Last week, a meeting of the Tourist Board directors of Split-Dalmatia County was held, which saw the director of the Split Tourist Board, Alijana Vukšić, also take part. Vukšić commented on the hot topic of weaker bookings for the upcoming tourist season, and what we should expect this year, reports Dalmacija Danas on March 24, 2019. 

“If judged by the results of the Split Tourist Board, in the first two months we recorded a 25 percent increase in arrivals and overnights. The reason for this may be the many events in the city during the winter months because we must not forget that behind us is the Split Half Marathon, numerous congresses, and fairs that are a good motivator for arrivals to the destination, but good results are also recorded in the surrounding cities. It's a great introduction to, hopefully, a successful tourist year, and judging by all presentations and programs that will be developed by individual tourist communities, we should not doubt it. On the contrary, we need to work intensely, the year will be demanding, no one disagrees, but that's why we create a lot of activities so our guests can experience the destination, to motivate them to come. So far, the city and county have had excellent results, and we hope we will have them this year too.”

Behind us is the ITB Fair in Berlin. What makes Split more interesting for Germans than some other destinations?

“I personally see the fair in Berlin as one of the best, and I have been in the tourist board system for the last 20 years. The presentation was exceptionally good because we presented it as the Split Riviera. We even made a brochure on the Split Riviera. Thus, in one booklet, there are all cities in the surroundings, as guests staying in Split for more than three days are looking for additional content. On this occasion, we offered other material in the surrounding destinations, which proved to be a good move. The interest was great. There were not only many business contacts and meetings but in the two days that were open to the public, the excitement was high. 

Of course, the reason for this was that you could taste our specialties such as pršut, cheese, and soparnik, but we also had a klapa that attracted many guests with beautiful singing to our booth and gave an additional Dalmatian tone. Even colleagues said that for the first time we surpassed the Italians because they give out ice cream free of charge and are always full. This time, the stand of Split-Dalmatia County, which included the Split Riviera, Makarska Riviera, and Zagora, was visited by more guests. Next year we have plans to develop altogether. We're trying to keep up with the international trends. All tourist workers know that we have been advertising in such a way for a long time - we would always bring klapas and food with us. When we cooperated with the Croatian National Tourist Board at a joint stand, we no longer had those opportunities because we had small spaces. By coming out of this great story, which we are still part of, we are not running away, but we have the opportunity to advertise individually both by product and by destination.”

The world trend is the idea of sustainable tourism. 

“Not only sustainable but also responsible. That is why our county last year implemented a capacity study to get information about the load we have and how we need to develop further; where it is necessary to disperse large crowds so that the guests in the destination get more pleasure for the money they spend, but it was primarily for our citizens. We must not forget if the citizens of one town live well, and in this case, we are talking about Split, then the guests will feel satisfied. First of all, we have to think about our citizens and if our quality of life is good, it will be good for our guests as well.”

How much is the country resisting our coast being apartmentized? 

“Tourism workers are aware that there are limits and that there are studies that show how many hotels and apartments there can be. If we follow the guidance from the strategy brought by the experts, we will surely have no problems in the destination. Still, we must be aware of the fact that in Split there are crowds even when there is no pressure from tourists. When we solve the tourist infrastructure, and we all work - from the city to the county, we are certain that the guests will be more satisfied.”

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

Split mayor Andro Krstulović Opara shared his impressions after meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, reports,  Dalmatinski Portal on March 22, 2019. 

“In the first part of the meeting, we spoke about the politics and the position of Split, as well as Split’s policy concerning our neighbor Bosnia and Herzegovina, about Split's future, the obligations of Croatia and the EU so that it becomes a truly equal member,” said the mayor.

The mayor claimed that Steinmeier was especially interested in the transformation of Split and the city’s efforts in developing the creative industry and the Technology Park, as well as the social aspects. 

“I’m glad they accepted our proposal and truly visited our exceptional example of social sensitivity in which we include not only homeless people but also those who need to be helped. They exceptional people in MoSt showed that,” said Krstulović Opara.

MoSt chairwoman Đordana Barbarić spoke with the  Steinmeier about working with homeless people and young people with behavioral problems.

