As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 6th of October, 2020, after dark falls, no one at the ZET tram terminal at Mihaljevac wants to spend more time there than they have to. Due to poor lighting, the terminal is full of shady, dark corners, so passengers waiting for a tram or a bus tend to be grouped under lamps to somehow feel better.

Even during the day, many will agree, this particular ZET tram terminal is a rather ugly space where it can be seen that the entire area is desperately crying out for renewal. Residents of Podsljeme were delighted when they heard back in February that the ZET tram terminal was finally set to undergo a thorough reconstruction worth a massive thirteen million kuna, but they had to wait a little more than half a year for a tender for the contractors to be announced, writes Vecernji list.

Bidders can apply until October the 12th, 2020, and their job will be to turn the run down Mihaljevac, and it isn't a crime to refer to it as that, into something much more presentable. According to the tender documentation, this ZET tram terminal should be much more spacious, starting with the bus terminal, which will be twice as large, oval in shape, so that vehicles will be able to turn without maneuvering backwards. The terminal, as well as the taxi stand that will also be properly arranged, will be adapted for people with reduced mobility, and canopies for bicycles will be located at the northern end of it. All stops will be equipped with canopies for passengers, bins and info posts showing the arrival of vehicles on an attractive LED display, the drainage system will be restored, and the entire space will receive a horticultural "makeover".

Prior to these works, according to the tender documentation, the existing facilities, which have been in a very bad condition for a long time now, will all have to be removed, and the building with the public toilets and ZET's ticket office will be the first to fall. After that, two kiosks and the old canopy will be removed. Residents of Podsljeme would also like to have facilities such as a flower shop, a bakery and stalls with seasonal fruit available for purchase, but this is unfortunately not being provided for in this tender, but a special one regarding that will be announced.

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As Marta Duic/Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 21st of July, 2020, the location of the first Domino's Pizza pizzeria is the Croatian capital of Zagreb, close to the Sheraton Hotel, and the arrival of this global leader in pizza delivery, which has more than 16,300 branches in more than 85 countries, is due to the company All about pizza.

The company's CEO, Mihael Sviben, and his business partner Nils David Gornall have been working on the development of this business venture for more than two years now. The tradition of this American company dates back to 1960, and the first Zagreb branch of Domino's Pizza will start operating on Monday, July the 27th, 2020.

Local artists took part in arranging the 300-square-metre space, and Sviben pointed out that they wanted to be different and at the same time autochthonous and showcase the true uniqueness of Zagreb.

"Like any young entrepreneur, I have big plans, but for a start, we're going to focus on Zagreb. Domino’s is known for its incredibly fast delivery, and to achieve that, we need to work with small delivery zones. From our first branch, we're going to deliver only to parts of Zagreb, so the focus of our first expansion will be Zagreb as a whole, but our plans after that are much bigger,'' explained Sviben.

As he said, they had no problems finding employees to work at Zagreb's brand new Domino's Pizza, however, the coronavirus pandemic unfortunately changed their plans. When they first presented Domino’s pizza in Croatia in February, their plan was to open something physical in May.

"And we're more than happy to have this opportunity to open our doors in these unpredictable times. We're a team whose key is to offer a service that is on a par with the aforementioned fast delivery, and we strive to offer customers the best of both worlds, as well as the original American recipe on which Domino’s Pizza is based, just like local combinations of flavours and ingredients,'' added Sviben.

One of the most popular, almost classic types of Domino’s Pizza is Pepperoni. According to Sviben, the quality and safety of these products are crucial when choosing ingredients for their pizzas.

“All of our ingredients have been tested and approved by Domino’s International. Whenever possible, we procure locally, but we also cooperate with other European suppliers,'' said Sviben. "We believe that with our many years of experience in pizza delivery and our hybrid menu, we'll be able to bring something new to the already exciting pizza scene in Croatia,'' noted the entrepreneur.

His colleague in this project, Nils David Gornall, also explained what else is a plus for them. “Our main advantage is that everything is designed as a pizza theatre and everything is created in front of you. People especially like to watch the dough be rolled out,'' he said.

