April 17, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Zoltan Nagy, from Hungary and currently in Tenerife.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

I feel pretty lucky. Not only am I going to visit one of my favorite foreign countries, and go somewhere I haven't been to before, but in the meantime, I'm going to get to know some people with the same free-spirited mindset like myself. I'm looking forward to spending time together and I'm excited about the change/development this program will bring to my life.

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

A friend asked me if I'd heard about this possibility. I've been planning two things for years. 1. Explore the southern part of Croatia. 2. Try co-living. I've been to co-working offices in a few places, but Co-Living is going to be a whole new experience.

I love Croatia very much! Crystal clear sea water, lovely local people, phenomenally good food and breathtaking historic towns always lure you back. I've been there many times, but I've never gotten this far south. My longest stay was in 2018, when I lived and worked online for 3 months in a small village called Karin near Zadar.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

First of all, I consider myself a photographer and a videographer. These are the topics I have the most to offer, I think. But I'm also good at online marketing, and I make websites for companies on a daily basis.

4. What are you must looking forward to about DNIR?

As I mentioned already, I'm looking forward to meeting like minded people. I really hope that we will learn many new and useful things from each other in the month we will spend together. I really like being in the company of people with similar thinking. During my travels, I met many inspiring people. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am right now.
I also hope to be able to take really good photos and videos of the area. I want to show as many Hungarians as possible that you don't have to travel to the other side of the world breathtaking sights of all these beautiful places. All you have to do is drive to the neighbouring country :)

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

As my passion is photography, I would like to connect with local photographers, content creators.

Here is Zoltan's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Marlee McCormick in Texas

Carolyn Zenilow from USA in Stari Grad, Hvar

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in LA

Rob Schubert from the Netherlands in Estonia

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

Kaisu Koskela from Finland in Las Palmas

Alyssa Isogawa from USA/Japan in California

April 17, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Alyssa Isogawa from USA/Japan, currently in California.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

Hello! I am Alyssa Isogawa from California. I love creating and building things, laughing, exploring places and imagining new ones, and eating vegan food. I feel best when I am out of my comfort zone. 

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

Someone pinch me, I must be dreaming! Maybe the judges liked the checkered water polo robe in my video. Or could it have been the disco ball?! Either way - I don’t feel anything other than gratitude for having been picked. I feel a great sense of honor and responsibility to do my very best for the city and people of Dubrovnik, and for Croatia. I know the past year hasn’t been easy and has forced the city to “reset” and rethink its strategy. Personally, I truly believe it is a blessing in disguise. Croatia has so much to offer beyond tourism, and I am excited thinking of all the ways we can make it the #1 destination for all digital nomads - especially aspiring digital nomads like me. There isn’t anywhere else in the world I’d rather start my DN journey.

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

I was researching the best places to be a digital nomad via Youtube, and I randomly came across 45 Degrees Sailing and Saltwater’s “Croatia's Digital Nomad Permit Application FAQ“ video. That initially sparked my interest, and I went to their website interested to learn more about the DN visa. Then I saw that they were having a competition, so I decided to give it a go!

I mainly applied because I’ve always felt a special affinity (or should I say pride?) for Croatia. I grew up playing water polo, and I would hear about how team Croatia was the best. Whenever coaches from Croatia would come visit, we would always revere them. My brother traveled to Croatia to play water polo, and he brought back an insanely cool Croatian water polo robe that I was obsessed with and wore every day to practice. I felt like the coolest kid in the entire pool. He also came back with a Croatian flag, and to this day that’s the only flag that’s displayed in our house. Not even an American flag or a Japanese one. A Croatian flag! Haha.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

I am very impressed with the diversity of skills of all the applicants. I think what I can offer is my experience in entrepreneurship, specifically in ecommerce. I started my own ecommerce business and brand back in 2016 while I was still a teen, and I’ve learned a lot since then. From designing a product, to marketing via social media and paid advertising, to photography and delegating and hiring a remote team that feels like family - there’s so much I’ve learned and a lot I can share. 

