ZAGREB, 26 Aug (Hina) - The government on Thursday decided to add the project of reconstruction and extension of the port of Sjeverna Luka in Split to its list of strategic projects in the country.

This €44.5 million project aims at reconstructing and extending the port in the Vranjic-Solin basin, under the management of Split Port Authority. The extension envisages seven new berths for the reception of ro-ro ships.

The project also envisages the construction of some other port facilities.

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

August 26, 2021 - HNK Hajduk formally introduced its women's team on Wednesday, ŽNK Hajduk!

In the White Salon at Poljud, a contract on business and technical cooperation was signed with ŽNK Marjan, which will change its name and become ŽNK Hajduk, announced the Split club.

The contract was signed by the HNK Hajduk Management Board President Lukša Jakobušić and the President of ŽNK Marjan Matea Bešlić. In this way, Hajduk is involved in modern European trends by monitoring the development of European football following the UEFA strategy.

The ŽNK Hajduk first team will start competing in mid-September, and the main sponsor of the first team is the company "SuperSport," whose logo will be featured on the front of the jersey. Players Matea Granić, Lucija Mudrinić, Ana Bakalar, Karla Jonjić and Anja Prskalo, and Hajduk's first-team players Stipe Biuk and Marin Ljubičić participated in signing the business-technical cooperation.

"At the beginning of our mandate, we mentioned establishing a women's team as one of the goals. For almost a year, we scanned the situation in women's football in Croatia and Split. We spoke to ŽNK Split and ŽNK Marjan, and we are glad that today we decided on this business-technical cooperation, which was signed for a year plus two more potential years. I hope that in three years, ŽNK Hajduk will become an integral part of the Hajduk family. Until then, we as a Club will provide them with logistical support; they will get our visibility and huge marketing potential. They will continue to work as an association. The goal for this season is to enter the first league, and next year, with the strength of Hajduk they will fight for the top. Better said, the goal is everything that Hajduk strives for, and that is to fight for titles in all teams," said Lukša Jakobušić.

"This is a historic moment for women's football in Split, but I also believe in Croatia because our biggest club gets its own women's team. I think that this will be a signpost for everyone else in Croatia in which direction to go. So far, our cooperation has been, I would say, on a friendly basis, and from now on, we will be an equal part of Hajduk. We will proudly wear the Hajduk jersey. I am convinced that quality results in the coming period will not be lacking. Thanks to President Jakobušić for recognizing a partner in Marjan, who will give Hajduk something more," said Matea Bešlić, the youngest president of a football club in Croatia.

The Hajduk women's team already has over a hundred girls who train diligently. Seniors will compete in the 2nd HNLŽ, cadets and pioneers in the United Croatian League, and beginners in the Dalmatian League. In mid-September, a football school for girls will start at Poljud, and the interest will certainly be exceptional.

"We have the quality to step forward; the playing staff is outstanding, we are one of the youngest teams in the league, but extremely talented. Under the name Hajduk, in addition to better working conditions, we will also get recognition. ŽNK Hajduk will be a source of pride for everyone who has Hajduk at heart," said the 24-year-old coach of ŽNK Marjan Tamara Benković, the youngest senior coach of a team in Croatian women's football who Josip Pirić will assist, an experienced coach, who founded ŽNK Marjan in 2003.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.

August 25, 2021 - Ticket prices for the 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Slovenia have been announced by HNS. However, the National Civil Protection Headquarters still needs to determine if spectators will be allowed, with a decision set for September 1. Croatia and Slovenia are due to meet on September 7 at Poljud Stadium in Split. 

The 2nd session of the Croatian Football Federation Executive Board was held in Zabok in the Gjalski Castle, hosted by the Krapina-Zagorje County Football Federation, announced HNS on Wednesday.

The HNS Executive Board has determined the ticket prices for the 2022 World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Slovenia (September 7 at 20:45), which will be held in the presence of spectators if permitted by measures to be announced by the National Civil Protection Headquarters on September 1.

