June 14, 2022 - The first edition Green Future Conference took place at the National Theatre in Split on June 9 and 10. Participants could listen to a range of topics related to green transition, a process that all companies and systems will have to go through in the future.

The conference organisers brought together over 40 international and local speakers who are technology leaders, companies, institutions, policymakers, scientists, and other stakeholders from the sustainable development sector. The conference aims to exchange ideas and present examples of good practices in urban mobility, digital transformation, finance, public policy, transport, environment, and energy. It also aims to position Split as a central place of knowledge and strongly emphasizes the future of conference tourism.

"We are proud to have organized such an important and well-attended event in Split. Green transition is the top topic of today and permeates all segments of our lives, business, and public policies. It is not a question of whether we can do better than we must. Today we had the opportunity to hear from some of the most developed cities and companies about how the public and private sectors could learn a lot. The Green Future Conference is a platform that opens a window to the world today but also a window to the future. Rimac's supercar Nevera in front of HNK Split is a real picture of that future that is sometimes imaginable, and that is why we wanted it to be there. This is the image of Split that we want to send to the world," said Antonija Eremut Erceg on behalf of the organizers.

The participants could enjoy a range of intriguing lectures and keynote speakers. There was even a two-day start-up challenge where start-ups with green and sustainable practices in their business had a chance to present their ideas to the jury.

Overall, it was an excellent start for the Green Future Conference with two full-day programmes that inspired and attracted participants to engage and participate in conference events. 

This conference showed that Split again proved a spectacular location for a conference that brought up-to-date topics and attractive lecturers. As the organisers said, the future is green; the future is in Split.

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May 12, 2022 - In the atrium of the Croatian National Theater in Split, the Green Future Conference was officially presented, an international event held on June 8 and 9 at the Croatian National Theater in Split.

The Green Future conference will address the topic of green transition, one of the most attractive topics in the world of business, public policy, mobility, sustainability, finance, and every other sector and business. Over 40 foreign and domestic experts will attend the conference, who will try to bring this topic closer to those who will mark the coming years and explain how to adapt certain activities to the green transition quickly.

"Instead of going elsewhere to learn about some of today's most important topics, why not bring the best to our city? As a result, the idea was recognized not only by those living and doing business in Split but by large domestic and foreign tech companies. In addition, the idea was recognized by the European Commission, which is sending an ambassador for innovation, and Hajduk!

Incompatible? Absolutely compatible when so many great people and organizations come together with a good goal. I thank everyone who invested trust, knowledge, work, and energy in making the Green Future Conference happen in Split, and I invite you to be a part," said Antonija Eremut Erceg from the Organizing Committee of the Conference, whose importance is recognized by many stakeholders, sponsors, and partners who got involved.

The Green Future conference, among others, is supported by the two largest Croatian tech companies, Rimac Group and Infobip.

"I am thrilled that the organizers recognized us as a strategic partner in this project. It is essential to emphasize such topics in the public and media space because a green future is what we all strive for. Apart from the fact that Rimac Technology is a partner of the Green Future conference, it is a special pleasure that Croatia will be presented in a modern and advanced light, and this conference will certainly occupy an important place on the world map of business events. As we are an active participant in the conference, in addition to other big names from the world of business globally, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a lecture by Roger Moorhouse, Powertrain Research Manager from Rimac Technology, who works with his team of experts to develop technological innovations in electric motors, for which the Rimac Group is known all over the world today. I believe that visitors will be delighted with the unique content in Split," said Miljenko Baković, product manager from Rimac Technology.

Although the process of green transition is a challenge for most, some companies have already recognized its importance and started implementation with the aim of a faster, more successful, and more profitable business.

"OTP banka has recognized the importance of sustainable financing and the challenges it poses to banks and non-financial companies. To this end, we are integrating ESG criteria into our strategy, and we have established a special department in the bank in charge of sustainable development. To soon feel the progress in sustainability and meet the requirements of the Green Plan, cooperation with all stakeholders is essential. The role of banks is to accelerate sustainable financing, for which we especially value data on company plans and insight into sustainability trends. The Green Future conference allows us to exchange practices and experiences and ask questions to which we do not yet have answers. Our President of the Management Board, Balázs Békeffy, will actively participate in the conference as a keynote speaker and member of the Management Board Zvonimir Akrap in the panel on sustainable financing. In addition, the Green Future conference will host several speakers with experience in policymaking, emphasizing mobility, and many other solutions used iin smart cities" said Silvija Bareša, Director of Corporate Communications of OTP banka d.d., the gold sponsor of the conference.