I know I can provide a very valuable perspective of the younger, aspiring DNs out there as well. I have a good understanding of where they are doing their research, what they are looking for, and the questions and concerns they’d have. I have a knack for reading trends and what people are thinking about, and what will be popular. That’s why I am hopeful for Croatia. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in it.

4. What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

There is too much, I can’t name them all! I am looking forward to meeting everyone. I am impressed with how tirelessly, yet cheerfully the entire team is working to make this event a success - from Tanja, to Paul (TCN), the tourism board, and many others. I would like to meet them all, because I don’t know of any other country that is so agile and has put so much effort to create such a forward-thinking initiative as this. I find it very impressive and quite endearing.

Of course, I am also looking forward to meeting the rest of the DNiRs as well. I am really excited to hear their stories and their backgrounds. 

My brother would share stories of how the Croats were so kind and friendly. So I am really looking forward to making Croatian friends and learning about Croatian culture and history from an actual Croatian. In Japan, it’s tradition to bring gifts (omiyage) from home when we visit a new place. I am planning on bringing some gifts from America (as much as the space in my suitcase allows), so if anyone reading this wants to be friends let me know :)

And maybe this is a little embarrassing, but I am also excited to finally be living on my own. I have lived in the same home with my lovely parents my entire life, but I am really excited to spread my wings! Sorry mom and dad, love you! 

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

Oh gosh, I would really love to connect with the local community. I am down for anything.

I want to learn more about history, so if anyone has any good stories to share, I would love to listen. I love the water, music, singing, dancing, and plant-based/vegan food. I love animals. If anyone swims or does any water related activity, I will join. I love music and singing, and I am also trying to find some good Croatian music, so if anyone wants to share their music with me, please do. I’m also dipping my toes into music production (one of my goals is to create my own song) so if there are any music lovers out there, let’s be friends! And if you like dancing, that is a plus.

Here is Alyssa's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Marlee McCormick in Texas

Carolyn Zenilow from USA in Stari Grad, Hvar

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in LA

Rob Schubert from the Netherlands in Estonia

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

Kaisu Koskela from Finland in Las Palmas

April 16, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Carolyn Zelikow from the USA, currently living in the Dalmatian paradise that is Stari Grad on Hvar.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

Carolyn Zelikow is an American digital marketer from Virginia living the good life in the ancient port town of Stari Grad on island Hvar.

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

Thrilled of course! And honored to take part in such an innovative program. 

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

I read about the competition on TCN, which has been such a great resource since I started planning to visit Croatia last summer. I applied to the program because I have fallen in love with this country and want to understand it better. The DN-i-R initiative struck me as an unbelievable opportunity to meet some of the country’s most innovative policymakers and business owners.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

I’m a digital marketer with a background in policy and the humanities. For my job in the United States, I work with clients who are trying to compete and win online. I sense that Croatia could also do more in that area and I’m eager to learn about the state of e-commerce, tech education, and other factors that might build the country’s knowledge economy. What role, if any, can expats play in accelerating that diversification?

4. What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

Without question, it’s the people. After so many months of pandemic-enforced hibernation I’m just eager to collaborate and brainstorm with real living humans again. I hope I still remember how! And Dubrovnik is such a compelling location. I’ve visited only briefly in the past, and can’t wait to explore the city and surrounding region with more time and great company. 

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

Where to begin? I’d love to get to know the tech, small business, and economic development community here.

Here is Carolyn's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Marlee McCormick in Texas

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in LA

Rob Schubert from the Netherlands in Estonia

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

Kaisu Koskela from Finland in Las Palmas

April 14, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Kaisu Koskela.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

Content in my life choices that allow me to partake in such an interesting project, for one! Also excited about meeting my fellow DN-i-Rs and putting our heads together for the future of remote work, location independence and more sustainable forms of travel!

