June 27, 2019 - At the time of year when Croatian media focuses on how the season is going, some interesting discrepancies between Booking.com and AirBnB occupancy rates.

So how is the season? How are bookings? Will 2019 be another record year to beat the record year of 2018, which beat the record year of 2017? The record year of 2020 will beat the record year of 2019, but how do things stand in the world of reality away from the Kingdom of Accidental Tourism?

It is a topic I used to follow quite closely each summer, but not so much these days as my interest focus moves away from tourism. But I still have the conversations with people I meet, and the general verdict from the private accommodation sector is that booking are up to 20% down on the record 2018 and most will be happy if they get to within 5-10% of last year's numbers. 

As I said, it is not a topic that particularly interests me these days, until that is... 

Preparing for my latest business trip this week, I was looking for a one-night rental in Dubrovnik on Sunday, June 30. I started with AirBnB and was surprised by one thing and astounded by another. 

I was surprised at how many private rooms and apartments were available for under £40 a night in this exclusive destination suffering from over-tourism just a few days before the peak season. 

And I was astounded by the AirBnB statistic for my over night stay on June 30 (remember I was looking on June 27, just three days before):

32% of places in Dubrovnik for your dates and guests are already booked. 

Which means 68% were not booked. 

WTF? Had I stumbled across a story looking for the cheapest bed in the Pearl of the Adriatic for one night? It turns out that I had, butt not the one I thought I had. 

The obvious place to counter check was Booking.com - and the picture could not be more different. While AirBnB was only 32% full, Booking was an impressive 87% occupied for Bradbury's visit to Dubrovnik on Sunday. 

And, according to Booking.com, Dubrovnik was doing better than Split. 

Which was doing better than Zadar. You can keep playing this game yourselves. 

Just for fun, I chose a totally unpopular time to come in a destination I know well - Jelsa on Hvar. If you are thinking of visiting on December 15, then hurry, for Jelsa is 93% booked for this time of year when nobody visits. 

So why the discrepancy? 

I am sure that part of the reason to explain the high occupancy in Jelsa in December is down to the fact that the hotels are closed and so they simply block them off, and the Booking algorithm counts this as occupied. But even so - 93%?

Another partial explanation could be that Booking.com has a huge hotel database, whereas AirBnB is much more focused on private accommodation. Could it be that the Croatian hotel industry is doing extremely well and private accommodation very poorly?

A very interesting article from leading Croatian entrepreneur Nenad Bakic, featured by TCN this week, showed a huge discrepancy between Croatia and the rest of the EU. As you can see from the charts above and below, hotel occupancy as a percentage of tourism accommodation is a third of the EU average.

And with exactly half of Croatian tourism overnights coming from private accommodation (Slovenia is the only EU country which has more than 30%), could a lack of take-up of private accommodation this year (or better phrased, too much private accommodation on the market) be a large contributor to the lower AirBnB numbers compared to Booking.com?

The higher Booking.com percentages may be due to the fact that Croatia's hotels are fully booking, but that is hardly surprising.  

There are not nearly enough of them. As I explained at the recent Filipovic Real Estate Conference in Zagreb and Frei in Budva, the majority of the luxury international brands are avoiding Croatia, while they are queueing up to open in places like Montenegro. 

A good season or bad? I have no idea if this will be the record season that official numbers will no doubt announce, or the disaster that many private owners predict. The only thing I can say with certainty is that with Jelsa 93% booked for December, our place is available, but book now!

June 27,  2019 - After six unforgettable years, ULTRA Europe opens a four-year chapter at the Park Mladeži stadium in Split. The new site will record historic results already in its first year - the seventh edition will enlist its millionth visitor, and the record sales of tickets are expected to be even higher. These figures are the result of a year-long successful strategy and vision of organizers who have not given up on their goal to make this festival the biggest in Europe. With the most expensive line up ever on this stage of a record 1,500 square meters, Park Mladeži will host ULTRA Europe from July 12 to 14, 2019. 