The City of Split is on the way to becoming a smart city in the complete sense of the word, which has already stepped in the direction of sustainability through the implementation of specific digital solutions.

"I am glad that we will have an international event in Split on a topic that changes our development and business strategies and daily choices for the better. The City of Split supports the Green Future Conference, and RaST will actively participate in the panel on smart cities. Oslo was the Green Capital of Europe in 2019. We want to know how they became it and what they learned from it. We brought Oslo to Split three years ago, to the conference from which Split's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan emerged together with the Strategy. Its implementation will require external sources of funding and changes in the habits of citizens," said Goran Batinić, Director of the Development Agency Split, on behalf of the City of Split.

Conference participants have many years of experience in implementing smart and sustainable projects, ranging from transport to other digital solutions.

"Profico is a digital agency that markets its services mainly on foreign markets but has been one of the active creators of the local ecosystem for ten years. Starting from pioneering days in the startup community and co-organizing the Shift Startup conference to organizing numerous local events and training, we recognize green technologies as one of the new trends that we want to establish more strongly in the local community. That is why we joined the organization of this conference, which encourages the local community to think in the direction of new global trends and the development of globally applicable technologies," said Mateo Perak, director of Profico, one of the organizational partners of the conference.

The conference was also supported by Alijana Vukšić from the Split Tourist Board and Joško Stella from the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board and Split-Dalmatia County.

"Ever since the European Union gave guidelines for the green and digital transition, I have been thinking about how policymakers and private companies do not understand what this means and how a conference like this is needed to bring them closer, so this event helps us to bring it closer to the stakeholders who are important to us. I was very pleased with the news that the Green Future Conference is happening, and Split-Dalmatia County will stand behind it to the maximum, especially when we know that SDŽ is first in terms of solar energy in Croatia, first in planned solar and wind farms, and other renewable energy sources, and first in projects to restore the degraded coastal landscape. It is unique that something is happening at this level in Split, that we all learn something and share experiences," said Stipe Čogelja, Deputy Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County. 

The Green Future conference is a climate-neutral event held under the auspices of the two largest Croatian technology companies, Rimac and Infobip. Gold sponsors are OTP banka, A1, and Bosch, while sponsors are Daikin, Končar, and E&Y. The friends of the conference are Daikin, Professio energia, and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, the City of Split and Hajduk. In addition, the conference is supported by Dwelt, Eutopia, GBC HUB, Croatian Green Building Council, Circuit, Business Psychology Lab, and the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Split. The organizational partners are Profico, Vajt, and Poduzetnik.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

May 9, 2022 - On 9 and 10 June, attendees of the Green Future Conference will have the opportunity to learn how to incorporate green transition principles into their business and stay on top of the game, how to recognize the best players and emulate them, and how to make the green transition principles work towards boosting their top and bottom line. 

The green transition is becoming the backbone of strategic thinking in every single economic activity and industry. Having set the target to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce net emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990, the European Union has become a global leader in terms of sustainability. No area of business, public policy, and everyday life will be able to sidestep the changes that are calling for an increase in energy efficiency and in the share of renewable energy sources, stricter rules on emissions trading, new means of transport and infrastructure, adjustment of tax policies, and new habits in general. The process is neither simple nor cheap so the Green Future Conference, powered by Rimac and Infobip that will be held on 9 and 10 June in Split, is bringing together international and local experts who will share their ideas on how to fund business changes, attract investment, and ensure your company gains and retains a competitive edge. 

Victoria Zinchuk has been the Head of the Croatian EBRD Office (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) since November 2018. She has advised, developed, and managed the financing of projects that have cumulatively yielded more than a billion euros for local and multinational clients in various countries. EBRD is involved in the financing of Split’s Green City Action Plan through their Green Cities programme. Since 2016, EBRD has supported more than 40 European cities that are developing and implementing green plans in the context of improving the quality of life, environment and resilience to climate changes.