Sviben also noted that Domino’s Pizza carefully selects its locations, and the key to the chain’s success across the world is, in addition to quality, the speed of its delivery, which will be a maximum of thirty minutes. Delivery is eco-friendly as it is done by bicycle.

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The coronavirus pandemic saw numerous stringent measures introduced in Croatia, and now comes the second phase of loosening them gradually. While buses are in operation, only a select few trams in Zagreb have been. ZET made the decision to slow the return to normal for the trams owing not only to the need to be careful in the handling of coronavirus, but because of the damage caused by the Zagreb earthquake.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 4th of May, 2020, in the second phase of the gradual re-normalisation of ZET's tram transportation, tram line 12 will be put back into service as of today, Monday, May the 4th, and line 5 will return to its usual route, ZET announced on Sunday.

Line 12 will operate on the modified route: Ljubljanica - Ulica Grada Vukovara - Držićeva - Šubićeva - Kvaternikov Square - Maksimirska - Dubrava. At the same time, tram line 5 will operate along its usual route from Monday, Prečko - Savska cesta - Ulica Grada Vukovara - Držićeva - Šubićeva - Kvaternikov Square - Maksimirska - Dubrava.

The statement recalls that as of the end of last month, more precisely April the 27th, tram line 3 has been running along the Ljubljanica - Ulica Grada Vukovara - Savišće route, while line 14 has been running from Zapruđe via the Remetinec roundabout to Ljubljanica.

ZET tram lines will continue to operate according to a customised schedule and more detailed information on the routes, lines, tram numbers and the current schedule, as well as any changes when they come in will be available on ZET's official website.

"ZET's expert services, in cooperation with other emergency services, are on the ground every day and are working intensively to ensure that tram traffic and other lines continue to be gradually established," a statement from ZET said.

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The decision to gradually begin loosening the stringent anti-epidemic measures currently in place in three phases has been accepted as Croatia's coronavirus infection cases continue to dwindle. Just how will the Zagreb public transport company, ZET, re-launch its operations?

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 25th of April, 2020, pursuant to the decision of the Government of the Republic of Croatia on the reintroduction of public city and suburban lines, ZET, the Zagreb public transport company, will re-launch 111 bus routes starting on Monday, April the 27th, 2020, which will operate according to a new, customised timetable.

Due to the damage caused by the recent Zagreb earthquake, established bus lines operating along the tracks of what are otherwise night-time tram routes will continue to bypass Ban Josip Jelačić Square.

Instead of trams, the operation of which is yet to be re-introduced, there will continue to be bus lines operating along the night tram routes (31 Crnomerec - Savski most, 32 Prečko - Borongaj, 33 Gračansko Dolje - Savišće and 34 Ljubljanica - Dubec).

Tram lines will be gradually re-established, depending on the safety assessments and the situation on the tracks they travel along.

According to the recommendations of epidemiologists at the Croatian Institute of Public Health, passengers using Zagreb public transport services should continue to actively maintain a physical distance of at least one metre. It is also advisable to wear protective masks and disinfect your hands before boarding the bus.

ZET will continue to disinfect its vehicles three times a day as they did before lockdown was enforced, and regularly clean and ventilate the vehicles before and after they're driven, as well as when the buses stop at stations, all in order to reduce the possibility of the spread of the new coronavirus, COVID-19.

Transportation will be charged for all bus routes starting on Monday and tickets will be available for purchase at the usual points of sale and from the driver. Accordingly, travel using the Zagreb public transport company ZET doesn't require passes issued by the Civil Protection Staff, but merely valid travel tickets as was the case before the pandemic hit Croatia.

Once again, it is of paramount importance that passengers continue to closely follow the directions and instructions of epidemiologists to protect their own health and that of others.

The new driving regime will continue to apply and its continuation as such will depend entirely on the development of the epidemiological situation and further guidance from the competent authorities.

Please click here for a list of bus routes that will be available as of Monday, as well as their accompanying valid schedules.