"These topics are very close to him, he posed very specific questions to us, and we could see that he knows everything very well. He spoke with four homeless people, with volunteers and colleagues from the association. We presented our 20 years of work. He couldn’t believe that not a day goes by that no one calls and asks what we need, that people cook for the homeless people, and that young people volunteer in the association,” Barbarić said.

In the second part of the meeting, the mayor said they visited the city and cultural values.

"What a city is, is a lively place that has the specialties that make it well-known," the mayor concluded, revealing that the president and his wife said they could hardly wait to visit Split unofficially.

To recall, the German president chose Split on his two-day visit to Croatia. The day began with breakfast at the Park Hotel with mayor Andro Krstulović Opara and Split-Dalmatia County prefect Blaženko Boban. The president then met with the MoSt Association for the homeless. 

After his visit to MoSt, the president visited the Split Synagogue which is over 500 years old. There, he spoke with Ana Leibl and members of the Jewish community. The president met the culture of Split in the Meštrović Gallery, after which he met with members of the Island Movement before heading back to Germany. 

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

Two Croatian footballers, Antonio Marin and Ante Palaversa, have been selected as the world's greatest young talents.

The showroom project of Split United, i.e., the master plan of the urban revitalization study of Split’s East Coast and Kopilica, opens for all interested public today at 4 pm. The showroom is located on the first floor of the Administrative Building Dalma near the University Center for Vocational Studies (Kopilica 5) and will be open until April 19th on weekdays from 4 pm to 8 pm, reports Dalmacija Danas on March 21, 2019. 

It presents visual representations of the master plan as well as the timeline of the development of the East Coast and Kopilica, so that all interested parties can be fully informed about the presented study and actively and informatively included in the public discussion. For the same reason, over the last three days, many expert workshops were held with different stakeholders, from city councilors and professionals to landowners at two subject locations with the residents themselves.

Recall, the master plan, among other things, defines new tourism and residential properties. On the East Coast, the construction of residential buildings, hotels, and garages on several levels are planned. The East Coast would be "a place to preserve and enhance the historical significance of UNESCO heritage and a new place of residence for the local population."

In Kopilica, a new cargo port (RoRO) is planned for automobile transportation to the islands, but also a new waterfront or promenade and a tunnel below Bačvice. As a measure to retain inhabitants in the city, they plan to build 8,984 apartments in Kopilica and 286 apartments on the East Coast. The aim is to bring 19,764 inhabitants to Kopilica and 629 to the East Coast. 

The bridge across the Kaštela bay was considered a "long-term national project" that ensures access to the port in Kopilica from the state road. There would also be residential buildings, shops, rest areas, parks, and catering facilities along the coast. 

Unlike the past development vision, where this area was viewed only as a transit hub, it will now become a “modern neighborhood that has housing, education, a business center, and public, entertainment and tourist facilities."

As part of the showroom, an exhibition of selected photos from the recently held photo contest "Kopilica and East Coast - the current state and perspective" was opened. Among the nearly 200 photographs received from 15 different authors, the best was awarded to Majda Rožić for the photo "Kopilica." Žaklina Antonijević won the second prize, while the third went to Janka Bauka. The exhibition, like the showroom, will remain open to the public until April 19, 2019.

The city of Split invites all citizens, experts, and stakeholders to visit the showroom, get detailed information about the project and actively engage in a public discussion, because only the engagement of all guarantees that the final solution of the master plan will best respond to the city's needs in the next 50 years. 

More information about the public hearing procedure is available here. 

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

It’ll be another busy year for Croatian airports as some 11 million passengers are expected to travel through them in 2019. Recall, this is quite an increase from last year’s 10.5 million. But who’s counting. 

Here’s a breakdown of what Croatia’s nine commercial airports expect this year, courtesy of Ex-Yu Aviation on March 21, 2019. 

Zagreb Airport: The airport in Croatia’s capital expects a 5% increase in passengers in 2019, with a 3% growth in operations. This is thanks to several carriers boosting capacities this summer, including Iberia, Vueling, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Eurowings. Many other airlines, however, will expand operations. 

Split Airport: It’ll be an exciting year for Split airport, which will open their new terminal in June. As works are still aggressively underway to meet the summer deadline, Pero Bilas, Deputy General Manager of Split Airport, announced the usual 5 to 10% increase in passengers this year. Split airport will also see 50 airlines this summer, with many new carriers including Air France, British Airways, Luxair, Ryanair and Laudamotion.

