March 21, 2020 - More than 40,000 daily visitors and a total of 120,000 from 143 countries danced for three full days last July at the Ultra Europe music festival held at Park Mladezi in Split. 

Unofficially, Slobodna Dalmacija reports that the organizers are planning this year's edition despite the global coronavirus pandemic.

The most popular electronic music festival is scheduled for July 10, 11 and 12. Still, the question arises as to how long this pandemic will last, given the fact that thousands of festival-goers from all over the world are in Split during this time.

There are innumerable questions, and there are few answers to them at the moment.

Some will agree that maintaining Ultra Europe will help the citizens of Split to at least somewhat get out of the unenviable financial situation caused by the pandemic, and although the festival itself is just four months away, in this case, they should be guided by one rule - better prevented than treated.

“At this point, it is difficult to predict how long all this will take and make any forecasts. As we can see, in China it is going down, in Italy it is booming, with us, it is just beginning.

Of course, we would all be happy to have our lives back to normal. If Ultra is still held, visitors take the risk themselves by coming,” said Željka Karin, director of the Public Health Teaching Institute of Split-Dalmatia County.

What if the virus is eradicated by July and Ultra Europe goes on, does it still pose a risk to the citizens of Split?

Slobodna Dalmacija also sent an inquiry to the City of Split, where the City said it is currently dealing with more important things, and they relate to a series of measures aimed at alleviating the effects of the coronavirus pandemic for citizens and the economy.

Earlier this month, Ultra organizers were forced to decide to cancel the festival in Abu Dhabi (March 5-6), as well as the one in Miami (March 20, 21, and 22), for the first time since the world's craziest party started in 1999.

All those who have already purchased tickets for the Split edition could have problems because, after the cancellation of Miami and Abu Dhabi, the decision was made not to refund the money spent, but any holder of an unused ticket will be entitled to attend Ultra in 2021 or 2022.

This has caused an uproar from festival-goers, and a series of petitions can be found on the internet seeking a refund for the tickets purchased.

Organizers have not yet posted anything on their official site, and have not even updated their status on Facebook since March 6.

The seventh edition of Ultra in Split registered its millionth guest, and because of record ticket sales, it was the most visited year since it was held in Croatia. The new space also opened up new possibilities in the form of the theatrical main stage, the largest ever set in the region, and with its production and size, exceeded all expectations so far.

On the impressive LED screen, visualizations constantly swirled, all complemented by numerous special effects. From the visual show to the perfect sound and infectious beats, everything was flawlessly executed. The world's biggest electronic music names such as Swedish House Mafia, Carl Cox, David Guetta, Afrojack, Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Armin van Buuren, The Chainsmokers, Maceo Plex alternated on the stages.

As things stand now, even though the organizers are still doing everything according to plan, it is certainly possible that Ultra Europe will not go on in Split this summer.

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

March 20, 2020 - The Split Mayor has a message to all citizens - Stay Home!

From Thursday, Croatian citizens began life under a coronavirus lockdown. The borders are closed, everything that isn’t deemed necessary to work isn't operating, gatherings of more than five people are banned, and social distancing must continue at least one meter away, reports Slobodna Dalmacija and Dalmatinski Portal.

As a guest on the HTV program Otvoreno, answering the question of how Split is coping with these new, restrictive measures imposed because of the danger of the coronavirus pandemic, Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara said:

“In addition to the fact that this crisis is certainly a health and economic problem, it is also a sociological phenomenon. Unlike the Prime Minister and the four-member Staff, I will say something that is neither calm nor laid-back. It is not clear to me how people do not realize the gravity of the situation and still walk the streets. Today the promenade on Žnjan was full of people. People are walking around Marjan. Buses full of pensioners. 

We have sociological issues and by no means are the people listening to the nice, suggestive messages of the National Headquarters. If we want to overcome the crisis, we have to listen to the HQ, stay home. Stay home, especially the elderly. You have your neighbors, people you live with, and Red Cross activists to help you. Walking around town is incomprehensible to me.”

