August 22, 2020 -The Croatian National Tourist Board has created a new website dedicated to the Croatian part of the new Mediterranean cycling route EuroVelo 8, as part of the EU project MEDCYCLETOUR, in which it actively participates as one of the eight project partners.

HTZ announced that this interactive page in Croatian and English would help in planning a cycling holiday and better navigation in the seven Croatian tourist regions through which the EuroVelo 8 cycling route passes in Croatia.

"Cyclotourism is generally one of the fastest-growing tourist products, which in these market circumstances can make a significant contribution to the faster recovery of tourism, given that it is a year-round, healthy and safe activity that basically absolutely respects social distancing measures. I believe that the Croatian part of the beautiful Mediterranean route will attract many domestic and foreign cyclists, who can now find comprehensive technical and tourist information on our website to create their trip," said the director of the Croatian Tourist Board Kristjan Stanicic. 

The new page invites you to explore and discover the natural beauties, cultural sights and rich tourist offer of destinations on the coast, islands and hinterland, offering information on twenty main and eight alternative Croatian sections of the Mediterranean route. The Croatian section of the route covers the entire coast from Istria to Dubrovnik, 1116 kilometers long, while the total length of the entire Mediterranean route, from Cadiz to Cyprus, is about 7500 km and passes through the most attractive parts of eleven countries in the Mediterranean region, namely Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Cyprus.

Let us remind you that Croatia is integrated into the EuroVelo network of bicycle routes, which connect the entire European continent via 17 bicycle routes in the length of 90 thousand kilometers, through 42 European countries. Marked routes throughout Europe can be used by tourists on excursions, those who are on multi-day and multi-month trips and the local population who walk shorter sections of the EuroVelo route in daily cycling or enjoy them on cycling trips.

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ZAGREB, Aug 18, 2020 - The US Virtuoso association of travel agencies that organise luxury travel has conducted a survey which shows that Croatia is ranked among the 20 most desirable destinations in 2021, the Croatian National Tourist Board's (HTZ) USA branch director, Ina Rodin, has said.

"Visitors using the Virtuoso Wanderlist, a new platform for online trip planning, have created a wish list of counties they would like to travel to next year and based on their final choice, Croatia is among the top 20 destinations in the world," Rodin underlined.

Among the top 20 destinations are also South Africa, Italy, Australia, France, Japan, Great Britain, Greece, Argentina, Kenya, Botswana, Spain, Iceland, Portugal, Mexico, New Zealand, Ireland, Tanzania, Thailand and California.

Describing the news from the USA as excellent for Croatia, HTZ Director Kristjan Stanicic said that Croatia has reinforced its reputation on the US market and hopes that next year the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic will have calmed down and that more tourists from distant destinations will come to Croatia. The US generates the most tourism turnover of all distant markets.

Rodin also said that local media in the US are constantly reporting about Croatia's beauty, including Lonely Planet which recently reported about the ten most beautiful beaches in Croatia - Zlatni Rat, Prapratno, Paradise Beach, Stiniva, Zrce, Dubovica, Kamenjak, Sahara, Punta Rata and Lubenice.

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July 28, 2020 - Dutch entrepreneur Jan de Jong believes that Croatia should introduce visas for digital nomads as soon as possible, following the example of Estonia.

The coronavirus pandemic brought the world to a halt. Most work was done from home, and meetings and conferences were held via online video platforms.

Even now, many workers around the world are still working remotely, which Split-based Dutch entrepreneur Jan de Jong sees as a massive opportunity for the Croatian economy.

Namely, Dutchman Jan Je Jong moved to Croatia 13 years ago and now calls Split home. He believes that Croatia should introduce visas for digital nomads as soon as possible, following the example of Estonia, which implemented them about a month ago.

"Digital nomads are people who can work remotely, are not tied to one place, and they only need internet access. They choose this way of working while traveling the world. With the coronavirus pandemic forcing many companies to allow telecommuting, the trend has accelerated.