Dubrovnik Airport: It’ll be another solid year for Dubrovnik airport, which expects passenger growth of 4.59% in 2019. Most travelers are expected from the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Nearly 70 airlines will operate to the city this year, and most exciting is the launch of the American Airlines flight from Philadelphia, which will connect the US to Croatia for the first time in 28 years. Also impressive is that Flydubai will continue with trips this summer and Ryanair will launch flights to Dubrovnik. A significant increase in traffic should be seen from London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Dublin said Dubrovnik airport general manager Frano Luetić.

Pula Airport: After a record 2018, Pula airport projects growth of 7% this year and expects to handle 750,000 travelers. Eleven thousand flights will operate out of the airport in 2019, with airlines EasyJet, Laudamotion, TUI Airways, Jet2, and Condor all introducing new services. Brexit, however, could affect the airport this year, as 32% of passengers traveling through Pula are British. 

Zadar Airport: It’ll be a big year for Zadar airport as Ryanair introduces eight new routes from the city. Easyjet will add two new lines, while Iberia Express, Air Serbia, Transavia, Laudamotion and Condor will launch seasonal flights this summer. Zadar airport will count 16 airlines and 51 trips to 31 destinations in Europe this year and should count an additional 100,000 passengers to last year’s 603,819. 

Rijeka Airport: Lufthansa, Air Serbia, TUI Airways and Volotea will launch operations at Rijeka airport this year, which should see a 16% increase in passengers. Operations at Rijeka airport should also increase by 6%. Many airlines will also boost activities to Rijeka, such as Transavia, who will increase flights by 300% compared to last year. 

Osijek Airport: A growth of 11% and 74,300 travelers are expected at Osijek airport this year. While Wizz Air will boost operations on its Basel service, Eurowings will begin their service from Cologne forty days earlier. 

Brač Airport: Dalmatia’s island airport should see around 31,000 travelers in 2019, which is the same as last year. Recall, the airport is currently in the process of expanding its runway and terminal, which is the primary focus. Works should begin in 2020. 

Lošinj Airport: To conclude, the seasonal Lošinj airport will maintain flights from Zagreb and Lugano on Silver Air this summer, while the Czech carrier will introduce a new operation to Venice twice a week, replacing their Pula route. 

You can read the full report on Ex-Yu Aviation. 

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

From the 10 – 14^th April, Split will host the 21^st Croatia Boat Show where Croatia Yachting will premiere three new boats; the Hanse 458, Hanse 508 and the new flagship of the Bali brand – the Bali 5.4.

Croatia Yachting are set to attract a lot of attention at the Croatia Boat Show this year with an attractive exhibition space and as much as three Croatian premieres.

Croatia Yachting are the Croatian Authorised Dealer for Hanse, Dehler, Fjord, Sealine and Bali Catamarans. They proudly represent the most innovative brands on the market; so, it is no surprise that they often premiere new models, which showcase new trends in shipbuilding.

Being a trendsetter means having the courage to try new things; pushing the boundaries to present innovative designs and solutions, and never resting on one’s laurels. Hanse Yachts and Bali Catamarans have this courage, and prove this year after year. This time, the Hanse 458, Hanse 508 and Bali 5.4 will have their Croatian premieres.

New Hanse 458 – innovative design, exciting performance

The new 8 Series embodies quality, performance and comfort like no other sailing yacht series. Hanse invented the integrated self-tacking jib and brought all the lines to the helm, making it perfect for one-handed sailing and enjoying. The new Hanse 458 is no exception to the Hanse philosophy of innovation; ergonomic plotter pods, double anchor arm for code zero, no freestanding mast support. The main bulkhead is a composite construction with carbon reinforcement which provides sturdy and direct mast-keel connection, this creates more space inside, giving the salon a loft-like design.

The new Hanse 458 has been designed to allow for excellent sailing, without compromising on style and comfort; the user experience at the forefront of their mind. There are more windows in the aft cabins, plus ample windows in the salon to allow for natural light to flood the spaces, complemented with a dimming system to create ambience and atmosphere. The spacious and stylish interior combined with numerous creative features, place the Hanse 458 as a leader in her size range.