He also spoke about what was being done to avoid an economic disaster.

“The City of Split has already adopted a package of measures of HRK 150 million, a total of 11 measures. Among other things, no rent will be charged to outlets in City areas; furthermore, we will not go into enforcement. We must preserve the private sector, we must not allow ourselves to be the biggest loser. In addition to the scientific problem, we have an economic one. Tomorrow, my advisory team will meet and in parallel, we will align ours with the measures taken by the Government,” explained Opara.

The director of the Croatian Institute for Public Health and a member of the national crisis staff, Krunoslav Capak, said that staying outside can be beneficial if the weather is nice, but only with precautionary measures.

“Unfortunately, colder weather will come from Sunday and we will prepare a set of recommendations for behavior indoors,” he said and explained that not all Covid-19 patients need to be hospitalized.

*Follow this page for updates on the coronavirus in Croatia from Total Croatia News.

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March 19,  2020 - The City of Split announces measures to help citizens and entrepreneurs during the corona crisis. 

In line with national efforts to combat the economic damage caused by the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19), Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara is bringing a set of measures to help citizens and entrepreneurs affected by the National Civil Protection Headquarters’ decision to stop work. 

Under the Decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters on prohibiting certain economic activities from today, March 19, 2020, the following applies:

1. Suspension of all foreclosures in the form of halting forced collection within the next 90 days for business entities

2. Suspension of all enforcement by stopping forced collection in the next 90 days for citizens

3. Deferral of utility payments for 90 days for business entities

4. Deferral of utility payments for 90 days for citizens

5. Following the Ordinance on the operation of kindergartens, the price of kindergartens during their suspension is reduced by 50% for all categories

6. Following the Rulebook on Extended and Full-Day Residence in Primary Schools, parents will participate in a fixed amount of HRK 250 per month, and a participation fee of HRK 25 per day during the suspension will not be charged

7. Co-financing of interest costs on loans for craftspeople and small businesses for micro-liquidity loans and COVID-19 working capital loans for small and medium-sized enterprises, up to a maximum of 1% interest

8. City companies Čistoća Split d.o.o. and Vodovod and Sewage d.o.o. delay the payment of services to all natural and legal persons for 90 days. The invoices will be sent regularly, but due in 90 days.

Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara will propose the following measures, based on the Decision of the National Civil Protection Headquarters on the prohibition of work on March 19, 2020, for certain economic activities:

9. Exemption from lease payments for public areas not in use per the Decision of the National Headquarters on prohibitions, i.e., in the sectors covered by the Decision on prohibiting labor

10. Exemption of lease payments for business premises owned by the City of Split and for premises owned by the City of Split, given to the management of Splitskoj obali d.o.o. and to the Public Institution Sports Facilities, when not in use per the Decision of the National Headquarters on prohibiting labor

According to current estimates, the effect of this package of measures is around HRK 150 million over the next three months.

Additional measures have been considered and are being prepared to assist vulnerable groups of the population, especially towards citizens over the age of 60, which will require an increase in the budget.

Even though the possibility of paying utility bills with a delay of three months has been introduced, the City asks citizens, given the burden on the expenditure side of the Budget and the number of initiated city projects, to fulfill their obligations following their capabilities by paying electronically.

For the stated liabilities for March, no refunds will be made, but an offset will be made with future payments for the period after the measures are abolished.

Also, depending on the development of the situation, Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara will make a timely decision on the duration of deferrals.

“Considering the economic importance of this health pandemic and in order to mitigate the negative effects of the crisis, we have prepared this set of measures on the delays and the exemptions we propose to the City Council, not wanting to wait for the pandemic to end, and already addressing the consequences that will be reflected in the tourism and the economy as a whole. We have to, and that's why we are acting now," emphasized Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara, and once again urged citizens to responsibly comply with all instructions of the National Civil Protection Headquarters.