"We are delighted to confirm that we have partnered with the City of Split and the Public Institution for Sports Facilities in Split for four-year cooperation and that together we will make Park Mladeži a leading sport and event location in the region. Poljud has made a big contribution to the development and attractiveness of the ULTRA Europe festival, which will continue to develop and grow in a new home, until at least 2022. We are proud to announce that we will record the millionth visitor, and according to the estimated tickets sold, we will host a record number of visitors this year,” said Joe Bašić, director of MPG Live, organizer of the ULTRA Europe festival and added:

“Park Mladeži is not news. We were serious about this location in 2012 before we chose Poljud. It's only a mile away, and because of its size, it opened up new possibilities in the production and organizational sense. This way, we will be able to reduce the time of entry into the stadium due to a better solution at the entrance, and also because of the greater number of exits, the safety of our visitors will be even higher this year. What we are particularly pleased about is the fact that the people of Split can now enjoy Hajduk from Poljud and watch top European football and enjoy the festival at the same time as one of the trademarks of their city.” 

Park Mladeži is 15,000 square meters bigger than Poljud, which represents football fields, giving new opportunities to the organizers. The new location is only a kilometer away from Poljud, close to the old city center, surrounded by numerous hotels, near the shopping center, a variety of restaurants, parking for cars and public transport. The central football pitch is of the same dimensions as the old location but is directly connected and surrounded by greenery, which ultimately opens the possibility of using 30,000 square meters and increasing the capacity to 55,000 visitors. The organizers have announced a never-before-seen stage that will extend to 1,500 square meters, and will be the largest stage ever set in the region. With additional production elements, such as 1000 square meter LED screens, numerous lighting fixtures, and special effects, visitors are expected to genuinely enjoy the seventh edition of the festival. The spectacular fireworks that became the trademark of the ULTRA Europe festival will light up the Split sky and its unique 360-degree design is one of the most exciting moments of every festival night. Due to the infrastructure of Park Mladeži, a better experience for VIP guests will be provided as there will be a special entry and direct access to the lodges.

In the next few days, all details of the contract between the Public Institution of Sports Facilities and MPG Live will be defined. "This top-class music experience places Split and the Adriatic coast onto the international map of festivals and will also affirm the new space in the city of Split, which surely adds value to Ultra. Good cooperation with the Public Institution of Sports Facilities in Split, which manages and maintains the Park Mladeži through contract, in cooperation with MPG and the ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, will provide additional and necessary investment in the infrastructure of this sports facility. The city administration specifically requested it, and the organizer expressed this to understand that the needs of the surrounding population are also taken into account,” said the City of Split after the meeting.

The ULTRA Europe festival in Split started its story in 2013 at Poljud Stadium, home of HNK Hajduk. Since the club’s upcoming games have just been confirmed, the new solution was necessary. 

“At the end of last season, HNK Hajduk placed into the UEFA Europa League. They are scheduled to play on July 11th and 18th, and if they advance further, they will continue the second qualifying round on July 25th, while in the meantime, Hajduk will host their first game of the Croatian First League at Poljud. Until the end of May, it was not known which of UEFA Europa League’s first qualifying rounds were to be held at Poljud. Placing 4th in the Croatian League ensured that Hajduk would host two UEFA Europa League games in July, while the draw of the Croatian competition decided that Hajduk would play at Poljud on the 21st of July. Therefore, it was possible that from July 11th to 25th, HNK Hajduk would play at Poljud three times. The draw was just held on June 18 and 19 in Nyon, and until then, we did not know the schedule of our rivals or locations for the qualifying rounds. The Dugopolje stadium would not be adequate for this stage of the European competition, so the club did not have much choice for their obligations expected during July in Split,” said Hajduk’s Head of Public Relations, Ante Bilić.

The lineup for this year’s festival is already well known. Recall, the hard-hitters of the electronic music scene such as Swedish House Mafia, Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, DJ Snake, Dubfire, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Maceo Plex, Rezz, Rezz, Richie Hawtin, Sasha & Nic Fanciulli, Steve Aoki and Tchami X Malaa will be joined by Art Department, Cheat Codes, Jeffret Suttorius, Lost Kings, Nicky Romero, Patrice Baumel and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano will grace the audience in Split. 

The lineup includes 50 names that will feature across the four stages.

DESTINATION ULTRA 2019 

11. July - RESISTANCE Opening Party / Hemingway Club, Split

12.- 14. July - ULTRA Europe / Park Mladeži, Split

15. July – Regatta Party / 585 Club, Bol, Brač

16. July - ULTRA Beach Hvar / Hotel Amfora Grand Beach Resort, Hvar

16. July - RESISTANCE Hvar, Carpe Diem Beach Club

17. July - RESISTANCE Vis Closing Party / Fort George, Vis

You can read more about Ultra Europe here. 

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

June 26, 2019 - Just two weeks before Ultra Europe comes to Split, we finally have official confirmation that the internationally popular music festival is leaving Poljud for Park Mladeži.