Anders Frostenson has two decades of experience building digital experiences, products, and services. He has held executive positions in Stockholm, London, and New York and managed a fund of EUR 10 million supporting entrepreneurs around the world. Anders leads Ernst&Young's Sustainable Product and Service Innovation in the EMEA region to bring together talent and companies to work together on key innovations for a better future. He is an active angel investor and advisor to several startup companies in the global digital market.

Andrej Grubišić is one of the leading corporate finance authorities in Croatia. He runs a boutique company specialising in investment banking, Grubišić & Partners, whose 11 experts provide consulting services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, raising capital, and business valuation. Not only does Andrej have a wealth of experience in corporate finance, but is also an active member of the academic community. 

Anne Lise Rognlidalen is a programme director at Innovation Norway, the Norwegian government’s most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian companies and industry, which includes financing and capacity building toward green transition. She has extensive experience in managing various grant schemes in Norway and other countries and is currently managing business development programmes funded by EEA and Norway Grants in Croatia and Greece. In the 2014-2021 Perspective, EUR 22 million was earmarked for Croatian private sector projects through the Business Development and Innovation Croatia programme. 

Balázs Pál Békeffy became President of the Management Board of OTP Bank in 2011, and after the acquisition of Splitska banka he became president of one of the five largest banks in Croatia. OTP Bank is the gold sponsor of the Green Future Conference, and it will also have its board member Zvonimir Akrap join the conference. Mr Akrap is in charge of corporate banking and financial markets and has more than 15 years of managerial experience at Splitska banka. 

 "Green transition is the only way to ensure the sustainability of the economy and society. It is not a question of whether it is needed, but how quickly and wisely we can implement it. No one can do this on their own - dialogue, exchange of experiences, joint development of innovations, and cooperation are crucial for success. Banks are eager to learn about the industry and government plans and visions of green development, as this will be the foundation of our sustainable financing plans. OTP Bank is rapidly incorporating ESG criteria into its business and we value every opportunity to discuss it further with our stakeholders.  That is why I am looking forward to participating in the Green Future Conference and I believe that the conference will prove to be inspiring for everyone concerned"- said Balázs Békeffy, President of the OTP Bank’s Management Board. 

Zvonimir Akrap, a member of the OTP Bank’s Management Board commented on the role of the banking sector, emphasizing the following: "The banking sector is recognized as a key element in the pursuit of sustainability and we are expected to very quickly devise a way to ensure the financing of the green transition. We are heavily invested in that respect, but we must all be aware that this journey will result in a major transformation of the economy and therefore is one we must all embark on together. To conclude, sustainable development and financing are a long game that nevertheless requires fast and efficient planning for long-term impacts, even though the circumstances that are challenging for both the economy and the banks. Building a sound framework for sustainable financing is contingent on the ability of companies to draw up their green plans boldly and realistically, and the ability of banks to understand and recognize their role and opportunities. OTP Bank will be ready to serve as a reliable partner to our clients so that we can achieve sustainable goals together."

Ivana Gažić, President of the Zagreb Stock Exchange Management Board, will also be among the speakers at the Green Future Conference. Zagreb Stock Exchange is the leading capital market developer in the region which maintains a transparent, secure, profitable, and efficient market while obtaining the highest quality capital market services to meet the needs of investors, issuers, and stakeholders. Ms Gažić believes that the green transition is a topic that has finally been given proper attention: 

"An increasing number of citizens are changing their habits, but they have every right to expect the politics and the local community to support them and build the infrastructure needed to facilitate environmentally-friendly behaviour. It is safe to say that the investors cannot get enough of companies tinted green.  There are still relatively few such companies around, but trends are changing very quickly and the investors’ demands are driving the changes in the behaviour of companies. The Green Future Conference is a great opportunity to learn how to incorporate green transition principles into one’s business, how to recognize the best players and emulate them, and how to make the green transition principles work towards boosting the top line as well as the bottom line. 

For more information go to https://www.greenfuture-conf.com/ 

The Green Future Conference is a climate-neutral event powered by the two largest Croatian technology companies, Rimac and Infobip. Gold sponsors are OTP Bank, A1, and Bosch, while regular sponsors are Daikin, Končar, and E&Y. Friends of the Conference are Daikin, Professio energija, Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, City of Split, and FC Hajduk. The Conference is also supported by Dwelt, Eutopia, GBC HUB, Croatian Green Building Council, Strujni krug, Business Psychology Lab, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Split. The organizational partners are Profico, Vajt, and Poduzetnik.