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

March 16, 2020 - Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara presided over a session of the Tourist Board of the City of Split on Monday.

In addition to the members of the Council and the Tourist Board Director Alijana Vukšić, the President of the Croatian Chamber of Economy, Split County Chamber Jozo Tomaš participated, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

Following the findings and projections of the coronavirus on tourism in Split in the coming months, it was decided that the mayor would send a set of measures to the City Council to mitigate the negative effect.

The need to preserve jobs in the tourism, hospitality and economy sectors as a whole was also discussed, and it was stressed that incentive measures would only make sense if employers did not lay off existing staff.

“This emergency has not only health but also economic significance. Of course, our priority is health, but at the same time, we are monitoring and addressing the economic segment to mitigate the negative effects of the crisis that will follow after this first phase. That is why we are not waiting for the epidemic to end to start dealing with the consequences that will affect the tourism and the economy as a whole, but we must act immediately,” said Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

They also discussed the period after the end of the crisis, the need for enhanced promotion of the tourism product, and the measures and incentives for the recovery of the hospitality, tourism and economic sector in the Split area.

“The Tourism Council and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce are monitoring the development of the situation and are constantly looking at the effects that the spread of the virus has on the local economy. By working together and acting and taking certain measures, the aim is to support the Split economy, tourism and hospitality industry to start and continue its growth and development trend as soon as the crisis is over.”

Tourism Minister Gari Cappelli said that the Government would travel the tourism sector with a measure of delayed payment under the "3 + 3" model.

“It is important for us to have a delay, such as a deferral of payment of the tourist tax, tourist membership fees, hoteliers paying concessions in camps on tourist land - that all go for delays through the 3 + 3 model. In this direction, we are going to postpone it depending on the events for three months. That way, both personal income and everything we can deal with immediately and urgently is likely to be addressed. So we're sure we can cover that for the next six months. Workforce protection and liquidity come first," Cappelli said.

Follow the latest coronavirus updates on the dedicated TCN section.

March 13, 2020 - The City of Split and Mayor Andro Krustolovic Opara address citizens on the coronavirus outbreak. 

“In accordance with the decision of the Ministry of Health to declare the danger of an epidemic of infectious disease COVID-19, and in order to prevent the spread of the disease, the City of Split temporarily changes its working hours to work with parties in the administrative bodies of the city administration.

From Monday, March 16, 2020, all communications from the City Administration will be made by telephone and email. Parties will be received at the offices exclusively at the times agreed upon by telephone or email. Central Office hours remain unchanged, every working day from 8 am to 3 pm. Also, the office hours of the City Treasury remain unchanged, from 8 am to 12 pm. We remind you that invoices can be paid at all OTP Bank branches free of charge.

City companies, Split Vodovod and Sewerage, Split Čistoća and Split Parking have also called on service users to communicate by telephone or e-mail, all with a view to suppressing coronaviruses, protection, and employees and citizens.

City institutions in culture, according to the instructions of the Headquarters, postponed all the planned events, and all sports events in the sports facilities of the City of Split are postponed.

Employees of the city government, city companies and city institutions continue to carry out their regular jobs on a regular basis, and all these measures, according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters, must be introduced to protect all citizens.

City institutions in the culture, according to the instructions of the Headquarters, postponed all the planned events and events, and all sports events in the sports facilities of the City of Split are postponed.

Employees of the city government, city companies and city institutions continue to carry out their regular jobs on a regular basis, and all these measures, according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters, must be introduced to protect all citizens.

According to the Decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, as of Monday, March 16, there will be no teaching in primary and secondary schools or colleges. The Ministry of Science and Education will organize the classes electronically, which all parents and students have already received or will receive instruction in their schools, which are ready to teach according to the Ministry's instructions. The elementary schools of the City of Split will receive lower-grade students who cannot be provided with care by their parents from 8 am to 4 pm.