New Hanse 508 – distinguished in every detail, built for blue water sailing

The Hanse 508 has been designed with true, blue water sailing in mind – the incredible storage, large cockpit, elevated bulwark and the second forestay for a Genoa, combined with the self-tacking jib, all speak to this yacht’s capacity for excellent sailing performance. Just like the 458, Hanse have replaced the free-standing mast pole with the new carbon composite main bulkhead.

The interior of the Hanse 508 again, surprises with its stylish design and unique features. Take, for example, the saloon and galley, this new model is the only Hanse yacht with a longitudinal galley which creates beautiful flow. The owner’s cabin/master cabin has a king size island berth and a designer, ensuite bathroom. Above, the retractable table in the cockpit with comfortable cushions, creates another beautiful and practical space for relaxation and enjoyment. The optional wet bar with BBQ, fridge and sink creates yet another social element to this yacht. Picture summer days, anchored in the middle of a gorgeous bay, grilling fresh fish while your guests sit, dangling their legs from the bathing platform, sipping a glass of local white wine… these are the moments that sailing is really about, and this is what the Hanse 508 provides.

The subtly concealed storage features above and below deck, make the Hanse 508 practical yet she retains her stylish minimalistic design.

Potential owners and charterers are sure to be thrilled with everything these two new Hanse models offer and everyone can head to the Croatia Boat Show in Split, to see for themselves.

New Bali 5.4 – the new flagship of the brand

The new Bali 5.4 brings a wealth of innovative solutions and unique design features to create the best possible experience. There is fantastic inside-outside flow and several areas to enjoy and relax in. Thanks to the tilting door design, the rear glass wall of the saloon opens up, to create a rear cockpit entertainment area. The front cockpit, with access from the saloon, is comfortable and easily accommodates the crew; while the flybridge is a luxurious design with sunbeds to relax. The galley is U-shaped which any cook will enjoy, and the storage and fridge space is any sailor’s dream.

Owners or charterers will find all of the cabins more than ample in space, comfort and design; and the en suite bathrooms with separate shower stalls are absolute luxury. All of the cabins on Bali catamarans have been designed with plenty of windows and hatches to allow for natural light and maximum airflow.

With all of the different areas to enjoy and innovative design features, this Bali 5.4 is absolutely a home away from home for owners and charterers.

Visit Croatia Yachting at the Croatia Boat Show to see a multitude of new models for ownership or charter, and you can even chat to them about the easiest way to own a yacht with their world-class charter management program.

For more information, you can visit their websites; Hanse Yachts and Bali Catamarans, keep up-to-date with the latest news and offers on their Facebook page or check out charter yacht options here.

March 21, 2019 - TCN meets Nathan Power, a 26-year-old water polo player from Newcastle, Australia in his third year in Croatia. Power sat down with us to discuss life in Rijeka vs. Split, the stellar season of VK Jadran Split, the Australian national team (and his Croatian coach), and the things he likes most in Dalmatia - from pašticada to patron saints. 

At 26, you’ve played at two clubs in Croatia and achieved the Australia national team's best result after winning the silver at the FINA World Cup last summer. How did your water polo story begin?

I started playing at the age of 13 for Central Newcastle. Water polo had been my mother’s sport, and this was her local club. From early on I was lucky enough to be picked on representative teams and get to travel all over. A few years later I made my National League debut in Australia for the Hunter Hurricanes, my hometown team. At the age of 20, I was given my first games for the Australian men’s team. I also moved to Sydney and played for three years with the UNSW West Magpies. Then at the beginning of the 2016/17 water polo season, I made a move over to Rijeka to play for Primorje.

VK Jadran Facebook

It’s your third year in Croatia and second year in Split. What have you taken away from your experience so far?

I feel like my knowledge and understanding of the game have increased in the time I’ve spent over here. Playing these three years in both domestic and European club competitions has meant that I’ve been able to learn from competing against some of the world’s top players regularly. I’ve also been lucky to have some very talented and experienced teammates who have been able to teach me.

Also, one of the significant benefits of playing in Europe for an Australian is the chance to focus on improving as a water polo player entirely. In Australia, we must train very early in the morning and late at night, with the hours between dedicated to our university study or our jobs. This can be very taxing both physically and mentally as the chance to rest and recover is quite minimal. Whereas here in Europe, I’ve been able to have a less busy time away from the pool, which allows a better focus and chance to improve in the pool.