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

My friend Stan forwarded the call for applications to me. He has been working for another interesting publicly funded digital nomad project called Nomad City in Las Palmas, and knew I would be interested in being part of the discussion on the growing trends towards this lifestyle. I'm passionate about location independence and the global community of digital nomads that I very tangibly feel a part of, so this project was immediately something that I knew I would love to take part in. As soon as I read the call, I felt that the proposed project perfectly combined my first-hand experience of living a location-independent lifestyle and working remotely with my professional background in migration research. I thought the design of the project in a co-creation model between the DN-i-Rs and public entities like the city of Dubrovnik is exactly the type of hands-on move needed for locations to become active agents in their own right in developing a movement that is bound to happen, with or without their involvement.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

Years, in fact decades, of lived experience as a (digital and non-digital) nomad, and all the every-day hands-on knowledge and networks that that has given me! Also, my PhD research was about skilled migrants and the formation of their communities and social identities. From the perspective of the scholarly "ivory tower", it will be interesting to see how these academic insights translate to practicalities with possible policy implications (such as the already existing digital nomad visa in Croatia!).  

4. What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

Firstly, meeting the other 9 DN-i-Rs and working together with them combining all our personal insights, skills and experiences! Secondly, being back in the city of Dubrovnik itself in such unusual times: although I appreciate that the pandemic has been devastating for those relying on tourism for their livelihoods, I am eagerly waiting to see Dubrovnik without the herds of cruise ship passengers and mass tourism that has overcrowded the old town streets for years, slowly chipping away at the authenticity and the very reasons why the city became such a popular destination in the first place. In many ways, digital nomads are the complete opposite of the cruise tourists who take over the town for a matter of mere hours until they are bussed back to their boat. They stay longer and spend more locally, therefore contributing directly to the economy and, with time, also to cultural and ecological sustainability of travel. I am very happy that the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board are taking this initiative to address these issues and claim an active role in the direction of post-pandemic tourism in the region.

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

If there is anyone in the local academic community doing research on digital nomads or location-independent lifestyle and communities, I'd be very interested to get in touch with them. Also, I'm an active member of WIMA (Women's International Motorcycle Association), so maybe I'll reach out to see if we have any riding sisters in the region who could show me their best routes, as I am sure there are stunning opportunities for motorcycling in the Dubrovnik region!

Here is Kaisu's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Marlee McCormick in Texas

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in LA

Rob Schubert from the Netherlands in Estonia

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

April 14, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Rob Schubert.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

I know it's not really a good habit to check my phone first thing in the morning. Anyway, I did check my phone with my still sleepy eyes and read that I am a DN-i-R winner! First thought was that I was still dreaming... Double-checking I was awake, I started to realize the dream became reality! Before I knew it I had a dance party on my bed! The party-buzz is still in me, I am beyond excited to meet the other interesting winners to exchange stories and ideas to make Dubrovnik digital nomad paradise.

How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply? 

I've been a while already in Estonia, a small northern country that has implemented a digital nomad visa as one of the firsts. To keep up to date with the developments in Estonia I follow a few pages on LinkedIn. I'm not exactly sure anymore how the journey went, but with a few clicks, I went from the digital Estonia pages to a post about Croatia exploring the potential to become a digital nomad hotspot. The potential is clear! Croatia is such a beautiful country and has been high on my list for a while. Therefore when I found out about the competition it was a no-brainer to apply. Quite surreal that I am going now.

Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

I believe my start-up experience can be quite valuable. I implement the design thinking method on a daily basis and I am aware of the (European) start-up trends/needs. Besides that, I lived in a few and travelled to a bunch of countries. With this experience, I am able to communicate and emphasise different perspectives.

What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

I foresee many people transforming into digital nomads in the not so distant future. I think Dubrovnik is taking a step in the right direction by thinking to host these interesting modern nomads. To me, it's very exciting and motivating to help a community prepare for this new wave. To discuss, listen and share my perspective about the future of a place with so much history feels like an honour! Besides all of this, I am looking forward to meeting the local and digital nomad community and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

I would be interested to get in touch with the local startup community. It would be great to exchange experiences and stories with people who are on the "same boat". Also, if there are any communities that organise active stuff like hikes or cliff jumping I would love to meet them to feed my exploring appetite.