The kindergartens co-founded by the City of Split (DV Cvit Mediterranean, DV Grigor Vitez, DV Radost and DV Marjan) will also be open Monday for children whose parents work and cannot arrange for home care. We encourage parents to request detailed information at the schools and kindergartens their children attend.”

Information and instructions for citizens on how to behave if they have coronavirus symptoms and preventive measures have been published on the website of the City of Split," said the City.

Mayor Andro Krustolovic Opara also addressed the people of Split.

“We are facing a situation that needs to be addressed with utmost prudence, responsibility, and solidarity.

I know that I should tell you "don't panic", and indeed, with our Ministry of Health and the National Headquarters, which has been leading the lead well since the beginning of this crisis, and we should not panic but listen to them and act in accordance with their instructions. However, I understand the fear of the unknown, the emptying of shops and pharmacies,… Keep in mind that all measures taken are aimed at preventing and preventing the spread of the infection, so we are obliged to respect them all.

I would ask our youngest fellow citizens to listen to their parents and seniors and to follow their school responsibilities from home. I know it's a good time and you would most like to go out and play. Patience, the time will come for this as soon as this virus passes, and it will happen quickly if we are all responsible and obey the instructions of our crisis staff. Help grandparents avoid having to go outside or shop because we have to keep them safe the most because they are the most sensitive.

Dear fellow citizens, it is up to us to act responsibly, to ourselves and to the society in which we live. Only if we listen to the professionals and respect the measures that those responsible give us, life in Split, Dalmatia and in Croatia, and ultimately the whole world, will soon return to normal,” said Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara.

In addition to the daily TCN briefing, you can follow all aspects of TCN's coronavirus coverage in the dedicated COVID-19 section by clicking here. 

February 11, 2020 - The City of Split has allocated 850,000 kuna in its 2020 budget, which includes adapting the Croatian National Theatre Split, or HNK Split, for people with disabilities. 

Dalmacija Danas reports that the Croatian National Theatre building in Split was built in 1893 and destroyed in a major fire in 1970. The reconstruction itself lasted almost ten years, with the program performed in the Lora House Hall and the Kina Split Hall. Ownership relations have not been regulated since then, and on January 25, 2018, the City of Split initiated proceedings before the Split Municipal Court to enforce the registration of ownership of the City. The procedure was completed after two years. 

Thus, the City of Split has provided funds for one of the most important civil engineering infrastructural interventions in the 2020 Budget, which is the adaptation of the building for the accessibility of persons with disabilities. During the last year, the project documentation was prepared - the entrance to the building itself, the entrances to the lodges and the installation of an elevator will be adjusted, and all projects have been approved by the Ministry of Culture, Conservation Department in Split.

Preparations are underway for the procurement process for the installation of an elevator at the location of the cashier to be relocated. The entrance door of the lodge will be adapted as well as the main entrance to the building itself by installing a new ramp, which, unlike the existing one, will meet all the conditions for disabled people to enter independently. The budget for this year’s projects is 850,000 kuna. 

Recently, the renovation works on the ground floor of the theater were completed. The funds were secured by the application of the City of Split to the competition of the Ministry of Croatian Veterans Affairs and by the sponsorship of HEP and the Split “Lionsa” at a humanitarian concert.

The inaccessibility at the most important theater institution in Dalmatia will soon be a thing of the past.

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

January 30, 2020 - Split City councilors have decided to charge the maximum tourist tax for cruisers moored at the port or anchored in the Split area from May 1st to October 31st. In the offseason, cruises will be charged half that amount.

Thus, Splitski Dnevnik reports that in the heart of the season, Split will charge a maximum of 2000 kuna for ships with a capacity of 50 to 200 passengers, and in the rest of the year, 1000 kuna, while cruisers with a capacity of 1001 to 2000 people will be charged 20,000 kuna during the season, and only 10,000 during the offseason. 