March 8, 2022 - More than 30 distinguished domestic and international speakers will share their knowledge and experiences on the green transition at the Green Future Conference held at the Croatian National Theatre in Split on June 9 and 10. 

The Green Future Conference to be held on 9 and 10 June in Split will bring together some of the most important stakeholders on green transition, an inevitable and important process that has already begun and will mark the coming years and decades, in terms of environmental protection, e- mobility, energy, public policy, economy and business operations. The conference is therefore supported by the two largest Croatian technology companies, Rimac Group and Infobip.

More than 30 distinguished domestic and international speakers will share their knowledge and experiences on this topic at the Croatian National Theatre in Split. In addition to Matija Žulj (Agrivi), Federico Cristoforoni (Eutopia), Stephanie E. Trpkov (World Bank), Split mayor Ivica Puljak, four new speakers have confirmed their arrival. 

Behavioural scientist Dr Fadi Makki has more than 25 years of experience in public and social policy concerning economic development, behavioural economics, social enterprise, healthcare, education, and sustainability. He leads the first unit for behavioural insights and incentives in the Middle East, B4Development, which is engaged in the preparation for the World Cup in Qatar where one of the main goals is to improve various aspects of the event that include behavioural components, such as transport and recycling. The goal is for Qatar to provide an optimal experience for approximately one million visitors expected during the championship. This is also the first time that behavioural science will be used during a large-scale event such as the World Cup.

Heliodor Macko is a successful businessman and technology enthusiast. He has been with SEAK since 2015, working as CEO on the development and internationalization of long-distance communication technology. In 2018, SEAK introduced charging stations for electric vehicles integrated with smart light poles, for which it received several international awards. Mr Macko believes this technology will help speed up the adoption of e-mobility globally, providing charging spots for people who park their cars on the streets.

"In order to achieve full energy independence in 2050, we must start acting now, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is another reason to stop our dependence on fossil fuels as soon as possible. Achieving this by 2050 is not an easy task. We will need technological innovation, to change in industries and our habits, which can only be achieved through wise and rapid policy changes. Therefore, we must combine our best ideas, and this conference is just the place for it", said Heliodor Macko. 

Laura Stäter is a passionate tourism professional with a strong focus on destination management and sustainability. She works as a marketing and public relations expert, as well as a PR and marketing manager for the Thai Tourist Board in the German market, providing as well advisory services to tourism companies that wish to base their business on sustainability. 

"Green transition is extremely important in the context of tourism. Destinations are at risk due to climate change, the locals are under threat of pandemic, war, working conditions in supply chains, and animals are losing their habitat. Overtourism has had an adverse impact - the gap between rich and poor is widening, and only robust employees, habitats and businesses can survive in the long run. Sustainability is a long-term process and that is why at an event such as the Green Future Conference we need to inspire each other and find ways to foster a common understanding of sustainability and start acting immediately,” said Laura Stäter.

Josef Mouris is co-founder and CEO of ELECTRON Aviation and ELECTRON Aerospace. His love of aviation has been reflected in a career spanning more than two decades, and recently his commitment to tackling climate change has been reflected in a pioneering effort to develop affordable, CO2-free air transport on demand. As a professional air pilot, Josef has 15 years of flying experience at Flybe, the largest regional airline in Europe, and with about 23 years of glider piloting, private design of airfoils, propellers and electric aircraft, he leads the implementation of EV battery technology in the design and production of next-generation aircraft.

"The air traffic is responsible for more than 900 million tonnes of CO2 and is one of the fastest-growing emitters of greenhouse gases. While other sectors will shrink, aviation is likely to continue to grow, raising its share from 3% to more than 20% of all global emissions by 2050. If it does not change direction, it will crash. The Green Future Conference is one of many platforms that can help launch a green transition,” said Josef Mouris. 

The Green Future Conference will be a centre for the exchange of knowledge, experiences, new technologies and solutions, but also innovative policies on green transition, a process that in the coming years and decades is an imperative for the economy of Croatia, the European Union and the rest of the world.

The conference agenda and all speakers will be presented on the official website of the conference in the coming period, and early bird tickets can be purchased until the end of March.  