The following prices have been determined:
West middle: 200 kn presale / 250 kn on the day of the match
West: 150 kn presale / 200 kn on the day of the match
East center: 120 kn presale / 150 kn on the day of the match
East: 100 kn presale / 120 kn on the day of the match
North: 80 kn presale / 100 kn on the day of the match
South: 80 kn presale / 100 kn on the day of the match

Information on ticket sales will be published after the Headquarters decide if the match will be played in front of an audience.

The Executive Board also adopted all the materials needed to hold the women's football competition - calendar, leadership, and competition propositions for the 1st HNLŽ, 2nd HNLŽ, 1st HNL pioneers, HNKŽ, and women's youth at the center level, as well as the list of refs for these competitions. 

The IO appointed the presidents of the HNS commissions and adopted the list of delegates for the 3rd HNL.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

August 23, 2021 - After Magic Johnson arrived last summer, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time has arrived in the Dalmatian capital. A look at Michael Jordan in Split. 

NBA legend and Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan (58) arrived in Split on Sunday night. Arguably the greatest basketball player of all time then set off in one of the three vans that met him on the West Coast Riva in Split, where the O'Pari yacht awaited Jordan and his group. 

Ivo Cagalj / PIXSELL

O'Pari was built in 2020, and is 95 meters long, and has six decks. Its weekly rent will set you back around one million euros.

As expected, Jordan's arrival immediately caused euphoria in the city. Last year, Magic Johnson visited Split, and before him, many other great international athletes were seen, but no one quite as big as Michael Jordan, who is holidaying on the luxury yacht in the company of his wife, Yvette Prieto.

Ivo Cagalj / PIXSELL

It is likely that Jordan will meet Toni Kukoč in Split, his former Bulls teammate, but also one of his favorite partners on the golf course.

They may also consider the induction protocol to the Basketball Hall of Fame. After it was announced in May that Toni Kukoč would be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Illinois, it was announced that one of the greatest basketball legends to live would introduce the Croatian basketballer to the Hall of Fame.

Ivo Cagalj / PIXSELL

Namely, Kukoč will be presented by Michael Jordan, his Chicago Bulls teammate, and Jerry Reinsdorf, longtime owner of the Bulls. The three will join each other on stage during the ceremony on September 11, 2021, at the MassMutual Center. 

Along with Kukoč, who owns three NBA rings, the 2021 class includes Val Ackerman, Rick Adelman, Chris Bosh, Bob Dandridge, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Howard Garfinkel, Yolanda Griffith, Lauren Jackson, Clarence Jenkins, Pearl Moore, Paul Pierce, Bill Russell, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, and Jay Wright.

Source: Jutarnji List

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

August 21, 2021 - Aleksander Čeferin, Luis Figo, Johannes Hahn, Zvonimir Boban, Predrag Mijatović, Darijo Srna, Florent Malouda, Maxwell Andrade, and Fernando Hierro took part in the 25th anniversary of the Plasma Youth Sports Games in Split.

The 25th Plasma Youth Sports Games in Split on Friday brought together many international sports stars and officials who came to congratulate the largest amateur sports event in Europe on this great jubilee, reports Dalmacija Danas.

The program began with a solemn ceremony at the Croatian Home in Split, which brought together longtime partners, friends, and ambassadors of the Games.

The international sports stars were led by Luis Figo, who arrived in the company of Zvonimir Boban, Maxwell Andrade, Hierro, Malouda, Darijo Srna, and Predrag Mijatović.

Miroslav Lelas / PIXSELL

Special awards for long-term support and cooperation were given to Zoran Mamić, Tommy doo Supervisory Board Presiden, Zoran Bogdanović, Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola HBC on behalf of the Coca-Cola partner of the ceremony, Predrag Mijatović, Ambassador of Plasma Youth Sports Games, Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for Budget and Administration for the 2020 Ambassador of the Year, and Alexander Ceferin for 2021 Ambassador of the Year.

“Sport connects, sport is love, sport is unique, sport earns the respect of all people, so a big tribute to everything that the Plasma Youth Sports Games do. As long as I am the president of UEFA and the UEFA Children's Foundation, I will fully support the work of the Games within my capabilities," said Čeferin.