As for the highest categories, from 3001 passengers and more, the maximum 40,000 kuna will be charged from May to October, and in the offseason, 20,000 kuna will be charged.

“The position of the Split City Port in cruise tourism is ideal, as the guest is five to six minutes away from the city center, and that is exactly what they are charged for, for the opportunity we offer them,” said Tonči Blažević of HSLS.

"In addition to the source of funds, utilities are also a management tool, and every entrepreneur working in the season knows that. That is why there should be a difference in tax concerning periods. We keep saying that there is only tourism in the summer, but it has extended for most of the year and by dividing the tax, we can direct this type of tourism towards those months where we have lower attendance and reduce the burden on infrastructure in the peak months. A small step is also a step,” Blažević said, proposing an amendment that charges the maximum price from May to October and the suggested amount in the other months.

A similar amendment was submitted by the councilors of the Pametno party, who suggested that the highest price should be from June to September,  and 50% of the amount for the rest of the year. According to the law, the city or municipality receives 85 percent of this money, and County 15, and by law, the funds raised are earmarked for improving public and tourism infrastructure and for projects and programs for sustainable development. The public consultation was held from December 10 to December 31, to which no objections were received, said Pavo Zaninovic, head of the tourism department of the Department for Economy, Crafts and Tourism of the City of Split.

"This decision takes effect from January 1, 2021, and the city council must adopt the decision by January 31 of the current year for the next one," Zaninovic said.

However, the debate on this topic was very heated.

Recall, Dubrovnik has decided to charge the maximum amount for cruisers from 2021. They expect revenues of HRK 10-14 million per year.

Zadar, for example, decided that for the Gaženica port, which is a large infrastructure project made with state money, they would continue to charge nothing for cruisers in order to increase their competitiveness, but also divert cruisers to a location outside the crowded city center. For this reason, cruisers who want to anchor in the city center, next to the ‘Monument to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, will be charged the maximum because it is an attractive location.

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

January 16, 2020 - A new tourist tax will be paid by cruise ships from January next year, but will Split be making the most of it? A closer look.  

Slobodna Dalamacija reports that in just one year, from January 1, 2021, cruisers moored in the port or anchored in the Split area will pay tourist taxes. The Tourist Tax Act, which was passed last year, stipulates that cities and municipalities may, but may not, charge tourist fees for international cruise ships at their ports or anchorages if so decided by the City or Municipal Council.

Fees are charged according to the number of passengers, that is, the capacity of the ship, and the Law stipulates that the minimum fee for ships up to 200 passengers is HRK 2000, while the maximum fee for ships carrying 3000 or more passengers is HRK 40,000. The city or municipality receives 85 percent of that money, and the County 15 percent. 

The public consultation, which ended on December 31, 2019, featured a "Draft Proposal for a Decision on the Tourist Fee Amount for Cruise Ships". It proposes that the minimum price be HRK 1,000 and the maximum price HRK 20,000. The City of Split has decided to collect an amount two times less than the law allows. 

We must add that the funds collected under the Act are intended to be earmarked for improving public and tourist infrastructure and for projects and programs for sustainable development. In other words, the City of Split gave up half of the money it could have used to improve communal infrastructure, arranging beaches, lighting, bench repairs, horticulture, and so on. 

On the other hand, Dubrovnik has decided to charge the maximum amount from 2021. They expect revenues of HRK 10-14 million per year.

Zadar, for example, decided that for the Gaženica port, which is a large infrastructure project made with state money, they would continue to charge nothing to cruisers in order to increase their competitiveness, but also divert cruisers to a location outside the crowded city center. For this reason, cruisers who want to anchor in the city center, next to the ‘Monument to the Sun’ and the ‘Sea Organ’, will be charged the maximum because it is an attractive location.

However, for a spot at the Split city port, right next to the famous Riva and the world-famous Diocletian's Palace, cruise ships are getting a considerable discount.