“At this point, I can confirm that the ULTRA Europe Festival will be held at the Park Mladeži stadium for the next four years. The new location is more spacious and larger and will allow for the further development of the festival and better visitor experience. The agreement was reached in cooperation with the City of Split and the Public Institution 'Split Sports Facilities', and I believe that we will jointly develop the Park Mladeži into a leading sport and event location in the region. We are opening a new chapter of the ULTRA Europe festival, which will continue to generate many positive changes in the music industry, Croatian tourism, and economy in the coming years,” said Joe Bašić, director of MPG Live, the official organizer of the ULTRA Europe festival.

Recall, since no agreement was signed between Ultra and Hajduk, the festival organizers turned to alternative solutions, and RNK Split’s stadium Park Mladeži (Youth Park) was the first location that came to mind. 

Hajduk often highlighted the destruction of their field after Ultra as one of the biggest problems brought by the festival, which is part of why the two sides couldn't agree. 

Hajduk was looking for Ultra to cover all the costs incurred by the club for holding the festival, and above all to financially cover and secure a new field in time as to not repeat, for example, last year’s catastrophe when the lawn was not brought in on time. The two sides never saw eye to eye. 

More information will be announced on Thursday.

The Ultra Europe festival will be held in Split from July 12 to 14, 2019.

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

The beginning of the tourist season in Croatia is also the beginning of the festival season, and according to the already established tradition of Ultra Europe in Split, it couldn’t pass without a bit of drama. 

Whether Ultra will be organized this year at Poljud or the new location of Park Mladeži, is still unclear. The decision is expected by the end of the week, if not sooner, though some of Split’s citizens in the Skalice neighborhood have expressed their concerns, reports Splitski Dnevnik on June 26, 2019.

RNK Split’s stadium Park Mladeži is an ever more likely option; however it is not sitting well with residents of the area. 

"I'm genuinely shocked, and I do not believe this really will happen. I still have hope that it will agree on something else. Because our buildings will not endure the event and everything that comes with Ultra,” said Zdravko from Split.

"Of course it is dangerous; the houses themselves are old. I mean, even when there's a small game, we cannot stay in the house, let alone withstand this. This is madness, I do not know who controls this city; I do not understand it,” said Marija from Split.

Many wonder if Park Mladeži has the capacity for the number of people attending the festival, and on the other hand, how the residents of the surrounding buildings can handle the noise. According to the organizers, an official announcement that will reveal if Ultra will be held at Poljud or Park Mladeži will come sometime this week.

The City of Split is said to be in the process of holding a meeting with the top of the city administration headed by mayor Andro Krstulović Opara, and, among the delegations, Joe Bašić and director of the Public Institution of Sports Facilities Tomislav Borozan. Dalmatinski Portal reports that Ultra was nearly set to be held at Park Mladeži, though the Public Institution was asking for 1.5 million kuna, which the Ultra organizers considered unacceptable.

"The organizers will inform you of the latest news. We are doing everything in our power to maintain this successful festival that has changed the face of tourism not only in our city but Croatia,” said mayor Andro Krstulović Opara.

Recall, since no agreement was signed between Ultra and Hajduk, the festival organizers allegedly turned to alternative solutions, and Park Mladeži was the first location that came to mind. 

Hajduk often highlighted the destruction of their field after Ultra as one of the biggest problems brought by the festival, which is part of why the two sides couldn't agree. 

Hajduk was looking for Ultra to cover all the costs incurred by the club for holding the festival, and above all to financially cover and secure a new field in time as to not repeat, for example, last year’s catastrophe when the lawn was not brought in on time. 

For every unplayed European match at Poljud, Hajduk is forced to relocate (to the significantly smaller stadium capacity in Dugopolje), leaving them with estimated losses of around 1.5 to 2 million kuna, while the price of the new field is between 1.6 and 2.2 million kuna.

"I think that Park Mladeži is not at all suitable for such a big international event. My opinion is that Poljud was created for such events as it promotes our city and the whole of Croatia,” said Suzana from Split.

Maybe the location is still in question, but the festival will go on. Stay tuned. 

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

June 25, 2019 -  After yet another successful Mediterranean Film Festival in Split, which many locals consider officially opens the summer season in the Dalmatian capital, the Bačvice summer cinema will come alive once again next week for the second edition of the Fibra Festival. 