Here is Rob's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Marlee McCormick in Texas

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in L.A.

 from April 13, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Marlee McCormick.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

So how do we get older, higher-spending American (and other) digital nomads to explore Dubrovnik? The first thing we need to do is find out their needs, what Dubrovnik has to offer, and what Dubrovnik needs to work on. And who better than a lively Texan with her own award-winning radio show, working from a home studio?

Marlee McCormick - 20+ years award-winning Radio Chick, 4 generation Texan of Scottish ancestry, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution ( the Scottish ancestor that first arrived in America in 1768, served in the Continental Army in North Carolina), proud University of Texas Longhorn, and true Virgo by nature.  My personal motto "Life's too short not to be happy".

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

First of all, let me say Hvala lijepa for sponsoring this opportunity to live and work in Dubrovnik.  Is it a cliche to say it's a dream come true?  It might be, but it's the truth!  Since becoming empty-nesters a few years ago, my husband Jeff and I have taken advantage of a freer lifestyle.  With all the kids grown and out of college, we found we had more time and money, so we took up traveling.  We decided that it was better to see the world while we were still physically able to walk several flights of stairs or hike/walk several miles a day.  

On one of our trips, we started to imagine what it would be like if we could actually live in another country and truly experience a different culture as a local.  A desire we've had for "some day" and now thanks to DN-i-R that day is here!  We are so thrilled to get this sneak peak at an amazing opportunity to actually live in Dubrovnik.  During the pandemic, we learned that with good WIFI, we could honestly work from anywhere in the world.  I'm really excited about the fact that due to the time difference, I'll broadcast my morning radio show from 1p - 5p in Dubrovnik, instead of having to get up at 4am in Dallas.  Talk about improving your quality of life!

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

When restrictions started to ease last year, Jeff and I decided if we stayed smart about it, we could travel safely during the pandemic.  But where to go, who will take Americans?  One location kept coming up as our best opportunity - Croatia.  We knew nothing about the country or what to expect.  After a little research, we put together a trip to Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, ending in Zagreb.  We fell in love the minute we landed in Dubrovnik!  Dinner our first night was at Restaurant 360 on the wall of the old city, between the view and the food, I was hooked!  The next day - yes I admit we took a Game of Thrones tour because we're fans - we had a lovely guide, Marina who told us about Croatia's plan to work toward a digital nomad visa.  She sent me a link to Total Croatia News as a resource for the future and I became an email subscriber.  TCN is really a wonderful source for information about Croatia, so that's how I already knew about the publication when I saw you were a sponsor of the contest.  

I also have to give a big thanks to a travel website - Travel Off Path.  I joined their Facebook group and also subscribe to their weekly emails.  Through Travel Off Path, I found out about Saltwater Nomads and the Dubrovnik for Digital Nomads Conference last October.  I signed on to the virtual conference and watched several of the speakers.  There was a lot of great information on how I could make it work to be a digital nomad.  When the announcement came about the Digital Nomad in Residence competition we jumped at the chance!

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

As a member of the media, I hope to help the program develop effective ways to reach the public about the future and opportunities of being a digital nomad.  I think the pandemic taught us all that life is precious and we shouldn't waste it stuck in a conventional work situation.  I feel I can bring that first-hand experience to the group. I started broadcasting from my home last July.  Took my show on the road during the pandemic, broadcasting a week from Dublin, Ireland and also in Cancun, Mexico.  I found out it can work and I can share that insight.  Since I speak for a living, so communication is also a skill I can bring to the progam.  I've acted as an emcee for various charity events both inside and outside of work.  I have a lot of experience in social service organizations as a member or leader of committees, meaning I know how to facilitate a meeting.       

Many companies have found that their employees are happier working from home - or even a beach if the infrastructure is there.  My husband Jeff is a prime example.  He's a digital content, web and social media manager for a Dallas news format radio station.  When his office first closed in March 2020, he was not happy about working from home, but here we are a year later and now he absolutely prefers it.  He's more relaxed, his blood pressure has gone down and if there's breaking news, he can quickly jump online and take care of it instead of having to go to the station's newsroom. 