The stars were greeted by Ivica Puljak, Mayor of Split, and Davor Božinović, Croatia's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister. Members of the Ministry of the Interior, in cooperation with the Plasma Youth Sports Games, have been conducting a large educational campaign "Be a fan, not a breaker", which aims to prevent violence on sports fields. In addition, they jointly implemented the National Road Safety Program.

"This is a great event, dedicated to the great idea and vision of young people, who are still young even after 25 years. Youth sports games have given a new dimension to sports in Split and sports in Croatia. In these challenging times, it is important to care for children and separate them as much as possible from mobile phones and computers so that they can fully accept healthy lifestyles," said Davor Božinović.

Miroslav Lelas / PIXSELL

In his emotional speech, Zdravko Marić, President of Plasma Youth Sports Games, thanked everyone who gave their all to the success of the Games and pointed out: “We try to add up, try to summarize a quarter of a century in some statistics to describe well how we grew, how we expanded, how we did not give up. We have been promoting tolerance, friendship, solidarity, and fair play for a quarter of a century and we hope that in these 25 years we have woven exactly these values ​​into many generations of our children and youth in Croatia and the region.”

Zlatko Dalić, Stipe Pletikosa, and Marijan Kustić, HNS president, but also famous citizens of Split - Gibonni and Tonci Huljić, and guests from Serbia led by Vanja Udovičić, Serbian Minister of Youth and Sports, were also at the ceremony.

After the festive program, the guests hurried to change into jerseys as Prokurative transformed to host a football spectacle at 8 pm: revival matches featuring participants in the international finals of the Plasma Youth Sports Games from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina against world sports stars and friends of the Games.

Tihomir Gudić, executive director of Plasma Youth Sports Games, celebrated football player Igor Tudor, and Igor Angelovski coached the young athletes. The star team was led by coaches Zdravko Marić, Martina Dalić, and Davor Božinović.

Fulfilling the dream of playing with your idols was the biggest reward for the excited little footballers who seriously impressed Figo, Srna, Stanić, Boban, and other stars. That this would be a serious football clash was also clear with the arrival of Robert Rosetti, a world-famous football coach. The fan atmosphere, which has not been seen for a long time at a sporting event, was heightened by the victory of young athletes against world stars. Prokurative turned into a spectacular football field thanks to Green Luxury. The match could be watched live by the citizens of Split and guests of the city in the fan zone on the Riva, where the real fan atmosphere was provided by Indira.

Miroslav Lelas / PIXSELL

The closing ceremony was held on the Riva, where Alexander Čeferin, Predrag Mijatovic, and Johannes Hahn presented awards to young ambassadors from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The young athletes and guests were greeted by Ivica Puljak, Mayor of Split, Tomislav Družak, State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Nikola Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Zdravko Marić, and Davor Božinović, who closed the 25th season of the Games. Before the celebration, congratulations were sent by video from many athletes: Luka Modrić, Goran Ivanišević, Slaven Bilić, Edin Džeko, Dragan Stojković Piksi, and many others, regretting that they failed to attend the celebration.

The beautiful night in Split ended with a big fireworks display and a concert by Sergej Ćetković.

As part of the International Finals in Split from August 17-21, as part of the implementation of the Youth Sports Fair Chance project, games were held with the participation of students and teachers from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Infographics created during the implementation of the project on the fight against violence, racism, discrimination, and intolerance in sports were presented, and panel discussions and sports activities for children were organized.

The Youth Sports Fair Chance project is co-financed by the Erasmus + program of the European Union, and the total value of the project is 365,525.00 euros. The project was also presented at a ceremony at the Croatian Home.

Plasma Youth Sports Games are the largest amateur sports event in Europe and in its 25 years of existence have gathered more than 2 million children and youth athletes. Every year from January to August they organize sports competitions in 10 sports (Tommy tournament in indoor soccer 2009, Coca-Cola Cup in football, HEP handball tournament, Croatian Post Cup tennis tournament, Kinder tournament in street basketball, beach volleyball, volleyball, chess under the auspices of FIDE, table tennis, dodge ball, and 60m race) and sports-educational event Telemach Sports Day.