Fibra, an urban music festival, will take place on July 5 and 6 in a new location for their second edition - the summer cinema at Bačvice.

After last year's first edition which was held at the Gripe fortress, when 3,000 people enjoyed Kojoti, Let 3, Vojko V, High 5, and M.O.R.T., the yem agency has revealed an even more vibrant festival this summer. 

Fibra festival brings together a mix of the region’s best alternative and rock bands, and this year boasts a lineup featuring Psihomodo Pop, Jonathan, Boris Štok and Juggernaut who will join the already announced Urban & 4,  Letu štuke, Nipplepeople and Bojana Vunturišević!

Cult rockers Psihomodo Pop need no special announcement. Formed in Zagreb in 1983, their Ramones-esque songs and energetic stage presence will keep you dancing. 

After the unfortunate resignation of Rijeka band Jonathan last year, they are coming back even better this year and hot off their first US tour. 

One of the most recognizable voices of the Croatian music scene, Boris Štok will present his award-winning album "Ispod kože" - and you can catch the young Split instrumental duo Juggernaut who’ve emerged under the influence of the fast-paced stoner scene.

But that’s not all. 

Split will also welcome one of the most impressive live bands and headliners Urban & 4, the iconic Bosnian-Herzegovinian rock group Letu štuke who will present their first album in seven years, the energetic electro-pop duo Nipplepeople and the brilliant Belgrade musician Bojana Vunturišević.

The organizer of the festival, the yem agency, has several concerts and recognized projects under their belt, among which is the outstanding "Drito iz Tvornice", "Zagreb Beer Fest", and “Pine Fest Samobor”. 

With Fibra, the organizers come back to their hometown roots to offer locals and tourists a ‘festival without borders’ where the quality of the musicians and the production reigns supreme. 

Tickets can be purchased online via Ticketshop.hr or Entrio.hr and at sales outlets:

Split:

Croatia Records - Split (Bulićeva 1)

CroFanShop Marmontova (Trogirska 10)

Dancing Bear Split (Dioklecijanova ul. 6)

Ghetaldus shop - Marmontova 8 and City Centar Split

Trogir:

Kairos Travel Trogir, Obala bana Berislavića 23

Zagreb:

Dirty Old Shop, Tratinska 18

Rockmark, Berislavićeva 13

You can read more about the festival here. 

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

June 25, 2019 - Martha & the Vandellas knew back in 1965 that their hit ‘Heatwave’ would stand the test of time, and it'll especially get airtime this week as temperatures across Europe are projected to hit 40 degrees Celsius. 

The Guardian reported on Monday that temperatures would reach or even exceed 40 degrees from Spain to Switzerland as "hot air was sucked up from the Sahara by the combination of a storm stalling over the Atlantic and high pressure over central Europe" - but thanks to the high humidity, it’d really feel like 47. Yikes.

Fortunately, Croatia isn’t Spain or France, and temperatures here shouldn’t reach 40 this week, though some parts of the country will reach 35, reports 24 Sata.

Here’s the weather report for the week - stay cool, Croatia. 

Enjoy the weather on Tuesday, as temperatures will rise on Wednesday with the peak expected on Thursday. A cold front is already likely on Friday, which should cool it down a bit, but not by much. 

DHMZ

The State Meteorological Institute issued warnings for the upcoming thermal wave in Croatia. On Tuesday, temperatures will rise to a maximum of 33 degrees. But as in the rest of Europe, on Wednesday temperatures will rise again. In Croatia’s interior, temperatures will reach 33 degrees, while on the coast they’ll hit 34 degrees.

The threat of the heatwave will be the greatest on Thursday and Friday in Zagreb, Karlovac, Rijeka, and Split, the DHMZ warns. Namely, on those days, the temperature will reach 35 degrees.

DHMZ

Apart from the high heat, UV radiation is likely to be very high in the days to come, especially on Thursday.

DHMZ

As with all heatwaves, it's important to stay hydrated and avoid being out in the sun at all costs, especially from 11 am to 3 pm. This is especially important for young children and people over the age of 75. Keep your windows shut in the house with the shades down to keep the heat out, and keep a cold shower close. 

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

June 24, 2019 - Summer officially kicked off on June 21st, though we’ve been feeling it in Dalmatia since the beginning of June. And grateful, we are, that the summer is finally here after an unusually chilly (and rainy) May. 