4. What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

So many things, even little things like learning how to shop for groceries and how to cook in a foreign country, how to get around without a car.  Mainly living as a local and becoming immersed in another culture's way of doing things.  This will be our first real experience living as digital nomads, so I think I'm most looking forward to getting to stay in one city for more than just a few days.  The group you put together for the DN-i-R program is so diverse with great individual stories and experiences.  I'm really looking forward to sharing those experiences and getting their different perspectives on the digital nomad lifestyle and of course their advice on what works and what doesn't.  I would be lying if I didn't add that I'm selfishly looking forward to 3 things - living by the water, which is my ultimate goal in life, going back to Gianni's in the old city for some of their lavender honey ice cream, and having a sunset cocktail at the famous Buza Bar - something we never got the chance to do on our trip last September.  It's time to go through that hole in the wall. 

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

For me, I would love to meet other members of the media.  I think in Europe the on-air personalities are called Presenters, it would be fun to meet some broadcast colleagues or even tour a local radio station.  Outside of work, I think I would like to help out with the street cats of Dubrovnik.  I loved seeing them happily roam all over the city and I understand the residents take care of them.  I'm a cat lover and would be interested in volunteering if there's an organization that helps out.

Here is Marlee's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Program

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

Other winners featured so far:

Albert Cañigueral in Barcelona

Ron Tardiff from USA in Budapest

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas in L.A.

April 11, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up, Albert Cañigueral from Barcelona.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

Albert Cañigueral is a Barcelona-based member of the Ouishare network. He is an explorer of the future of work, workforces and workplaces. Well-seasoned traveller looking forward to this very special digital nomad experience.

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

I feel extremely fortunate and thankful for having been selected for DN-i-R  I am also very excited to be on the road again and to revisit Dubrovnik nearly 20 years after my first visit in 2003. 

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

As part of my ongoing research for a web-documentary about the future of work and the future of cities I set a number of google news filters about digital nomads. When I got the article about the DN-i-R proposal on TCN, I saw it as the best opportunity to learn firsthand about digital nomads by a) becoming one myself b) meeting well-seasoned nomads and c) helping to design a strategy for the city. I submitted my entry 12h before the deadline.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

People say that my superpower is connecting people, ideas and projects. Through these connections I happen to know a lot of examples and ongoing projects around the world. I hope I will be able to apply this knowledge and connections to DN-i-R. I will also bridge to the Spanish-speaking part of the world.

4. What are you most looking forward to about DNIR?

Looking forward to the diverse people gathered around DNIR (participants, organizers, sponsors, etc.), and their stories. I am also looking forward to random encounters and events. As my friends from IAM Internet claim "in randomness we trust". Finally I am looking forward to helping craft a city policy regarding digital nomads while enjoying the Croatian culture.

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

I would love to connect with people to learn and experience more about water sports such as kitesurfing, paddle, sailing, etc. It's something pending on my todo list for way too long! Being surrounded by what should help, isn't it? 

Here is Albert's application video:

You can learn more about the program here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

April 11, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up Ron Tardiff from the USA, but currently in Budapest.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

I’m ecstatic and honored to participate in this groundbreaking program! I’m also just really humbled to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic city. 

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

Well, there’s a bit of a back story here. After things fell through trying to get a digital nomad visa to relocate to Portugal (in part because of Covid, in part because of bureaucratic indifference), I ended up stuck in the US with no way to get back to Europe. Having spent most of the last 5 years in Europe, I was pretty desperate to get back. I stumbled upon Total Croatia News and the travel Viber group back in July explaining how Americans could get back into Europe through Croatia. After two weeks in Zadar, I moved on to Budapest where I basically got a digital nomad residency and ended up meeting my girlfriend who will be joining me on this adventure. So, cheers to you, TCN. 

While checking out TCN one day, I read about Jan de Jong’s letter to the government and I’ve been following him on LinkedIn ever since. So, that’s how I found out about the program. Apart from the fairly drab Budapest winter, made more dull by persistent lock-down conditions, I was motivated to apply for a few reasons. 