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

August 20, 2021 - Split-Dalmatia County in August this year achieved 89% of 2019's record tourist traffic. But that's not all. 

In August, the heart of the tourist season, Split-Dalmatia County is pleased to host an increasing number of tourists who will spend warm summer holidays by the sea, in the green heart of Inland Dalmatia, or on our islands.

In the first half of August, 89% of tourist traffic was recorded compared to 2019. There are as many as 88% more nautical guests compared to the same period last year. Almost all destinations in the County have reached or surpassed last year's figures, which means that we are well organized, and the realization of such a great season in excellent business conditions is the result of excellent cooperation between the private and public sectors in preparation, organization, and implementation of this tourist year. On this occasion, Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board director Joško Stella revealed his impressions. 

What are the tourist results in Split-Dalmatia County?

The first half of August in Split-Dalmatia County is only 11% worse than the record 2019. On August 10, we reached the tourist figures corresponding to the total tourist traffic realized during 2020. With each new day, we are one step closer to the record year 2019, and it is necessary to remain organized and disciplined and adhere to the prescribed epidemiological measures.

In the first 15 days of August, there were 418 thousand arrivals and 2.7 million overnight stays. Since the beginning of 2021, there have been 1,459,233 arrivals and 8,565,826 overnight stays, 55% more arrivals last year, and 47% more overnight stays than last year.

Which markets record the largest number of arrivals?

Observing the share of guests according to the countries they come from in 2021, we record excellent results from the Polish, German, Czech, Hungarian, Slovak, and French markets.

The French market is up 265%, Slovaks up 200%, Hungarians 180%, and Germans by 110%. Thus, on August 12, we reached the tourist figures corresponding to the total tourist traffic realized during 2020.

How much did this year's tourism results surprise tourism workers?

This year's uncertain and extremely stressful season for Split-Dalmatia County tourist workers, with a significant increase in tourist traffic in July and reservations and excellent announcements of guests in August, instills new optimism and hope that significant arrivals and overnight stays will mark the tourist months ahead and especially postseason. The number of guests visiting us has been growing steadily since mid-June, to be visited in July by 710,000 tourists who made 4.3 million commercial overnight stays, an increase of 62 percent in arrivals and 48 percent in overnight stays compared to the same month last year. 

The current guests from Central Dalmatia left satisfied. That they passed on their impressions to others is confirmed by the growing number of airlines from Europe to Split, which means that airlines are following the growing interest of guests to come to our county.

How much has the favorable epidemiological situation affected our target markets?

Due to the favorable epidemiological situation, for which everyone in the tourism sector has been carefully preparing, Croatia is classified as a risk-free area according to the new rules introduced by Germany on August 1 for its citizens returning from other countries. Following the circumstances dictated by epidemiological measures, our hosts in tourist places have made an effort to organize and offer guests some new outdoor facilities that will not jeopardize their safe stay and will give them a pleasurable and experience-filled vacation.

How did Split-Dalmatia County prepare to receive such a large number of guests in complex circumstances?

In August, as the most generous tourist month in the business year, Central Dalmatia is ready to welcome its long-awaited guests and tourist companies, hosts in family accommodation, marinas, and camps, following strict epidemiological measures and safety standards. Like the whole of Croatia, which is currently the safest EU member in the Mediterranean due to the epidemiological situation, Split-Dalmatia County hosts world-famous people every day, who send the best marketing message of our tourism to the world.

In special circumstances, we communicate information about our safety and readiness for tourism to foreign partners, CNTB offices, and foreign media, which are our frequent guests. Despite the complex circumstances, tourism staff is ready to respond to all job requirements to ensure a safe stay to the satisfaction of all guests who arrive on holiday in our county.

We also have excellent results in July. Which markets achieved the largest number of arrivals and overnight stays?