The initiative to collect fees began in Dubrovnik, which is overrun by cruise ships in the summer.

The power ratio is roughly such that the people of Dubrovnik have more cruisers than Split and Zadar combined. That is, twice as many cruisers come to Dubrovnik annually than to Split, which in turn has twice as many ships as Zadar.

Translated from Slobodna Dalamacija 

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January 15, 2020 - At a press conference held on Tuesday, Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara and his associates presented the largest project of energy-efficient public lighting in Croatia - "Modernizing public lighting of the City of Split using the energy service model".

The Mayor stressed the excellent cooperation between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) consultants and the City of Split project team, who worked together on a solution that resulted in a major reconstruction project and a proposal for modernizing the public lighting system.

"This is a significant project that will not only improve the quality of life in our city, but will also raise standards in an ecological aspect and increase the level of safety of our citizens. Therefore, ecology, energy savings and security are the guiding principles of all activities in this project,” said Opara. City Development and EU Funds Advisor to the Mayor, Kresimir Budisa, explained that the project covers 15,090 lamps or 88 percent of public lighting, with a total investment value of HRK 62 million. He said that the project includes not only the area of Split but also Slatine, Zrnovnica, Stobrec and Sitno Gornje and Donje.

"Annual energy savings and maintenance of public lighting systems are expected to amount to as much as HRK 6.2 million," Budisa said. According to him, the modernization of public lighting in the city of Split includes, among other things, introducing modern and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the city area, reducing the cost of public lighting and reducing CO2 emissions. It also includes restoring lighting and raising safety in the Marjan tunnel traffic corridor and modernizing lighting on children's playgrounds and sports and recreational areas for citizens.

Budisa also recalled the EU project CitiEnGov, a smart public lighting pilot project implemented in the GK Bacvice, which has proven to be one of the best examples of modernizing public lighting in Central Europe using the latest technologies with exceptional results in reducing electricity consumption, increasing convenience and safety for citizens and visitors, as well as reducing CO2 emissions. 

The project presented was prepared with the help of free technical assistance provided by the EBRD, and the proposed financing for the said project is through the Energy Services Model (ESCO). The presentation was also attended by Radojka Tomasevic, Head of the International and EU Projects Department, Hrvoje Jazvic, EBRD representative, and Mate Rebić, EBRD consultant.

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

December 21, 2019 - Christmas Eve would be nothing without bakalar and fritule. Thus, the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, the Split Tourist Board, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, and Chefs of Mediterranean and European cuisine are ensuring that 5,000 of you (at least) won't miss it this holiday season. And all you have to do is show up to Prokurative.

Splitski Dnevnik writes that the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, and the Chefs of Mediterranean and European Regions are organizing the already traditional event "Split with Love" on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at Prokurative where citizens will be greeted with 5,000 servings of Croatia’s Christmas cod, bakalar, from 11 am!

More than forty chefs will participate in preparing this famous Christmas fish, which will once again be cooked in a massive 2.2-meter-wide pot. The bakalar will be served by more than 100 volunteers in biodegradable bowls to add an environmental touch to the holiday season. 

This jumbo pot, which is already a traditional element of events in Split today, was created 14 years ago for this exact manifestation in Skver. The pot will contain 200 kilograms of cod, half a ton of potatoes, 200 kg of chickpeas, 250 kg of onion, 40 liters of olive oil, and five kilos of garlic and parsley.

Along with the free-flowing servings of cod at Prokurative, citizens will also be handed out sweet fried donuts, or fritule, which will be prepared and shared by Split hoteliers and caterers, according to their cherished recipes.

But that’s not all. 

This cod and fritule fest would be nothing without a commemorative holiday program, which will begin at 10:30 am with the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Klapa KUD Filip Devic.

Along with the City of Split, Split-Dalmatia County, the Split Tourist Board and the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, and the Chefs of Mediterranean and European regional cuisine, this year's event was organized thanks to the help of numerous sponsors and donors.

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