Here are the lines that will not operate:

As of Monday, April the 27th, the bus lines 104, 108, 111, 114, 140, 145, 150, 165, 169, 172, 174, 175, 176, 177, 182, 236, 268, 290, 302, 303, 304. 305, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 313, 315, 319, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 330 and 335 will still not be operation.

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Croatian roads see an enormous amount of traffic during the warmer months in summer, with many tourists having driven from neighbouring and surrounding countries to spend time on the glorious Croatian coast and islands. With the capital gaining in popularity, the Zagreb bypass should receive a much needed third lane in time for 2020's summer season.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 15th of February, 2020, by this year's tourist season, the Zagreb bypass should receive a third traffic lane to ease the pressure on the road. Croatian motorways (Hrvatske ceste) have embarked on a pilot project for that road, which is known as the busiest part of the Croatian motorway network.

According to Vecernji list, HAC says that by summer, they plan to turn the stopping point into a carriageway on the section of the road from Jakuševac to Ivanja Reka in both directions, that is, in the length of eleven kilometres, while the third lane would be 13.5 kilometres long, from Jankomir to Jakuševac, and that will be introduced after the tourist season.

HAC points out that the third lane on the Zagreb bypass will be constructed at its existing width, which means that the amount of investment will increase the flow rate by up to fifty percent.

The existing stop lane will be converted into a slow lane for trucks, the middle lane will be intended for trucks, buses and cars, and the left lane of the Zagreb bypass will be intended only for cars and buses. In the slow and medium lane, the speed limit will be 80 kilometres per hour, provided that in the middle lane, vehicles must travel at a minimum speed of 70 km/h in ideal conditions.

The speed on the left lane of the Zagreb bypass will be limited to 100 km/h. HAC says that the width at the narrowest part of the bypass is 10.80 metres, which is sufficient width to accommodate three traffic lanes plus side lanes.

The existing stop lane is 2.5 metres wide and will be expanded to 3.25 metres when converted into a lane. The existing lanes, on the other hand, are 3.75 metres wide, so the middle lane will be reduced to 3.25 metres and the left lane to 3.5 metres.

HAC explained that these widths are adapted to speeds in accordance with legal requirements. Horizontal, vertical and variable signaling needs to be adjusted for the introduction of the third lane, and the estimated value of these works on the part from Jakuševac to Ivanja Reka stands at 4.5 million kuna.

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A brand new tourist attraction is set to enrich the already impressive tourist offer of the bustling Croatian capital city of Zagreb - in the form of no less than tanks.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 8th of February, 2020, when the Croatian team from Iron Bull, full of impressions and important contacts from Las Vegas, returned to Zagreb, they announced that they wanted to open their first ''tank game room'' in Croatia in an interview with Zimo. Their plans for the attraction in the Croatian capital city are moving in the right direction, and at this week's Bug Future Show new information about the was learned, as well as their plans to expand to international markets.

In an interview with Zimo, Ante Medic from Iron Bull revealed when and where they plan to launch their first tank game room and that if their plans come to fruition, the Croatian capital could get the new attraction in the second half of this year.

''Now that we're back from CES, the process of the further development for our company is such that we're opening the first prototype game room in Zagreb. We hope that this will be in the area of ​​the Zagreb Fair (Velesajam). Some 300 squares metres will be taken up by the game room, of which 250 square metres will be a map where the tanks can be used. Up to some 12 to 16 tanks at a time, with two people per tank. The idea is to do the soft opening sometime by July and a full launch in September,'' they stated.

The tank game room seems to be an ideal place not only for fans of World of Tanks and tanks in general, but for anyone willing to try their hand at real tank battles, not on a computer screen, but in reality. Such a game room could certainly improve the tourist offer of the Croatian capital.

''Each tank is designed to be operated by two players, so some teamwork is implied. You have to be an effective crew, which means developing a skillset that kind of evolves over time. Each tank has two cameras, one for the driver and one that controls the firing mechanism. The tank also has a network of sensors that recognise when bullets hit the tank,'' said Ante when describing how controlling and fighting in the tanks works.