According to data from the eVisitor system in Split-Dalmatia County, 710,671 guests stayed in commercial accommodation in July, 62 percent more arrivals than in July last year. They realized 4,318,121 overnight stays, an increase of 48 percent. In July, the largest number of arrivals and overnight stays from foreign markets were made by Poles (119,839 arrivals and 913,073 overnight stays). Tourists from the Czech Republic recorded 74,972 arrivals and 554,399 overnight stays, Germans 69,804 arrivals and 447,828 overnight stays, and tourists from Slovenia 42,209 arrivals 328,234 overnight stays.

In the first seven months of this year, there were 1,033,065 guests in commercial accommodation in Split-Dalmatia County, which grew 70 percent compared to the same period last year. In addition, 5,843,606 overnight stays were realized, which is an increase of 58 percent, compared to the first seven months of last year.

As much as 40% of all nautical nights were realized in Split-Dalmatia County. So what are the expectations for August and the post-season?

In July, boaters mostly visited the waters of Split-Dalmatia County. Thus, in July in Central Dalmatia, 41,202 boaters realized 257,492 overnight stays, almost 40 percent of all nautical overnight stays in Croatia.

In the first half of August, there were 19,212 arrivals and 152,467 overnight stays, 88% more arrivals, and 131% overnight stays. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 99,720 arrivals and 650,000 overnight stays, an increase of 155% in arrivals and 146% in overnight stays. We expect an equally good second part of August and a good post-season.

We are extremely proud that we have successfully realized a virtual display of sea routes in cooperation with colleagues from the county. Google Maps have the most users in the world, they number in the hundreds of millions, so it is imperative to be well-represented on them. These are the maps on which most navigation devices are based today. The vast majority of our guests use these maps when arriving at the destination. By bringing a virtual display of sea routes to almost every place in our county, guests can tour our entire coast before their arrival virtually. This service is a novelty globally and will make it much easier for boaters to find the desired destination. And when they actually arrive at the location, they will feel like they have already been there. So far, over 14 million views have been recorded. Also, this project has a significant social and communal purpose, achieving more transparent, accountable, and efficient management of maritime assets.

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

August 18, 2021 - The latest flight news to Croatia as the Ryanair Zagreb base boosts operations on two lines, and Blue Air Split and Dubrovnik routes are on the horizon. 

The newly launched Ryanair Zagreb base will boost operations on two routes from September 1, reports Ex Yu Aviation. 

Namely, the airline will operate four weekly flights to Charleroi compared to the existing two, while there will be four weekly rotations to Gothenburg compared to the existing three flights a week. 

Furthermore, Ryanair will station a second jet, the Airbus A320, in Zagreb from September 1, thus launching nine new routes. 

Ex Yu Aviation reports that Romanian low-cost carrier Blue Air will run seasonal flights from Bucharest to Split and Dubrovnik in 2022. The new routes will work from June 23 and June 28, with two flights per week on the 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The airline is introducing seven new routes next summer, with Split and Dubrovnik included. 

Eurowings has also announced that it will introduce its third route to Zagreb Airport, a year-round flight between Dusseldorf and Zagreb, which was canceled in 2019. The route will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays beginning August 31.

Follow the latest on flights to Croatia HERE and the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia HERE.

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

August 15, 2021 - What happens if you're a tourist that tests positive in Split? A look at Split COVID-19 quarantine through the eyes of Split-Dalmatia County quarantine coordinator Andrej Kovač. 

"What does the life of a quarantined tourist look like? Of course, you can't go anywhere but the room, but you get some unplanned extra rest. They are left groceries on a table in the hallway and receive a knock on the room door. We go out, take what they need and bring it back inside. For ten days."

Andrej Kovač, the coordinator of all Split-Dalmatia County quarantines, appointed by the County Headquarters, describes the life of foreigners who ended up in isolation in a Split hotel after testing positive for coronavirus. The first of two county addresses is reserved for tourists who test positive; the second is located in a small town a few kilometers away from Split, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

That the coordination between Split's Civil Protection HQ and the Red Cross works great was confirmed recently by a Split landlady, whose two guests tested positive just before returning home to Great Britain, which is why they ended up in quarantine in Split at the price of a bed and breakfast - 45 euros. It was not easy for them at first, nor for other tourists in the same conundrum, but they accepted the situation. What must be done, must be done, says Kovač.