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ZAGREB, 11 July, 2021 - The 67th Split Summer Festival opens on 14 July with a premiere of Pietro Mascagni's opera "Cavalleria Rusticana", and the festival's programme includes operas, dramas, ballet performances, as well as exhibitions, concerts, book presentations and a chanson cabaret, a press conference heard.

The Split Summer Festival will take place in Peristil Square and several other locations, including Meštrović's Crikvine-Kaštilac complex, the Emanuel Vidović Gallery, Gajo Bulat Square, Sustipan, the City Museum of Split, the Meštrović Gallery, the Česma park in Vrlika, the Marko Marulić City Library and Sveti Filip i Jakov, where the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) Split will perform Ilija Zovko's drama "Francuzica" on the last day of the festival.

The festival closes on 14 August on Sustipan, where Judita awards will be presented.

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May 29, 2021 -  The Gajo Bulat Square renovation in front of the HNK Split is finally complete. The new space will officially open tonight with a concert and fireworks show!

The evening before the Statehood Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders of Split, on Saturday, May 29, starting at 8 pm on the newly renovated Gajo Bulat Square, the Choir, Orchestra and Soloists of the Opera and Drama Actors of the Croatian National Theater Split will perform a gala concert as a gift to all Split citizens.

Under the direction of maestro Ivo Lipanović, tenor Božo Jurić Pešić, soprano Antonija Teskera, and bass Božo Župić will perform as soloists. The program includes arias by Split composers Josip Hatze, Ivo Tijardović, and Jakov Gotovac, as well as an aria "In battle, in battle" from the opera Nikola Šubić Zrinjski by Ivan Zajc.

Considering it is the 500th anniversary of the first edition of the epic "Judith" by Marko Marulić, actress Katarina Romac will perform a monologue by Judith, and Trpimir Jurkić will give a solemn speech given by Mayor Gajo Bulat when opening the new theater building on May 6, 1893.

After the program, fireworks will follow in front of the HNK Split building at around 9 pm, from Bedema Priuli.

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February 8, 2021 - The transformation of Gajo Bulat Square began in Split last week, which should be completed by May this year. 

By removing the asphalt layer, the transformation of Gajo Bulat Square, the famous mayor of Split, and the great Croatian national revival from the end of the 19th century, began last week. The beginning of the works was attended by the Mayor of Split, Andro Krstulović Opara, together with associates and contractors, designers, and authors of the monument, which will soon be located on the future square.

"Gajo Bulat Square has a prominent historical, urban, and cultural significance in the city of Split. We will restore the aesthetic and urban identity to this valuable urban space, which it has lost in the past decades. With the figure of Gajo Filomen Bulat, we offer the honor and lasting memory of the leader of the populist movement of the Croatization of the Split municipality. With the future fountain, we emphasize the water which was of crucial importance in this part of the city and which, in fact, as good water, gave the name to this part of Split - Dobri. The key thing is that we return the squares and parks to the people of Split," said Krstulović Opara.

The works envisage the renovation of the staircase in front of the HNK building, erecting a monument to Gajo Bulat, then arranging the associated area with a monument to former sources of drinking water, and arranging the parks with trees and lush shrubs. It is important to note that the floor and public area around the monument to Gajo Bulat will be paved with stone slabs. The entire space of Gajo Bulat Square, after its renovation, can also serve as an outdoor, open stage of the Split Theater. The works are worth 3.7 million kuna, and the renovation is expected to be completed in early May.

The renovation of the Square was preceded by the renovation of the facade on the Croatian National Theater building, worth 500 thousand kuna. The foyer inside the building was also renovated, and an elevator for people with disabilities was installed last year. In May last year, the asphalt around the Square was repaired, and the Priuli rampart is currently undergoing conservation and restoration. By May this year, when Gajo Bulat Square's renovation is complete, this part of the city will take on a completely new look, says the City of Split. 

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December 6, 2020 - Split Gastroadvent continued on the second Advent Sunday in the foyer of HNK Split, this time honoring radio journalists and highlighting Croatian fish products high in zinc. 

Split Gastroadvent is a unique event that fuses nutrition, gastronomy, and tourism. With several years of dedicated work on gathering knowledge and skills, it reaches everyone and all parts of the world, through the image, pen, and voice of dedicated journalists, who bring light to Split in this unusual year as well.