1. I have been routinely frustrated by antiquated bureaucracy that makes life hard for digital nomads for no reason. I actually have a Master’s degree from Greece, but there’s no practical way for me to stay there and contribute to the economy as a digital nomad. Nonsense. So basically, I’m on board with anything that helps illustrate the value of digital nomads.
2. Having travelled extensively, and usually slowly (for weeks or months in one place at a time) I find the whole notion of short-duration, shallow tourism to be pretty silly. And as a marine ecologist, I understand the myriad environmental problems that stem from this kind of mass tourism. It seems the pandemic has given cities like Dubrovnik and Venice a chance to stop, take a breath, and realize that embracing the future of work could be a better path forward for both locals and travelers. I’m also eager to research and write about how rethinking tourism is frankly essential for meeting key sustainability goals like the EU Blue Growth Strategy.
3. Plus, who could resist a month stay in the city where Game of Thrones was filmed??

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

I’ve been fortunate enough to live, work and study in 10 countries, so I bring a wealth of multi-cultural experience and international perspective. Having dedicated my life to understanding and improving how humans interact with our marine environments, I’m also excited to contribute the sustainability/ecology angle to our co-creation with the city.

4. What are you must looking forward to about DNIR?

I’m most looking forward to exploring this unique model with a really eclectic group of people. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to experience what Croatia has to offer as my new office and sharing that with the world. I hope at the end of this first iteration, that Dubrovnik and other cities around the world will embrace the potential of hosting Digital Nomads-in-Residence and leveraging the highly diverse skillset they often bring.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that I can’t wait to be exploring the many sights southern Croatia has to offer! Oh, and as I discovered during my first visit to Croatia, the wine there is phenomenal and I’m already anticipating my first glass by the sea.

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

I’d love to connect with anyone engaged in Croatia's blue economy. That includes those in marine conservation, research, the aquaculture industry, fishing, etc. I also have an interest in innovation and youth engagement in sustainability, so meeting anyone working along those lines would be fantastic!

Here is Ron's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

April 10, 2021 - The Trokut Center for New Technologies and Entrepreneurship in Šibenik has become a place that brings together young entrepreneurs from Croatia the world. 

Šibenski Portal reports that there are currently six digital nomads there, while there are 33 tenants in the coworking space. A total of 18 companies uses the premises. Trokut is worth 28 million kunas and was built and equipped with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund. The City of Šibenik received 20 million kunas in grants.

The Trokut Center was recently nominated for the Association of Croatian Architects award, Viktor Kovacic, for the most achievement in all architectural creativity areas in 2020.

"The center currently employs three people, as our goal is to encourage students to get involved in the Trokut Center itself. Last week we released a call to students who have free time to help us with our daily work in the center", says Diana Mudrinic, Director of the incubator for new technologies, the Trokut Center. 

Currently, the Trokut Center's capacity is complete, and the free space around 90%. The company is striving to expand the reach currently built on two floors with a total area of ​​more than 2,000 square meters. The center has 28 flexible spaces of workshops, offices, and cabins.

"For now, our customers are mainly in the IT industry. We can offer them a comfortable environment, workplace, desk, and colleagues to help them develop their businesses. I would especially like to point out our entrepreneurial incubator. We released a public call where the goal is for two months, for enterprising beginners to learn absolutely everything they need for business and their products. In the end, judges will choose to award the top 3 ideas, where the first place gets 50, the second 30, and the third 20 thousand kunas", says Mudrinic. 

The Trokut Project, worth almost 28 million kunas, the city of Šibenik received 20 million kunas from the European regional development fund. European investment in Šibenik should also attract users from all over the world and be financially sustainable.

"Digital nomads are one direction in which the Trokut Center is heading towards, and we already have them now. Some of our guests are from Latvia, India, and the Netherlands. The Digital Nomad trend is slowly but surely moving, and our goal is to become one central place for digital nomads where we can help them apply for digital nomad visas. The goal is to be self-sustainable in 3 years, according to the project rule." 

The purpose of the project is to develop innovative entrepreneurial and business infrastructure for the provision of new and better services. The aim is to encourage the growth and development of small and medium enterprises and create new jobs in Šibenik-Knin County.