"Of course, there is no beach, but they sunbathe on the balcony. They surf the internet, watch TV, read ... They are satisfied. We definitely want to make it easy for them, so we are at their service for everything they need. Many of them order meals through delivery services, which are delivered to reception, and we pick up the orders and carry them to their rooms. They pay with cards; everything is contactless. Do they have any requests? Um, they'd love to drink alcohol, but we can't let them. But that’s perfectly normal; people want to relax a little bit. When they come out, everyone is happy and content; they don’t create problems. They are decent people; they want to do it as soon as possible and go home," adds the coordinator. 

A young German tourist even told Kovač that he would definitely return regardless of this inconvenience because Split and Split-Dalmatia County are in his heart. He has been spending his summers in the area for years and does not want to give up his favorite holiday destination at any cost.

Another young fan of the Adriatic tested positive before returning home from vacation. Positive test results are often found at the airport, just an hour before the planned departure from Croatia. Among the infected foreigners, however, are those who have just arrived in the country.

"Our biggest problem is people who go home. The fact is that some tourists entered our country positive, even though they were vaccinated or previously infected, so they had European COVID passports and entered Croatia with them. It is also a fact that certain hotels, for the sake of their image and safety, test their guests upon arrival, and it happens that some of them come positive. That was the case with two Americans, for example. They entered the country not knowing they were positive, although they also had a negative test, which is valid for 48 hours. In the end, they ended up with us. And they are delighted with our service and coordination. They do what they have to do, and you can imagine how they feel. They planned a vacation, complied with everything that was needed, and in the end, they ended up in a ten-day quarantine and have additional costs," Andrej Kovač reveals. 

According to Split quarantine records, most infected tourists come from Great Britain, France, Portugal, and Spain.

"The French en masse, and there were a few Germans. And they all had COVID certificates with which they entered Croatia. Compared to last year, we did not expect this number of infected people, given the COVID certificates. Last year, we had 11 infected people in our quarantine all summer, and significantly more this year. Last year, everything was open; there were no COVID certificates or tests," notes Andrej Kovač.

He explains that an additional problem for the infected is the inability to use public transport.

"If they are infected, they must not enter planes, trains, buses, or ferries. Everyone who comes to us is tested at the airport before leaving the country, or those who, before traveling, believing that they are healthy, were tested the day before in a lab. Of course, there happen to be positives among them. When we receive a report of an infected tourist through the county Red Cross, we pick them up in a vehicle with a protective barrier between the driver and the passenger and take them to quarantine. When they complete a ten-day quarantine, which starts exactly at midnight from the day the infection is determined and ends on the tenth day at midnight, they receive a confirmation from the epidemiologist in English that they have done it and can leave the country," explains Andrej Kovač.

Until August 1, for example, Germany allowed its infected citizens to return by car to the country and continue quarantine on its soil. Since then, Germans must also remain in quarantine and have a negative test when they return to Germany.

From the end of June until today, about a hundred tourists have passed through quarantine in Split. In comparison to other cities, Makarska has only just received an auxiliary, small quarantine. Trogir, for example, does not have quarantine, as Split covers that area. Brač, and the island of Hvar, has a quarantine area in reserve through which about five foreign nationals have already passed.

The contact person in coordination for Hvar is Katarina Buratović, director of the Red Cross City Society, who, together with members of the Hvar crisis headquarters, takes care of infected people in the quarantine there.

"The islands had to be organized because we cannot transport the infected to Split by public transport. There is no quarantine in Šibenik-Knin County; there is something in Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In fact, the greatest news is that there are no infected Croatian people," Andrej Kovač pointed out.

Discerning landlords allow COVID-positive to stay.

"It seems to me that we have COVID tourism. Some private renters are very polite and considerate, so they allow guests COVID-positive guests to stay in their facility as their quarantined accommodation and they cancel reservations for the next guests. They are not rude and throw people out on the street. True, we hear everything, that some behave the opposite, but we do not have records of such," says Kovač.

However, it is their duty to educate such renters on how to disinfect apartments after the departure of infected guests. There were situations when apartment owners called him at midnight and tourist accommodation owners who wanted guests transferred to the county quarantine.