However, jumping from one weather extreme to the next seems to have taken its toll on those of us in Dalmatia, that is, if the hit satirical Facebook Page Daily Dose of the Average Dalmatian (Dnevna doza prosječnog Dalmatinca) has anything to do with it. 

Maybe jumping from the biting bura to a 35 degree Celsius heatwave has messed with our heads, or perhaps it’s just part of our Dalmatian blood, but the summer has just begun, and we already have a world of Dalmatian humor to share. 

We knew that summer was officially here when this was spotted at the supermarket.

 But the water wasn't quite warm enough to swim in yet...

Croatia's lack of seasonal workers was clearly displayed when local chickens were used to take drink orders. 

And Dubrovnik taxi drivers quickly realized they needed to learn Chinese to survive.

Tourists went to great heights just to fit into the last parking spot at the beach.

And we witnessed Croatian innovation in Dugopolje...

Though it seems we've forgotten how to count...

Or correctly display traffic signals.

We discovered a new air conditioning system for cars on Pag.

And taped umbrellas to our backs to ensure the sun didn't stop us from working. 

But we still can't seem to get the traffic signs right. 

But summer didn't really start until a visit from Moky, our beloved Mako shark, which made its way from Makarska to Primošten. 

We loved Moky so much, we even tried to imitate him. 

The foreign workers brought in needed some time to adapt to Dalmatian culture, and to realize that this leg of pršut isn't a place for handbags. 

As June moved along, Pag struggled with spelling.

And our markets confused tomatoes and cucumbers. 

But Split's latest tourist attraction allows you to dine next to garbage trucks. 

Fortunately, we know what it takes to attract tourists. 

Even if we don't know how to spell. 

Welcome to summer in Dalmatia.

We set the trends. 

We work hard.

We have your back. 

You just make sure to follow the rules.

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

June 24, 2019 - A new summer timetable has been announced for travelers on the Split-Supetar Jadrolinija ferry line this summer.

The first weekend of summer in Split brought some 112,000 travelers through the airport and ferry port, making it no surprise that we are well and truly into the season - and we have hit the ground running. 

Jelena Ivuljić from Jadrolinija said that from Friday to Sunday, around 65,000 passengers and about 12,000 vehicles traveled through the Split Ferry Port, and the most significant interest among travelers is Brač and Hvar.

“We have 12 regular lines for Brač, though on Friday we added one extra line and on Saturday two extra lines. We are learning from our experience so far, and on Sunday, we will have two extra lines. Apart from Brač, there is also pressure going to the island of Hvar, the Split-Starigrad line, as well as the catamaran line towards the town of Hvar,” Ivuljić said.

And this is just the beginning. 

As a way to ease some of the summer travel stress for locals and tourists, Mayor of Supetar Ivana Marković has announced a new timetable on the Split-Supetar route, which will take effect from Friday, June 28 and continue until September 1. 

Marković announced the news on her official Facebook page on Sunday, emphasizing that the schedule had been changed to give passengers traveling by car more time to load and unload their vehicle on and off the ferry.

“We will soon welcome a new timetable, which disrupts some of the classic times we have all adapted to. The schedule has been changed to give more time to load and unload vehicles on and off the ferry because, with the current timetable, it was not possible to ensure the timely departure of the ferry and caused additional crowding in the harbor and on the roads. The new timetable is only for two months, and then we will return to the old, well-known schedule. The crowds have begun, arm yourself with patience,” said mayor Marković. 

By the new schedule, the ferry from Split will travel every day at 5, 6.30, 8, 9.30, 10.30, 12, 13.30, 15, 15.45, 16.30, 18, 19.30, 21 and 23.59.

From Supetar, the ferry will depart at 5, 6.30, 8, 9.30, 11, 12, 13.30, 15, 16.30, 17.15, 18, 19.30, 20.45 and 22.45.

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

The duo that definitely makes everyone across the world dance will perform on 20th July for the first time in Split, supported by local stars AM:PM.

First things that come to your mind when thinking of Iceland are geysers and beautiful nature in a somewhat harsh climate. Its population is distinctive and frequently also artful and hence we have recently witnessed the success achieved by Icelandic athletes, as well as by its film and music makers. As far as electronic music is concerned, GusGus are a special treat. After several concerts in Croatia, this will be their first performance in Split, on 20th July at Bedem Cornaro.