Forecasts say that by 2035, there will be about a billion digital nomads in the world. I believe that digital nomad tourism is a huge opportunity for Croatia because it can turn it into a year-round destination," explains Jan.

He adds that Estonia was a hit in international media with its move because it was the first country to introduce a visa for digital nomads, thus inviting highly skilled and highly paid teleworkers to their country, where they would ultimately live for a while and spend their salaries.

Their example was quickly followed by countries such as Barbados and Georgia. It would be an excellent promotion for Croatia if they showed leadership in presenting a visa for digital nomads. Time is crucial in this and I suggest that we do not invent a circuit but take the Estonian model and apply it to us. For example, their conditions for obtaining a visa are proof that you can work remotely, you can only work for foreign companies and clients, i.e., non-Estonians, and the minimum monthly income should be 3,500 euros before taxes," says Jan.

With a visa, digital nomads from all over the world could legally come to Croatia and work for a maximum of one year, but also travel and enjoy the benefits of the state.

"The main advantage for Croatia is year-round tourism and the arrival of highly paid workers who would not take jobs and spend their salaries in Croatia. There are currently 50,000 digital nomads in Bali, which has a similar population as Croatia. If these figures could be achieved in Croatia, assuming that each nomad would spend about ten thousand kuna a month for living, i.e., renting an apartment and a car, groceries, going to the hairdresser and dentist, etc., they could reach 500 million kuna, which goes directly into the budget monthly.

Digital nomads would be important for Croatia in terms of marketing, because they would share their experiences, videos and photos with their friends, but also on social networks, which would be a free promotion," Jan points out, adding that this would be a great way to start 2021.

He explains that a visa is not required for citizens of the European Union, but that is why it is, for example, for citizens of the USA. Jan adds that digital nomads from America can now legally stay in Croatia for three months on a tourist visa, and they are not officially allowed to work, although many freelancers do so. He points out that if we offer digital nomads the legal basis to stay in the country for a maximum of 12 months and work, perhaps more and more global companies will allow their employees to do just that for a certain period of time.

"Remember my words. Soon this will no longer be so innovative, as I expect many countries to follow the example of Estonia. It would be amazing to see Croatia as a leader in this; let's not wait for it to become a global standard. This time, Croatia has the opportunity to be among the first. We have opened the borders for tourists, why not open them for highly paid digital nomads as well?" adds Jan.

A few days ago, on LinkedIn, Jan published an open letter to the Prime Minister, Andrej Plenkovic, but he has not yet received a response.

"The support I received is simply amazing. I can say that people in Croatia and abroad liked the idea of visas for digital nomads. So far, I have not received an official response from the Prime Minister's Office, but my post on LinkedIn is full of messages from people around the world who want to know more about how they can come to Croatia to work and live for a limited period of time.

Everyone is interested in how this can be done, regarding taxes and residence permits. That is why a visa for digital nomads is important, in order to provide answers to all these questions," concluded Jan.

Source: Bankar.me

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July 27, 2020 - With four days to go in the month, Croatia has recorded more than two million tourist arrivals in July, which is 54 percent of the arrivals achieved in the same period last year, the Croatian National Tourist Board announced on Monday.

Transmitting eVisitor data, the Croatian National Tourist Board annouced there were also 14.7 million tourist overnight stays, which is approximately 59 percent of last year's result, reports Htz.hr.

Of the total number of arrivals, foreign tourists realized 1.8 million (51 percent of last year's result) and 12.5 million overnight stays (56 percent of last year's result), while the turnover of domestic tourists is at 90 percent of last year's traffic measured by arrivals and 78 percent overnight stays.

In the current part of July, the leading market for arrivals is Germany, where 92 percent of last year's result was achieved, followed by Slovenia with 91 percent and Poland and the Czech Republic with about 82 percent of last year's result measured by arrivals in the same period.

The destinations with the highest number of arrivals so far in July are Rovinj, Medulin, Crikvenica, Poreč, Umag and Split.