"The biggest problem is that the entire Šibenik-Knin County and some other parts of Dalmatia gravitate towards Split Airport, where most tourists are tested before leaving the country. And all confirmed infected passengers from the airport are counted in Split and Split-Dalmatia County, which turns out to be the most problematic," said Kovač, who adds that Split and the rest of the county, as a result, rises to the top of the infamous infections list in Croatia.

That Split Airport is quite lively is also evidenced by current air traffic data. Compared to the pandemic 2020, in June this year, the total passenger traffic at Croatian airports was higher by 285.4 percent. The most passenger traffic was realized by Split Airport, with 115,000 passengers, which is 360.1 percent more than in June 2020, when only 25,000 passengers were transported (in June 2019, 510,000 passengers were transported).

Split Airport is followed by Zagreb Airport with 100,000 passengers (in June 2020, 43,000 passengers were transported and in June 2019 333,000 passengers), and Dubrovnik Airport with 59,000 passengers (in June 2020, only 10,000 passengers were transported, and the year before 414,000 passengers ).

For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and select your preferred language.

August 14, 2021 - Split Ferry Port traffic in 2021 is at 80% of 2019's numbers, and more Croatia traffic news this weekend as crowds form all over the country. 

Tens of thousands of passengers will pass through Split's ferry port this weekend, and judging by the large crowds; the season is in full swing, reports Dalmacija Danas.

Jelena Ivulić, head of Jadrolinija in Split, commented on this weekend's numbers. 

"This weekend, we expect over 80 thousand passengers and more than 18 thousand vehicles at the Split Ferry Port," said Ivulić.

She adds that we are crossing 80% of 2019, and at 8.45 and 12.30, extra lines for Supetar sailed.

"The data is really great, we are delighted, and we hope that it will last longer,' she concluded.

In other Croatia traffic news, traffic is temporarily suspended on the A1 motorway at the Sveti Rok tunnel in the direction of Dubrovnik.

Traffic has increased on most roads in the direction of the sea and inland. This is especially true on the A1 motorway between the Lučko toll and the Bosiljevo II junction, the Čelinka tunnel and the Maslenica junction in the south direction, and between the Zadar II junction and the Bristovac tunnel in the direction of Zagreb. In addition, there are occasional traffic jams and moving columns on the A2 Zagreb-Macelj motorway, towards the Trakošćan toll with the occasional closure of the Frukov Krč tunnel, on the Zagreb bypass between the Jankomir and Lučko junctions in the direction of the A1 motorway, on the Krk bridge in both directions, especially mainland, towards individual border crossings and at the approaches to ferry ports. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance between vehicles.

A traffic ban for trucks with a maximum permissible weight of over 7.5 tons on some roads in Istria and the coast is in effect today (August 14) until 23:00 and tomorrow (August 15) from 12:00 to 23:00 (summer ban also due to the Feast of the Assumption). On the other hand, there is no ban on the DC1 motorways and state roads.

For the Feast of the Assumption, many pilgrims are expected on the access roads of the Marian shrines, so road users are urged to be extra careful.

During the day, due to increased traffic, there may be difficulties, occasional delays, and convoy driving on some sections of highways, Zagreb (A3) and Rijeka (A7) bypass, Krk Bridge (DC102), Istrian Y towards the border crossings Kastel and Plovanija, at Učka tunnel and the junction Matulji, Lička (DC1) and Jadranska magistrala (DC8) at the approaches to tourist centers, in ferry ports and wharves and at some border crossings. Occasional delays are also possible on sections where works are in progress. Therefore, drivers should adjust their speed and driving style to the conditions on the roads.

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

August 14, 2021 - With thousands of tourists in the city looking for things to do from culture to music, a look at Split events on August 14 and 15, 2021. 

Saturday, August 14, 2021 

Neno Belan & Fiumens at Gradina: Just outside of Split in Solin, as part of the "Summer on Gradina" festival, fans of various music genres will be able to enjoy as many as thirteen great concerts by some of the most famous local performers. On Saturday night is Neno Belan & Fiumens! Presale tickets - 85 kn.