According to connoisseurs, their name is pronounced as it is written and rumour has it that the idea behind their name originated from a scene from the Fassbinder’s film entitled "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul" in which the heroine is preparing couscous for her lover, pronouncing it as gusgus. They formed in 1995 in Reykjavik, as an artist collective dedicated to film, but they soon turned to electronic music. Soon after their formation they were noticed by the connoisseurs from the British independent record label 4AD with which these Icelanders signed a contract. They became widely popular and sold out their concerts throughout the world. At that point they were noticed even by the biggest celebrities in electronic and pop music scene and hence they co-operated even with Björk, Moloko, Depeche Mode and Sigur Ros. 

They have released ten studio albums to date, of which "Arabian Horse" from 2011 has so far achieved the biggest success. Nevertheless, they have primarily remained faithful to the sound created in the 1990’s. They are recognised by their electronic sound and an unconventional fusion of techno, trip-hop and house music, successfully incorporated into other music genres, while they themselves refer to their style as techno soul. Biggi Veira still rules over analog equipment with sovereignty and they are still using it to produce the true electronic sound. Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson is the singer who became a star in Iceland after the appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest, back in 1989, when the Croatian band Riva won with "Rock Me Baby". 

Live performances of GusGus are exciting and far from mainstream, which was the case also at the Šibenik-based St. Michael’s Fortress two years ago, also organised by Collage Events. Everyone danced wholeheartedly despite the seating placed in the sold out fortress. The Icelanders also got carried away by the atmosphere and referred to the audience as magnificent and to St. Michael’s Fortress as one of the most beautiful places in which they have performed.They will be performing in Split also in a unique ambiance of Bedem Cornaro, where they will be supported by AM:PM – the electronic music duo from Split, comprising of Antonio Milina and Milan Pivalica.

They delighted the audience in Šibenik, heating up the atmosphere with their deep house, preparing the stage for GusGus. Their huge experience in other music projects transforms each of their live performances into a unique experience. 

Early bird pre-sale tickets are already available through the Entrio system at a price of HRK150.and also in Split at:

GHETALDUS - Marmontova 8

Trg Braće Radića 10

DANCING BEAR - Dioklecijanova 6

For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

June 23, 2019 - The Run Croatia initiative enters a new phase as Bagatin Clinic becomes the first Run Friendly Clinic in the world. 

One of the most exciting things I am observing in Croatia today is how so many bubbles of positive energy and ideas are beginning to join forces. Forget the corruption of the State and the mighty State of Uhljebistan - there is a new breed of entrepreneur who just wants to get on with life. And these entrepreneurs are increasingly connecting with each other, creating a parallel Croatia of positivity and change. 

As I have written previously, one of the most interesting tourism projects currently ongoing is Run Croatia's initiative to promote Croatia as a run-friendly destination. What started out as a couple of races only 2 years ago is quickly mushrooming into a serious business, which is attracting running tourists from all over the world. You can check out the in-depth TCN interview with Run Croatia on what they are trying to achieve - and have achieved already. 

Improving the local Croatian tourist offer, as well as expanding the Croatian tourist offer in general;

Organizing various events/introducing novelties into the existing Croatian tourist offer aimed at extending the peak tourist season;

Increasing revenues, especially off-season;

Promoting Croatia as a top-tourist destination for athletes internationally;

Creating a distinguished and recognizable image of Croatian tourism.

But the ambitions of Run Croatia are much wider than promoting tourism and organising races. They are working with various organisations and businesses in Croatia to partner with them in order to create a healthier environment in general. Their Run Friendly World initiative includes hotels, employers and clinics. 

These week, Run Friendly World welcomed the first clinic in the world - another bubble of Croatian positivity, Bagatin Clinic in Zagreb, one of the leading clinics in the region and named last year as the best dermatology clinic in Europe. 

Already a Run Friendly Employer and a strong supporter of the initiative, Bagatin is now the first official run friendly clinic. 

Run Friendly Clinics are medical institutions that welcome Run Friendly Employers by making sure their employees are healthy and have available monthly  / yearly check ups depending on their needs.

Moreover, not only do Run Friendly Clinics recognize the importance of being active and living a healthy life style, however also motivating their staff to engage in various sporting events and realizing the benefits of being active.

As a Run Friendly Clinic, your goal is to tend to your patients needs to become a better athlete and a healthier person. In addition, to ensure detailed check ups that will manage to treat (mostly) sporting injuries, to advise patients on other healthy approaches and most of all to become part of a community that values active lifestyle.

To learn more about Run Croatia, visit the official website.

And to learn more about the world's first run friendly clinic, visit the Bagatin Clinic website.