. I have received…