"We are conducting intensive promotional, but also those information campaigns in which we communicate that Croatia is a safe tourist destination in our nearest emitting markets. These are, given the circumstances, excellent indicators and a good announcement for August in which we expect the continuation of positive trends. This is confirmed by the number of about 700 thousand tourists who are currently vacationing in Croatia, "said the director of the Croatian Tourist Board Kristjan Stanicic.

He stressed the importance of further responsible behavior in order to maintain the perception of Croatia as a safe tourist destination.

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July 15, 2020 - Croatia is among the most sought-after foreign tourist destinations on the French market, according to MisterFly, one of the largest French online distributors specializing in airline ticket sales, car rental and hotel accommodation.

"Numerous inquiries from the general and professional public that come to us every day are proof that the image of Croatia in France is still very good. Croatia ranks well on the list of countries that are definitely worth a visit due to their exceptional natural beauty, hospitality and favorable epidemiological situation," said Danijela Mihalic Durica, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Representation in France, on HRTurizam, emphasizing that there is already a noticeable trend of increasing bookings for next year, given that many French travel organizers have provided their clients with free booking delays, as well as the announcement of new airlines from the French market for the postseason.

Namely, according to the new flight plan for September and October, Air France from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport announced flights to Dubrovnik and Zagreb.

By the end of September, Air France plans to establish 50 percent of its normal flight program, and 60 percent by the end of October.

"France is one of the markets from which we expect a larger influx of guests in this main summer part of the season, especially in August when the French traditionally use the most holidays, especially in the traditionally most popular regions for the French, Dubrovnik and Split," said Croatian National Tourist Board director Kristjan Stanicic.

A larger influx of guests is also expected from the UK market.

In its article entitled "Croatia this summer: three areas to visit without the crowds", the British Guardian states that Croatia opened for tourists in May and that due to the lack of crowds, 2020 is ideal for a relaxing holiday with an emphasis on the Dalmatian islands of Lastovo, Mljet and Kornati, national parks Northern Velebit, Paklenica and Risnjak, while Lonjsko polje and Konavle Nature Park were also singled out.

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July 14, 2020 - UFC and K-1 legend Alistair Overeem has been spending his vacation in Croatia with his wife and two daughters. However, it is not all about the holiday, because apart from enjoying the sun, sea, and Croatia's historical sights, the Dutchman is training hard for his next fight, which is scheduled for the beginning of September.

He revealed this to Slobodna Dalmacija, who spent yesterday with the UFC star to visit the grave of his acquaintance and the first winner of the K-1 Grand Prix, Branko Cikatic.

View this post on Instagram

What an unbelievable legend we have lost. Rest In Peace Branko Cikatic. It was an honor to have known you. My heart goes out to Ivana, Lucia and Bruno. From the last K1 - to the first K1 champion. Osu.

A post shared by Alistair Overeem (@alistairovereem) on Jul 13, 2020 at 4:53am PDT

"Branko was a big face in kickboxing. I mostly met him in the company of Peter Aerts," said Overeem, winner of the last K-1 Grand Prix, which took place in Japan.

After Dubrovnik, Overeem arrived in Split, where he met his friend and coach Ante Bonacic. Bonacic also prepared Ivanisevic for Wimbledon, and he also represented Croatia at the Sydney Olympics as a member of the sprint relay.

Bonacic and Overeem met long ago on Hvar, and he was with the Dutchman when he defeated Brock Lesnar in the UFC in 2011. Now, at Park Mladezi, he is preparing for his next meeting on September 5.

"Ante kills me with exercises, but we also have some free time to rest. Here, I have a day off today, and we still had training," laughs the UFC heavyweight who adores Croatia and could host a camp in Split.

View this post on Instagram

"Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see."

A post shared by Alistair Overeem (@alistairovereem) on Jul 12, 2020 at 4:32am PDT

"I have a special connection with Split, so we'll see. Maybe we can organize something. I plan to create my own team, work with fighters. I will be a coach, I will have several assistants around me and work on developing new fighters," he revealed to Slobodna.

