ZAGREB, 7 April, 2021 - The Croatian Embassy to the Russian Federation has received initial applications for tourist visas from Russian citizens and currently there is a good interest on the Russian market in vacationing in Croatia, the Croatian Tourist Board (HTZ) said on Wednesday.

Russian national airline Aeroflot will fly from Moscow to Pula, Dubrovnik and Split every day from the start of June to the end of September, the HTZ said in a statement.

Currently, Aeroflot flies between Moscow and Zagreb once a week and plans to introduce a second weekly flight as of May, while in the summer it will operate on this route three times a week.

S7 Airlines will fly from Moscow to Pula and Dubrovnik from late April to late October, while Nordwind will connect Moscow and Zagreb during the same period.

The head of the HTZ office in Russia, Rajko Ružička, said that there is a growing demand on the Russian market for safe summer destinations, and that Croatia is one of them.

Russians can enter Croatia with a negative PCR or antigen test, a certificate proving that they have recovered from COVID-19 or a certificate showing that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, Ružička said.

A great interest in Croatian destinations has also been shown at the recent MITT travel show, the HTZ said.  

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

April 7, 2021 - Renowned for Zrće Beach and the partying that goes on there, party tourism in Novalja is no longer in focus, as the mayor is shifting towards content for the local community.

Novalja on Pag island is one of Croatia's biggest hotspots to visit over summer. Zrće Beach is a world-renowned synonym for partying and all the crazy fun things that come with sipping cocktails on the beach next to the clear Adriatic Sea at any time of the day while some of the biggest names of the international DJ and music scene are in their finest element.

Still, as the Croatian tourist offer, in general, tries to break out of the perception that Croatia is great „only for summer“ and also tries to popularise other parts of the country that are a bit further from the coastline, Novalja is on a mission of its own - to break the stereotype that „it's just for partying“.

As Večernji List reports, Ante Dabo, the mayor of Novalja for two the past two terms, is more than aware that Zrće is vital to Novalja's tourism, but the town is heavily working to offer more content to visitors.

„From 2017 to 2019, we invested 48 million kuna in capital projects and despite the coronavirus pandemic, we invested 51 million kuna in 2020 alone“, said Dabo for Večernji List.

One of such projects is using the town's own funds for the Grozdenica culture centre. This new centre is imagined to be the core of cultural events in Novalja, and given it's a multifunctional hall with 210 seats and a stage with the most modern equipment, there is no doubt it will spot on for hosting cinema screenings, conferences, concerts, and theatre plays.

The new port and Marina are also part of the branding scheme to further position Novalja by attracting nautical tourism.

„We reduced taxes so new hotels could be easily opened, but we will allow building hotels that have less than four stars. We want quality hotels that will accept guests in the winter months to extend the season. We relied more on private accommodations but we also have hotel capacities of high standards and 600 more beds in comparison to 2019“, said Dabo commenting on changes in urban planning that forbids building hotels that have less than four stars.

The mayor also adds how Pag has rich cultural and archaeological findings along with heritage, natural wonders tracking, and bike tracks for recreational tourism.

Ante Dabo screenshot / LIKA CLUB

Caring for locals and not just for visitors

Zrće brings money, Zrće is a party hotspot, and Zrće is also loud and a threat to the peace of locals who don't visit clubs and events themselves. As Večernji List reminds, Dabo became known to the broader public in Croatia for introducing rules of conduct for tourists and for reducing the noise from Zrće.

„Zrće is too big of a brand to say it's not needed for Novalja, but everyday activity on Zrće needs to be reduced. That's the solution to compromise for party people and for other guests who are interested in a more peaceful vacation“, said Dabo referring to Novalja's need to escape from the monoculture of partying.

Locals are happy too as Novalja has the biggest budget when counted by the number of residents in all of Croatia, according to the Institute of Public Finance. A lot is also done for young families. By further rebuilding the kindergarten, Novalja will have more significant capacities to take care of the kids while parents are working. A low-energy building was built with the partial help of the EU funds, and the firefighter station is being reconstructed (also by EU funds) to ensure every service for protection and rescue can be in one place. The EU project of developing an entrepreneur zone Čiponjac worth 10 million kuna is also done, an entrepreneur incubator Ragan worth 12.5 million kuna, and a design to boost local-level entrepreneurship recently started, too. Business spaces are offered to new and young entrepreneurs at affordable prices.

The biggest project for Novalja, however, is Aglomeracija Novalja, which enhances agglomeration and water infrastructure with a new biological purifier for wastewater. Fifty kilometers of pipes are incorporated in the new sewer system that stretches through Metajna, Barbat, and Stara Novalja to the new purifier in the Vrtić district. Aglomeracija Novalja, worth 72 million kuna, and financed by EU funds up to 72%, makes Novalja a small town that is revitalizing, despite the corona crisis.

Learn more about Novalja and the island of Pag on our TC Page.  

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

April 6, 2021 - The first Croatian scientific book on hospitality (Excellence as a Standard in Hospitality Business) backed by the experiences of two respected authors in the business has been released! 

As Turizmoteka reports, the book published by the Aspira school (original title: Izvrsnost kao standard u ugostiteljskom poslovanju) has four chapters and 24 subchapters which will help further develop the business to the experience and allow unexperienced to set up the optimal business concept“.