Hajduk v. Slaven Belupo: Football fans, rejoice! Beloved Split football club Hajduk faces Koprivnica-based Slaven Belupo in the 5th round of the Croatian First League. Hajduk enters the 5th round in 3rd place with seven points won in four games. Slaven Belupo won five points in four rounds and is currently in sixth place. The last match between Slaven Belupo and Hajduk was played at the end of April in Koprivnica which ended 1:1.

The match begins at 21:00 at Poljud Stadium and tickets can be purchased at the stadium or Hajduk fan shops before kickoff! 

Free Guy at Kino Karaman: Guy is a lone banker and NPC (non-playable character) who discovers that he is actually the background character in the world video game Free City. Hostages, robberies, building explosions, and shootings on the streets are part of his daily life. One day, robbers break into his bank where he works, Guy decides to take matters into his own hands. The film will show tonight at 21:00!

Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Triend Sundown: Barbarinac and Triend are teaming up to bring you a brand new concept and the meaning of a ‘sundown session’. This secret island retreat is located on the hidden outskirts of Split and will feature DJ Sola (CRO) and DJ Arboles (ARG). The event will kick off at 17:00 and will run through sundown and finish at midnight, with a return bus transfer from the center of town and a private boat trip to the island. Enjoy drinks, food, dancing, and more so long as you have your COVID-19 passport in tow. Tickets and more info can be found here; https://triendtravel.com/barbarinacloveisland/

Museum events all weekend

Peruško Bogdanić: From the Mediterranean at Meštrović Gallery - Peruško Bogdanić has been actively participating in the contemporary Croatian art scene with his solo exhibitions for almost half a century, starting in the mid-1970s. Critics have recognized and emphasized his sculptural forms created on the great Mediterranean heritage and the modern conception of form. The sculptor's work is marked by authorial features which, sometimes, read permeations with contemporary Croatian classics, Kantoci, Ružić, Bakić… and sometimes we also read points of contact with sculptors of his generation: Kuzma Kovačić, Kažimir Hrasta, and Slavomir Drinković. Despite these creative permeations. Bogdanić undoubtedly realized his own sculptural idiom, emphasized in contemporary Croatian fine arts as a separate and unavoidable section. With this new cycle structured from six vertical forms 180 cm to 300 cm high made of stainless steel (corten), and six sculptures of organic provenance (wood), differently shaped and dated to an earlier period, Bogdanić presents himself to the Split cultural public for the first time. with a larger and more complete solo exhibition entitled “From the Mediterranean."

David Maljković at Kula Gallery: David Maljković was born in 1973 in Rijeka. He lives and works in Zagreb. His more recent solo exhibitions include The Renaissance Society in Chicago, Palais de Tokyo in Paris, Kunstmuseum in Sankt Gallen, BALTIC Center for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Kunsthalle in Basel, Van Abbenmuseum in Eindhoven, Secession in Vienna. He has exhibited at the 11th Gwangju Biennale, the 56th Venice Biennale, the 29th Biennial in Sao Paolo, the 11th and 9th Istanbul Biennales, etc., and his works are part of the collections of many world museums, including the G. Pompidou Center in Paris, MUMOK in Vienna, Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid, MoMA in New York, Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Tate Collection in London.

Conor McGrady: Entering the control zone at Gallery of Fine Arts: At his first solo exhibition in Split, Irish artist Conor McGrady presents a series of recent works on paper that were created after the artist's research trip to Split and Vis in 2018. In accordance with his interest in researching various social phenomena that occur as a result of control of space, people, and national borders, the works exhibited in the Art Gallery are based on reading the Croatian present through segments he recognized as those arising from socialism. Through the legacy of ambitious architectural projects such as the Split 3 urban project or the large network of military bunkers and tunnels on Vis, McGrady maps the changes that have taken place in the transition from modernist utopian desires to political conservatism, turning right and retreating to individualism. In large-format drawings, he thus intertwines the ideological and aesthetic implications of these localities, giving them a broader framework through the exploration of contradictions and ambiguities that are present in all narratives of power and control.

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