Before you moved to Croatia did you have any prior experiences with the country?

Before living in Croatia, I had been fortunate to visit many times with the Australian water polo team. Our Head Coach, Elvis Fatović, and Strength and Conditioning coach, Dejan Kontić, are both from Dubrovnik, which meant we have been fortunate in getting to use Dubrovnik as a base for preparations when we come to Europe. I still remember my first time visiting that city. Before arriving I really didn’t know much at all about the town, but the moment we landed and drove that winding road along the coast that passes above the old town, its beauty was captivating. 

Now that you’ve lived in both…Rijeka or Split? 

The transition to living in Rijeka I found to be quite easy. The people who I would interact with at cafes, restaurants, and bars were very welcoming and accommodating, leaving me feeling settled pretty quickly. The town has a very open mentality and that translated into it being a very fun place to live. Also, the nearby town of Opatija is incredibly beautiful and has some fantastic restaurants and coffee spots. I guess one thing that did take time to adjust to here was the weather, and I can understand now after living there why there is a reputation for the rain.

In Split, it took longer for me to get settled. My teammates and those involved with the club were great, but my initial interactions with the broader Split community wasn’t as pleasant as Rijeka. This is understandable given the high volume of tourism to Split and my unfamiliarity of the better places to visit in the town. As time passed and I got the chance to frequent places regularly and show that I wasn’t just a tourist, the interactions became far more pleasant. Now after being here for quite a while I have developed some great friends and am feeling very settled into Split life.

Simone Squarzanti

And how is life in Split?

Life in Split is really good. Coming from Australia I’m quite used to having a nice temperature for most of the year, and I find that the weather here in Split manages to stay good most of the year. Though I will say it has taken some time to get used to experiencing the bura and the strength it has. 

In my free time, I’m either at home trying to rest between sessions or getting out to have a coffee in the city. The old town is so beautiful, making it a great place to sit out with a coffee and do some study or relax. Now that the sea temperature is climbing back up I’ll also be looking to spending more time down at Zvončac in the sea.

For food, I eat quite a bit at Oštarija u Viđakovi and can say I’ve developed a soft spot for pašticada. I also really enjoy getting out and experiencing some of the great restaurants in the city. There is a good mix of domestic cuisine and places bringing new flavors to the town. 

After three years here, you must have developed some favorite things about Croatia.

I would say the Croatian coast is definitely a favorite of mine, there are some incredibly beautiful towns along the coast, like Split and Dubrovnik. I’ve also had the chance to visit the islands off these two towns and found them beautiful… and tranquil, which is a great escape to the busier coastal towns. The national parks are another place in Croatia that stand out to me, and I still think about Krka.

Croatia also has some great events that I have really enjoyed experiencing. Rijeka’s Carnival and Split’s Sveti Duje celebration are both days where it’s incredible to see the towns come alive and everybody comes together. The Advent festival is also something which I have grown to enjoy. It’s something that we don’t really do in Australia; to see how the towns transform into these Christmas wonderlands packed full of great food and culture is very cool. I was blown away the first time is saw the Advent up in Zagreb, even though it was too cold to feel my face. 

Let’s switch gears to water polo. It’s been an incredible year for Jadran who played in the Champions League for the first time in 24 years, and the club is also doing well in the Regional League. There is an excellent atmosphere at the Poljud pool, and you're drawing big crowds. How is the atmosphere within the team? What are the goals for the end of the season? 

This has been a really enjoyable season so far with Jadran. The addition of Champions league games has been great and, as you said, has created a great atmosphere at the pool. Looking forward, we are reaching the climax of the season and have some incredibly important games to come over the next month and a half in the Champions League, Adriatic League finals and the Croatian League finals. We have proven this season that we can be competitive with the top teams and I believe that we can produce something special in these final months of the season.

And Jadran celebrates 100 years next year. 

Jadran is a proud club with a great history. Reaching 100 years as a club is an immense achievement and will be cause for great celebration for Jadran Split next season. As noted before, the atmosphere around the pool has picked up this season with the addition of Champions league water polo and I’m sure the atmosphere will continue to grow next year during their 100th year.

You're heading back to Australia this week for national team duties in the Intercontinental Cup. 

This will be an exciting year with the Australian team as we look to build on the momentum we gained from last years World Cup event in Berlin. 