As 2020 marks the jubilee 10th anniversary of recognizing the Mediterranean diet, this year's theme pays great attention to the sea. The Mediterranean Sea boasts an area of about 2.5 million km² and connects all countries of the original Mediterranean diet.

Following this theme, this year's Gastroadvent wreath is also dedicated to the sea and its preservation. The seafoam wreath symbolically and literally simulates the sea world and is created from discarded trash and plastic. The Mediterranean diet theme inspired prominent sculptor Nives Čičin Šain to send a message in an artistic way: “Let's preserve our sea and the life in it that feeds many with its beauty."

During this Advent month, Gastroadvent pays special attention to fish and fish products. Such meals supply the body with important nutrients. Fish products are a good source of zinc (Zn,) a micronutrient of great importance, which has a beneficial effect on the metabolism of macronutrients and carbohydrates and protein synthesis. It plays a significant role in protecting cells from oxidative stress as well as for the normal functioning of the immune system. It is especially important to consume enough fish, oysters, oysters, crabs, tuna, shellfish.

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for years to encourage the representation of fish on menus. For ten years now, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce has implemented the project "Croatian Fish - Eat its Worth." The project aims to increase consumption of local fish products and build and raise the culture of fish consumption in Croatia, all by raising consumer awareness of the importance and investment in sustainable fisheries, the high nutritional and health value of food originating from locally regulated catches or farming, and the importance of the product they consume from a food safety system of well-known, high standards. This project is of special importance, which was emphasized by President Jozo Tomaš, and confirmed by the cooperation with Gastroadvent in Split.

The fish of the Adriatic Sea was presented by partner Gastro Ribarnica Brač, which makes fish more accessible through regular campaigns, and with its professionalism guarantees safety, availability, and originality. The Amare brand, which focuses on "love from the sea", combines hand-cleaned meat of Adriatic shrimp, which is synonymous with quality and an indispensable food for restaurants and households, as well as marinated shrimp, marinated anchovies, and salted anchovies. Their novelty is the first burgers made of Adriatic shrimp and scampi, which have achieved notable success on the market. On the wings of this success, the idea for a burger made of Adriatic fish was created, more precisely of four types of white fish and two types of bluefish.

Ecology and competence in gastronomy and tourism are the future projects of the Split School of Tourism and Hospitality. Under the leadership of director Ivo Bilić, the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Split has been appointed the Regional Center of Competence in Tourism in the summer of 2018.

The regional center of competence in the tourism and hospitality sector is the name of a long-term project of the Tourist Catering School Split and partners.

The idea of creating a Regional Competence Center (hereinafter: RCC) arose as a need to improve human resources in tourism, and this school has been in development for about 10 years. Seven years ago, a model of the center was presented at the Ministry of Tourism, originally as an idea for the development of quality schools in tourism. The initial model was for Split-Dalmatia County with about 15 schools (mostly in Croatia) that educate for at least one of the occupations in the tourism and hospitality sector (there are about 100 schools in Croatia), and the main goal was (and remains) that students have better exit competencies upon completion of education and that they are uniform in all schools. The important role of the RCC is to connect with the local community, and it will be manifested through two goals:

1) Projects with kindergartens and primary schools in creating habits among young people and encouraging reflection on tourism, and on the other hand as promoting our professions,

2) Participation in local (regional) events, creating habits among the population about the benefits and importance of caring for the guest-tourist. 

This year's Gastroadvent also features Mediterranean Food - MD.net, a project funded by the European program Interreg Mediterranean, worth 3.7 million EUR, and implemented by the Public Institution RERA S.D. for the coordination and development of Split-Dalmatia County. The project involves 14 project partners from 9 countries in the Mediterranean, which is aimed at popularizing the Mediterranean diet. The main goal of the project is to strengthen research in this area in accordance with the UNESCO Convention on Mediterranean Nutrition, to raise the quality of food and life in 9 project partner countries, as well as promote the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized as the gold standard of proper nutrition, as well as its far-reaching beneficial effects on health.

This time, tomato šalša with varenik, an aromatic nectar from Plavac mail grapes, was presented by the "Brac" high school in Supetar. An evaluation of all products will be organized in order to declare the best, which will go to an international presentation in Seville (Spain) next year.

Split Gastroadvent is held every Advent Sunday at a new location! 