Ivana Juran Magdic, from the project office in shipbuilding Levant, has her workspace in Murter but still decided to use The Trokut Center's space. "It’s very comfortable. It’s close to everything, and everyone is thrilled, from business partners, clients, and so on. I was afraid of what a coworking area will look like as I've never done that, I've been alone in the office for 12 years, so this is a new experience. It encouraged me to keep the business going", said Magdic. 

Franka Bujas, the F5 graphic design services business owner, found The Trokut Center to be a comfortable place to work in. "At first, I was working from home, looking and thinking of a space like this. However, when the Trokut Center was made, I was unsure, but the decision was made when I came here and saw what everything looks like and what it has to offer. I was thrilled, so I decided to come here. It is fully equipped for all my needs, the meeting room that is important to me looks professional. I think this is ideal for all beginners and, more specifically, larger companies." 

Franka Bujas founder of F5 via Trokut Šibenik - Inkubator za nove tehnologije Facebook

Franka found friends in the Trokut Center who are an additional plus to that space in the space itself and the working conditions. "The working atmosphere is great, and people are young, the atmosphere is motivating. The staff is great, and they are always available for whatever is needed." 

At the opening ceremony, Diana Mudrinic, Director of the incubator for new technologies, the Trokut Center, stated the Trokut Center is the home of new generation entrepreneurs and expressed hope that Šibenik would soon become the central place of the IT community in Croatia.

For more about made in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

April 10, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one, starting with Kelsey Kay Love from Texas, but currently in Los Angeles.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

My name is Kelsey Kay Love, and I am a Travel Writer and Brand Manager who believes in traveling randomly, moving frequently, spontaneous dance parties and daiquiris with a view.

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

Have I fainted? Did I fall in a manhole and wake up in a fantasy land?! Have I grown 6 inches and finally learned how to make carbonara?! Okay well no, but it does feel a lot like a travel fantasy come to life. I mean, it's been about a decade since I won so much as a free hot dog, so this is definitely a step up in life.

I am still a little in shock, and also obviously beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to not only live in Croatia for an entire month, but meet and work with a variety of fascinating folks to make Dubrovnik the next digital nomad hotspot.

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply? 

While on lockdown in my very loud, very unfortunate-sized studio apartment in LA last year, I came across an article about Bermuda, Barbados and Estonia creating new visa opportunities for digital nomads. Shortly after, I found an article on LinkedIn about Jan de Jong, a Dutch entrepreneur, who was trying to make the same thing happen in Croatia. Croatia has been on my list for a long time, so I set up a Google alert with the words 'digital nomad visa Croatia', which eventually paid off by leading me directly to this competition via Total Croatia News. And now here we are! Wild stuff.

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

Since I've lived in a few different countries previously as a digital nomad, the most valuable skills I bring to the table are likely experience, perspective, and a way with words. Also cocktails. I make excellent cocktails. My years in digital marketing, branding, and travel writing should also come in handy. And southern hospitality and easy laughter go wherever I go, which are always welcome party guests at any party worth attending.

4. What are you most looking forward to about DN-i-R?

In every place I've lived, even after just a single month, I feel like I'm able to pick up on so much of what makes it a liveable destination, even if it's for someone that ultimately isn't me. I'm most looking forward to finding out what those things are in Dubrovnik, especially, as I normally show up in a country without the faintest clue as to which specific area I will end up. This time around, it will be a unique opportunity to put those skills to use in such a concentrated location of a country I've never been to. I'm also very excited to work with people from such different backgrounds and areas of expertise, as I'm sure we will all learn so much from each other.

And last but not least, I am ecstatic about the mere possibility of floating in the sunshine on the Adriatic Sea.

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

If there is a local marketing community, digital or otherwise, I'd love to meet them. I'd also love to meet those involved in the wine and spirits industry, food and beverage industry, and anything to do with dance, performing arts, and live music! And if the local catamaran community is currently accepting new friends, please also point me in their direction. Thank you!

Here is Kelsey's application video.

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.