The first event is the Intercontinental Cup in Perth next week and we will be focused on having a great showing and taking it out. We don’t get the opportunity to play International water polo in our home country as much as the European nations, so any chance we get to pull on an Aussie Cap at home is always incredible.

This year the big absence is the USA, as since the event’s inception it has been either Americans or ourselves who have won the tournament. Looking at our opposition, there are definitely still some challenges if we are to come out on top. In our group, we have games against Canada and Japan where we must be focused. Japan especially, as even though we are incredibly familiar with them, they possess a unique style of play that can cause trouble for the opposition. And then later in the tournament, a potential match against Asian Games' champion Kazakstan is sure to be a physical encounter. In saying all that, I am very confident in our team and our ability to succeed in this tournament.

You’ll also be back with Australian national team this summer. What’s in store?

After that our big tournaments for the year will be the FINA World League in Belgrade and the FINA World Championships in South Korea. From what I understand we have some strong training partners lined up prior to these tournaments, so I believe we will be heading into them with the best preparation possible. It will be interesting to see the groups for the World Championships once they are drawn. 

VK Jadran

Career goals?

The big goal on the horizon at the moment is the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. Having been in the Australian team since 2013 and seen how we have developed as a group I truly believe we are on track to push for Australia’s best result in the men's water polo competition.

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

You’re all pretty familiar with the construction going on at Split Airport by now, which has seen an investment of more than 450 million kuna go into a new terminal and additional facilities. It is only necessary, because more than three million passengers traveled through Split Airport last year alone. 

It is known that the project is progressing faster than planned and that the end of works, instead of the previously announced September, could be in June, that is, three months earlier. On Tuesday, the Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković and his associates came to see the project for themselves and stated that this is an investment of strategic importance for Split-Dalmatia County and the city of Split, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on March 19, 2019. 

Among other things, the media was interested in the name of the 'new airport', with one reporter asking the minister whether it would be named after Oliver Dragojević, with all due respect to the deceased music legend. Butković asked a question in return: "Don’t you think the new airport should be named "Airport Kaštela", since 95% of the space in which the airport operates and is located in the town of Kaštela?

At this point I have no answer to that question, it is a job for a broader debate at the local level, and after the debate is over, the proposal goes to the ministry,” Minister Oleg Butković answered, expressing satisfaction with the works that have been done so far.

The construction site the minister visited includes a 35,000 square meter passenger terminal, a 120-meter pedestrian bridge, a bus terminal for 50 buses and a parking lot with a capacity of 900 vehicles, as well as the reconstruction work of the existing terminal.

“The project is of strategic importance to Split-Dalmatia County and the city of Split, and its realization will enable the passenger terminal capacity to be matched with expected traffic demand, achieving a high level of safety and quality of service at the airport and meeting the EU standards for the international border crossing at Split Airport,” added Butković. The first man at Split Airport, Lukša Novak, added that this season expects an increase in the number of passengers by seven percent, which means nearly four million passengers.

Split-Dalmatia County prefect Blaženko Boban, who visited the airport with the mayor of Kaštela Denis Ivanović and Split Andro Krstulović Opara, said that the meeting with the minister was constructive and added that the dynamics of the deadlines and traffic plans of the agglomeration of Split goes according to previous arrangements.

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

This year, the City of Split will receive five electronic charging stations for vehicles in parking lots operated by Split Parking. Not only that, but this company will also acquire four electric cars for its use this year, reports Splitski Dnevnik on March 19, 2019. 

Two of the vehicles will replace their existing cars that run on gasoline, while the other two will be used to expand their business. As there are no other EV stations in Split apart from at City Center and the parking lot of the Cornaro hotel, it's clear that there is a shortage in the city.

Realizing the need to set up adequate charging stations for their own, and for the needs of citizens and tourists, Split Parking decided to set up points in the garage spaces they manage.

Of the five scheduled charging stations, three will be available to users of Split Parking garages, and two will be available to all citizens and drivers.

"This is another pilot project from which we will acquire knowledge and experience to install the charging points in all our parking lots in the coming years, both street parking and outside parking. For this year, charging station in the garages R. Bošković, Sukoišanska, kindsŠimićeva, Smiljanićeva and Pujanke are planned,” said Split Parking.