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July 10, 2020 - The inaccessibility of the Croatian National Theater in Split for people with disabilities will soon become a thing of the past.

Dalmatinski Portal reports that everything is ready, one of the most important infrastructural interventions - the installation of an elevator, which will finally bring the program of the Split HNK closer to people with disabilities. The City of Split has initiated the procedure for the procurement of elevators, as well as the procurement procedure for reconstruction works to install elevators.

The estimated value of the purchase was 195 thousand kuna, excluding VAT, and is funded by the EU project 'TURISM4ALL' in cooperation with JU RERA and HNK, which aims to promote the availability of tourist destinations and cultural heritage across borders. The value of the reconstruction works amounts to HRK 395 thousand, excluding VAT. The deadline for submission of bids is July 13, 2020, at the latest.

In 2019, the City of Split ordered the development of major projects for the adaptation of the Split HNK building to people with disabilities and reduced mobility. With this project, it is planned to install an elevator from the level of the entrance area on the ground floor of the Croatian National Theater to the level of the first floor - the foyer, from where access to the lodges (mezzanine) is provided. The installation of the elevator is planned where the cash register is currently located. All projects for adapting the HNK building to people with disabilities have been approved by the Ministry of Culture, Conservation Department in Split, according to the City of Split.

With this project, the Croatian National Theater becomes another cultural institution that is accessible, after the first elevator in the Old Town was installed in the Golden Gate Center due to the accessibility of the cinema to spectators. The new building of the Croatian Home is accessible for people with disabilities, and the adaptation of the Old Town Hall and the new polyvalent hall on the Square of the Croatian Fraternal Union is underway. The goal is to make culture accessible to all and encourage everyone to get involved in the social life of the city.

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May 14, 2020 - The comic drama Laponija by Cristina Clemente and Marco Angelet, produced by the Croatian National Theater in Split and directed by Nenni Delmestre, will be performed on Monday, May 18 at 8 pm at HNK Split as the first play after the theater closed its doors on March 11. 

"As a gift to the audience that supported us for more than two months when the theater was closed and who in large numbers watched our virtual production on social networks, tickets for this play, as well as for all other programs that we will perform until the beginning of preparations for the 66th Split Summer, will be free," said the intendant of HNK Split Srećko Šestan for Dalmatinski Portal. 

Due to the high interest in tickets after the first announcements of this performance, and because of the significantly reduced capacity of the auditorium adjusted to the recommended protective measures, the drama ensemble of the Croatian National Theater Split will perform Laponija on Wednesday, May 20.  

"A great comedy ... a smart and witty play that speaks about serious issues with ease" is how theater critics assessed Split's Laponija after the premiere on Stage 55 in December 2019. Director Nenni Delmestre said for the premiere: "Genre-wise this is a comedy, but with very serious blades that drive into our intimate and social fabric. It is a drama with funny, witty remarks and reactions, but in which the wit stems from cultural differences that actually speak to some factual conditions."

The play immediately became a real theatrical hit on the Split stage, as before on the Catalan and Spanish stages. Laponija premiered in January 2019 in Barcelona, and at the end of the same year, the Split production followed. It will be performed for the 20th and 21st time on Monday and Wednesday.

At the center of the plot are two married couples. Spouses Monika (Monika Vuco Carev) and Robi (Siniša Novković) from Dalmatia (in the original text from Catalonia) come to visit Monika's sister Nela (Zorana Kačić Čatipović) who is married to Finn Olavi (Nikša Arčanin) and has been living in Finland. But instead of an idyllic Christmas family reunion in Santa's homeland, the characters enter a series of fierce dramatic conflicts for which, at first glance, the trigger is opposed to Mediterranean and Scandinavian mentalities, attitudes about raising children, about desirable and undesirable behavior.

Tickets will be available until Friday, May 15 at 10 am at the box office of HNK Split and on its website, until the capacity of the auditorium is filled.

The play will be played on a large stage in front of an auditorium whose maximum capacity, due to the recommended spacing measures, has been reduced to 187 spectators.

Spectators are asked to come to the show with protective masks. At the entrance to the theater, a body temperature check and the necessary disinfection of the hands and shoes of each visitor will be performed.

The HNK Split box office will be open twice on Friday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm, on Saturday from 10 am to noon, while it will be closed on Sunday.

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