A small film crew has also accompanied Overeem, so his stay in Croatia will be recorded in a documentary about him.

"My wife and children are with me; we go to dinners, we hang out, we enjoy everything. Everything is open; the city is beautiful, you don't feel like the corona is here like in some other parts of the world. I like that."

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July 8, 2020 - The New York Times published a list of countries US citizens can travel to, with or without COVID-19 restrictions. Croatia is on it.

In a piece titled 'I'm a U.S. Citizen. Where in the World Can I Go?', NY Times writer Karen Schwartz has listed the countries that were open to citizens as of early July, or are expected to open soon.

"Even as many countries remain off-limits to American visitors because of the high rate of coronavirus within the United States, about two dozen others have started to welcome, and in some cases woo, U.S. citizens to come spend their tourist dollars. Still, would-be vacationers generally face a host of conditions and a lot of travelers beware.

The U.S. State Department continues its Global Level 4 Health Advisory, which cautions against international travel because of the pandemic. However, it is also posting country-specific information as restrictions loosen.

Getting there is only part of the equation. Countries have their own Covid-19 mitigation measures that might include curfews or curtailed activities and services; most standard travel insurance policies won’t cover medical or travel expenses related to the coronavirus; and borders can close and flights be canceled with little warning, stranding people in foreign countries," Schwartz writes before listing the counties in alphabetical order. 

Croatia is among the countries currently allowing US citizens to enter.

June 27, 2020 - The Croatia national team will return this September for their first game in 10 months. 

UEFA announced the exact schedule for the Nations League competition on Friday. HRT reports that the Croatia national team, who will play in group A3, will open the competition with a visit to the defending champions Portugal on September 5 at 20:45. It will be the first game for the 'Vatreni' after a 10-month break.

Zlatko Dalic's team will be tested for the second time in this competition on September 8 against the 2018 World Champions, France, also played away. In the third round, Croatia will meet Sweden at home on October 11 (at 18:00), and three days later, they will play against France again, but at home (20:45).

In the fifth round, on November 14, Croatia will play against Sweden (20:45), and the competition will end on November 17 at home, where they will meet Portugal (20:45).

The winner of the first edition of the Nations League was Portugal. The winner of the UEFA competition wins 7.5 million euro, and each participant in League A will receive 1.5 million euro, while in the lower leagues (groups B, C and D) the prize pool is slightly lower. The total prize pool has increased from 76.25 million to 81.5 million euro because there are now 16 teams in the A league, not just 12.

You can find the full match schedule in the elite class of the Nations League below. 

LEAGUE A
Group 1
Round 1 - September 4
Italy - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Netherlands - Poland
Round 2 - September 7
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Poland
Netherlands - Italy
Round 3 - October 11
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Netherlands
Poland - Italy
4 Round - October 14
Italy - Netherlands
Poland - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Round 5 - November 15
Italy - Poland
Netherlands - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Round 6 - November 18
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Italy
Poland - Netherlands
Group 2
Round 1 - September 5:
Iceland - England
Denmark - Belgium
Round 2 - September 8:
Belgium - Iceland
Denmark - England
Round 3 - October 11
England - Belgium
Iceland - Denmark
Round 4 - October 14
England - Denmark
Iceland - Belgium
Round 5 - November 15
Belgium - England
Denmark - Iceland
Round 6 - November 18
Belgium - Denmark
England - Iceland
Group 3
Round 1 - September 5
Portugal - CROATIA
Sweden - France
Round 2 - September 8
France - CROATIA
Sweden - Portugal
Round 3 - October 11
CROATIA - Sweden
France - Portugal
Round 4 - October 14
CROATIA - France
Portugal - Sweden
Round 5 - November 14
Portugal - France
Sweden - CROATIA
Round 6 - November 17
CROATIA - Portugal
France - Sweden

Group 4
Round 1 - September 3
Germany - Spain
Ukraine - Switzerland
Round 2 - September 6
Spain - Ukraine
Switzerland - Germany
Round 3 -
Spain - Switzerland
Ukraine - Germany
Round 4 -
Germany - Switzerland
Ukraine - Spain
Round 5 -
Germany - Ukraine
Switzerland - Spain
Round 6 -
Spain - Germany
Switzerland - Ukraine
NOTE: The group winners will play in the final tournament

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June 24, 2020 - The Croatian Headquarters reported on new coronavirus cases and made two new decisions. The first refers to the mandatory self-isolation for everyone coming to Croatia from BiH and Serbia, and the second that masks are now required when using public transport in the country.