In the garages R. Bošković and Sukoišanska, the G6 2 × 22 kW plant will be installed, while the G7 1 × 22 kW charging station is planned for the other locations.

All locations would be merged and networked on the puni.hr platform. These types of stations allow you to charge all types of electric vehicles within three hours. The project is currently in the preparatory phases and is looking at installing power lines, ground and other necessary infrastructure. The total investment will be 200,000 kuna without VAT.

"Throughout the coming year, we will be ready to install chargers at our other locations, at street and off-street parking places, where we will surely set up a SUPER CHARGER that will charge a vehicle within 20 minutes."

Split Parking applied for the Interreg competition last year, together with Kotor in Montenegro and the Development Agency of West Herzegovina County. The funds were received, which shows that city companies do not always necessarily have to be financed from city budgets.

"We applied for EU funds from the Environmental Protection Fund and we are the carriers of the whole project. The total project value is EUR 2,182,031, while our share is EUR 1.282072. In the future, we wish that through this project, the garages we manage are self-sustainable, that through the installation of solar cells we provide energy that will be sufficient for our needs, that we set up additional charging points and revitalize traffic lights,” concluded Split Parking. 

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

The season is getting closer, works on new hotels and catering facilities are nearing completion, and the search for seasonal workers in Split is in full swing, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on March 18, 2019. 

Inspired by previous experiences, some businesses posted advertisements for employment on portals specializing in mediation between employers and the workforce already a few months ago. Job interviews have been held, and most of the concerns have been solved.

However, in some Split hotels, there are still not enough cleaners and people to work in hotel laundries.

At the Split Regional Office of the Croatian Employment Service for Split-Dalmatia County, there are currently 27,705 unemployed persons, which is 508 persons or 1.8 percent less than in the previous month when they were 28,213 registered. And this is 4062 people, or 12.8 percent less than in February last year.

According to the level of education, the highest percentage of unemployed persons with secondary education up to three years is 35.4 percent, and persons who completed a four-year secondary education is 28.9 percent.

The most significant number of unemployed are occupations from the tertiary sector, from accommodation and food services, wholesale and retail trade, to other occupations such as salespeople, administrative officers, maintenance workers, cleaners, waiters, cooks, production workers, auxiliary chefs, and housekeepers.

“In addition to them, the records are dominated by a group of occupations such as economists and commercialists,” said Jela Gogić, the head of the Split Employment Service (HZZ).

In the last two months, a total of 2721 seasonal workers were sought, which is 3.4 percent more than in the first two months of 2018, when 1683 seasonal workers related directly to activities in accommodation and preparing and serving food.

“The most in-demand occupations are waiters, salespeople, chefs, maids, cleaners, assistant chefs, kitchen workers, auxiliary waiters, receptionists, tour guides and bartenders. This year's demand for seasonal workers in tourism is dominated by large hotel companies in Split-Dalmatia County,” continues Gogić.

Recently, the available labor force includes pensioners over 60 years of age, who according to the new law, are allowed to work part-time, i.e., four hours through contracted work.

The Institute revealed that only five employers had been informed that they could hire pensioners, which does not mean that this number will not increase as the season approaches.

“According to the data we have and keeping in mind the activities the HZZ undertakes independently, such as education of the unemployed, surveying the workforce, days of work in tourism and the like, but also cooperation with other partners, we believe there will be no significant shortage of labor,” adds Gogić.

It is important to point out that in comparison to the previous years, probably due to the ever-increasing difficulty of finding seasonal workers in Croatia, as more and more find work abroad, the conditions of employment have improved.

“According to the information available, there is a visible improvement in the working conditions compared to the previous year, which refers to a slight increase in salaries, and a slightly longer period of employment,” Gogić reveals. 

That the conditions offered by employers have improved is confirmed by Ante Grčić from Split, who claims he is already contracted for seasonal work.

“Two weeks ago, I had a job interview for the manager of a catering facility on Brač and this week I will finalize the contract with the owner. I'm starting to work in the first week of April. We agreed that I would work until the end of October.

I know some employers were recruiting workers in February, and the demand for labor is very high. Workers are so needed that there will be no problem in the summer to quit one job if the agreed conditions are not met and find a job with another, more honest employer, on the whole coast and islands.

There are jobs, and the situation is such that it is possible to choose what and under what conditions. Of course, provided you are a good worker,” Ante concluded.

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