The Croatian capital is merely the first step in Iron Bull's global plans because, after Zagreb, similar game rooms could be opened in some cities abroad. Firstly, they want to get enough people interested who are ready to take this franchise concept to other countries.

''We'd love to have at least five international locations in a year, starting in Europe, and then of course expand to other markets like North America, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia... So, there are really good and interesting markets for us,'' they stated.

The interest in their product is promising and will probably exceeded the initial expectations of the Iron Bull team. Their experience, as well as the popularity of video games like World of Tanks, has shown that there are a lot of fans of tanks and tank fighting, and there's little to no doubt that they would all like to replace virtual fights with real ones in Iron Bull game rooms.

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For many years, the Croatian capital of Zagreb was all but overlooked when it came to tourism. Foreigners much preferred the glitz and glam of the glorious Dalmatian coast and its rugged beaches and crystal clear sea, with only a handful here and there visiting central Zagreb for a dose of continental Croatian charm. 

Over recent years, that has changed, with more and more foreign tourists discovering the varied beauty of continental Croatia. Far from the sea, but steeped in history and full of rolling hills, mountains and gorgeous architecture which looks entirely different from that dotted along the coastline.

With continental Croatian tourism firmly on the up and visits to not only central Zagreb but far beyond, trickling into Zagreb County, Lika and indeed further east into neglected Slavonia, the hotel industry has stepped up its game, with its eye on central Zagreb in particular.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 30th of January, 2020, the new hotel in central Zagreb will enhance the geographical spread of the Pula-based Arena Hospitality Group's already impressive portfolio, which is currently centrally positioned on the Istrian coast. The move will reduce seasonal exposure, a statement from the company claimed.

The Arena Hospitality Group announced on the Zagreb Stock Exchange this morning that they have signed a 45-year lease "for the purpose of developing and operating a modern branded hotel in Zagreb", which means that bustling central Zagreb will be richer for yet another gorgeous hotel in just a couple of years.

When finally complete, the new hotel will boast as many as 115 rooms and a restaurant, bar, a wellness centre and spa, a fully equipped gym, conference facilities and even parking. For those who know Zagreb well, they'll know that the parking part in itself is something to celebrate.

"This transaction is another important milestone for the Arena Hospitality Group in executing its strategy to strengthen its presence across Central and Eastern Europe. The new hotel in central Zagreb will enhance the geographical spread of the Group's portfolio, which is currently centrally positioned on the Istrian coast, and reduce seasonal exposure. This addition to the portfolio will also help strengthen the Group's profile in the high and lifestyle segments," the company stated.

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As we recently reported, works on the Zagreb roundabout are now finally drawing to a close. After a long 385 days of the roundabout being intensively worked on, causing issues with traffic at one of the Croatian capital's main hubs, the road is now ready to take cars.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 9th of January, 2020, the whole project has been under construction for a gruelling 385 days in total, and after the news came that everything was finally completed, more good news comes about how traffic will run along the new Zagreb (Remetinec) roundabout.

''We're currently installing traffic lights and traffic signs and finishing off the final details. In addition, the Road Transport Commission must review everything and only then will we be able to put the Zagreb roundabout into circulation for all types of road traffic,'' said project manager Goran Radić in conversation with journalists from 24sata.

After 385 days and with a massive construction price of 331.6 million kuna, of which 273 million kuna was co-financed by European Union funds and 48 million kuna from Croatia's state budget, the completion of the Zagreb roundabout equals a bold ''tick'' next to one of the country's most demanding and significant strategic projects.

''We built the east-west tunnels at 280 metres in length. Drivers from the direction of Lučko and Novi Zagreb don't have to enter the Zagreb roundabout at all, but they can pass under it. The roadways on the north side of the roundabout, Adriatic Bridge (Jadranski most) - Adriatic Avenue (Jadranska avenija) and Dubrovnik Avenue (Avenija Dubrovnik) - Adriatic Bridge (Jadranski most), have been extended by one lane and now have four lanes, of which two lanes enter the Zagreb roundabout and two lanes act as right turners which don't enter it,'' explained Radić.