Index.hr reports that in the last 24 hours, 22 new coronavirus cases were recorded, bringing the total to 2,388. So far, 2,145 people have recovered. One hundred and seven people died. Another 136 people are being treated.

Everyone coming from BiH and Serbia must go into self-isolation

New border rules have been established for people traveling from BiH, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia, as they will be required to undergo self-isolation for 14 days. The obligation does not apply to those transiting through these countries. This rule applies to anyone coming from these countries, regardless of citizenship.

Masks required!

The second decision refers to a change in public transport, according to which drivers and other employees and passengers must use medical masks and adhere to general measures.

The following are questions to the Croatia Headquarters from journalists:

What about tourists?

"As for the decisions, they are based on the opinion of the medical profession. These decisions were made based on the recommendations of epidemiologists with regard to the situation in neighboring countries. We have an increase in the number of infections, and most of these people came from the direction of BiH and Serbia. We will continue to monitor everything that happens daily. We will make decisions faster and change them if necessary."

About Beroš's statement that the virus mutated

"Analyzes are being done about it, the situation is being monitored. The situation at the moment is not as it was before. Most new patients now have very mild or no symptoms, which is good. We don't have anyone on a ventilator or seriously ill. A lot of them have only a positive result, without symptoms. The amount of the virus that can be transmitted to another person is important. For now, it seems that it is not so strong. People move in the open, and there is no constant close contact. When you are apart in the open, it is harder to transmit larger amounts of the virus to someone. For now, it seems that the situation is more favorable, but it is a perception, we will see. There is no information that the clinical picture is more severe in infected countries and other countries. But distance and hygiene remain," said Markotic.

About Zadar

"Several hundred tests have been conducted. Seven positive people have been identified. Zadar has been brought under control, congratulations to colleagues," Markotic said.

Has there been a local transmission in Zagreb?

"Croatia has been on the list of countries with local transmission for some time now. We are talking about a pandemic and an epidemic. This is a completely normal thing," she added.

As for the wedding arrangements, there will be no changes, for now, she added.

Masks do not have to be medical; they can also be canvas

"It is a measure to maintain physical distance, but it is impossible in a tram. That is why it is mandatory to wear masks; they do not have to be exclusively medical masks, they can also be a canvas mask made of a thicker weave than usual. If we know that there is a crowd in public transport, we may need to leave 15 minutes earlier. People are being pushed by force. Don't do that. Face masks became inevitable. The responsibility is on us - whether we go in and work our way through the crowd or wait for the second tram," the press conference concluded.

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June 18, 2020 - At today's government session, Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic recommended that citizens not travel outside Croatia.

"It is important that our citizens do not travel abroad, especially to these surrounding countries if it is not necessary, and on their return, they should act responsibly. As for the Headquarters, it is monitoring and analyzing the situation," Bozinovic said on Index.hr.

"Responsible behavior is a condition for keeping the favorable epidemiological situation in Croatia under control, which is a precondition for the smooth functioning of the economy," Bozinovic added.

Recall, at a government session in progress, it was announced that 11 new cases had been confirmed in the last 24 hours.

Four new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Zagreb since yesterday. All four new cases are related to the Hrvoje Požar Institute.

In addition, two more cases were confirmed in Istria, both of which are from Pula.

Three more have been confirmed in Split-Dalmatia County - two people from Split and one from Solin.

We do not yet know where the remaining two cases are from.

The Headquarters will publish the latest data on the situation in Croatia at 2 pm.