''Projections show that 40 percent of the traffic will go through tunnels, and it will be more than 30 percent less crowded on the new Zagreb roundabout,'' he concluded.

Watch the video below:

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As Novac/Jozo Vrdoljak/Privredni.hr writes on the 9th of December, 2019, Bolt, an on-demand transportation platform, has introduced a new service - Bolt Rickshaw, which is sure to attract a lot of interest from both Zagreb locals and tourists visiting the Croatian capital city during this year's Advent. Zagreb is the first city in all of Europe where the Bolt app's users will be able to try out a whole new level of Bolt transport.

Bolt is a platform through which millions of rides are ordered and completed worldwide each and every month, and now some of those rides will be carried out on not four, but three wheels. Bolt is known for being a company which always places emphasis on dealing with the growing problem of pollution, transportation and the hustle and bustle of the city, and this time they are placing emphasis on a ride with them beig an entirely new experience, good fun and something totally different for the beloved and awarded Advent in Zagreb with Bolt.

Thanks to the introduction of Bolt Rickshaw this year, citizens and tourists in Zagreb can visit the most attractive advent sites in no time without spending their time wading through crowds and walking around in very cold temperatures. Each Bolt Rickshaw is equipped with soft blankets that will provide warmth and comfort to the users while they take in the city's sights during the most wonderful time of the year.

The Bolt Rickshaw is available in the centre of Zagreb from 14:00 to 23:00 for the duration of Advent in Zagreb, up until the 1st of January, 2020.

Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, is otherwise Europe's leading platform focused on simpler, faster and more reliable urban transport.

The platform was founded by Markus Villig and launched back in 2013. It has since become one of the fastest growing transportation platforms in Europe and Africa with more than 30 million users in more than 35 countries worldwide.

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The Branimir Mingle Mall, a new and unique concept of an urban destination in the centre of Zagreb, is opening its doors. It is a completely redesigned Branimir Centre and as such a unique project on the Croatian market.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 4th of December, 2019, Zagreb's Branimir Centre was initially built back in 2003 and the Supernova Group acquired it in 2017. The complete reconstruction of the centre took almost two years, and included a complete remodeling of the interior, the exterior that includes the facade, the surroundings and the three levels of the parking garage. The new interior concept was created in collaboration with the Brigada interior design agency, and the new visual identity was done in collaboration with the Zagreb-based creative agency, Senor.

“Branimir Centre has lost its attractiveness over the years, but its excellent location and the general consumer's habits to visit the cinema have remained, and we've seen great potential here in re-positioning and adapting to market trends and needs.

With the entry of the Canopy by Hilton Hotel and the complete renovation of the mall, we've taken the first step towards its successful revitalisation. I believe that with the new concept, we've created an offer that people with all sorts of different tastes will choose to spend their free time and socialise here. From restaurant offerings, through playrooms and cinemas to sports content at the gym, Branimir Mingle Mall will surely meet all the requirements of the new generation and a modern lifestyle,'' said Markus Pinggera, Board Member of Supernova Group.

The total area of ​​the centre covers 25,000 square metres. In addition to the already-visited most visited cinema in Zagreb - Cinestar Branimir and the Wettpunkt casino, children's playrooms and cafes, the new concept opened last year with the exclusive 150-room Canopy by Hilton Hotel, ReUnion's signature restaurant and Canopy Central café & bar. In addition, the popular OrlandoFit Fitness Centre and the Umami Restaurant with their new designs have been opened.

The repositioning of the centre also includes new brands on the Croatian market. Visitors to the Branimir Mingle Mall will also be able to enjoy the new gastronomic concept of street food restaurants. The Slovenian burger chain Lars & Sven burgers and Manga Sushi bar will also be there for the first time ever here in Croatia.

On top of all that, visitors who love desserts will be delighted by the opening of Biberon cakes with a wide variety of desserts for every taste.

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