The book covers specifics of the hospitality business, criteria for hiring new workers, explores questions of discipline and offers interesting findings on why some bars and restaurants fail and others remain successful. Scientific research of the book is accompanied by the experiences of the authors who are very experienced in the hospitality business.

The leading author Igor Pavel previously published a manual on managing in the field, which inspired the writing of the book. He is in the hospitality business for the past 16 years, where he gained experience in various aspects and from multiple positions and is currently hired as a manager in one of the largest American cruise ship companies. He closely worked with top managers and CEOs of various big international tourism and hospitality companies. He also trains management and workers with his educational material helping them to increase the quality of their standard.

The second author, Alen Jerkunica, is a dean and one of the founders of Aspira private school, which has international courses on hotel management and tourism as well as gastronomy in Split and Zagreb. Continuously cooperating with experts from hotel management, he also participates in research projects with scientists specialized in marketing and management in sport and tourism.

The book is so far available only in Croatian, and you can buy it here.

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

ZAGREB, 2 April, 2021 - More than 22,000 tourists are staying in Croatia ahead of Easter, including 17,000 foreigners, and although the number is expected to increase over the holidays, turnover is not expected to reach the pre-pandemic levels, National Tourist Board director Kristjan Staničić said on Friday.

"Considering all the circumstances, we don't expect for the coming Easter holidays the level of turnover from previous years and previous Easter holidays but, by adhering to all epidemiological measures and protocols, we expect tourism activities, with an emphasis on the domestic market," he told Hina.

Since the school spring break follows the Easter holidays, more domestic tourists are expected next week, alongside those from Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic, he said.

More than 130 hotels and 60 campsites are currently open and most tourists are staying in Istria County, the northern Adriatic Kvarner region and Split-Dalmatia County, Staničić said, calling on all citizens and tourists to behave responsibly.

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

Located in the heart of Lika, the Barac caves are one of the many treats of this landlocked region often neglected in comparison with Istria, Dalmatia or Kvarner. Despite that, this area has been gaining more and more attention over recent years. Jutarnji List recently provided ten reasons to Croats as why they should visit the Barac caves in spring, and here at TCN, we don't see why they couldn't apply to our non-Croatian readers too. So, here are ten reasons to visit the Barać caves, according to Jutarnji List.

1.) The location is easy to get to

From the Croatian capital of Zagreb, you need to drive only 130 kilometres or, in other words, a little under two hours. The trip is a little bit longer if you come from Rijeka (170 kilometres) or Zadar (150 kilometres). Once you reach the village and municipality of Rakovice, you can easily follow the signs to the Barac caves. 

2.) This destination is part of a world-renowned tourist offer

Located close to the oldest National Park in Croatia, Plitvička Jezera (Plitvice Lakes), the Barać caves are part of Lika's offer as a destination, which is placed in the top 100 sustainable destinations and the top 15 finalists.

3.) They're weekend trip perfection

The Barac caves are an excellent spot for a one-day field trip. Along with touring the caves, there are additional offers of hitchhike tracks, a children's playground, a picnic area, a badminton court, and more.

4.) They're just as perfect for active vacation lovers

With two nearby adrenaline parks, the ability to rent quads and bikes, as well as and organised cycling tours and horse-riding through the Plitvice valleys, there's no chance of you running out of things to do. With some pre-arrangements, you can also visit the Dolina Jelena (Deer Valley) ranch in town of Drežnik, where you can come close and even feed the deer there.

 5.) It's for all ages

 To enter the cave, there is a light 200 metre uphill stroll that doesn't require much of a physical effort. You can tour this area only accompanied by a guide whose interpretation and info is suitable for all ages.

© Denis Stošić / Lika Destination

6.) It's the home of bats

Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rhinolophus hipposideros are two types of bats you can find in almost every auditorium of the upper Barac cave. And with the coming of spring, they're waking up and hunting bugs which is an excellent opportunity to learn more about them.

7.) Cave bear memorabilia 

30.000 year old remnants of a cave bear are displayed within the Barac caves which is extremely rich in both archaeological and paleontologist findings with remains from the Ice Age all the way to the Middle Ages.

8.)  Face your fear of the dark

The Barac caves are lit up, but you can also experience the cave in its natural ambient - in complete darkness with the sound of water drops. It's scary at first, but exciting and relaxing at second sight.

 9.) An idividual approach

To organise an event it takes two adults who will be accompanied by a guide. Tickets don't need to be bought up-front, and the guy welcomes you at the info counter. The tour is organised upon your arrival. Before arranging the tour, the guide will give you some basic information before you purchase a ticket, and the tour lasts for about 60 minutes.

 10.) Happy customers

Tripadvisor awarded Lika's stunning Barac caves with the ''Travellers choice'' title meaning they're among the top 10 percent of the best destinations on Tripadvisor and are constantly receiving new and excellent reviews. Google also awarded the Barac caves with a rating of 4.7/5 and Facebook gave them a 5/5. 

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

ZAGREB, 31 March, 2021 - Tourism and Sports Minister Nikolina Brnjac said on Wednesday that clear entry criteria for Croatia were being prepared according to European Commission recommendations for travel across borders, which will probably be - recovered from COVID-19, vaccination or a PCR or antigen test.

Asked by reporters ahead of an inner cabinet meeting what she thinks of the measures by the national COVID response team and how the deteriorated epidemiological situation is being reflected on tourism and bookings, Minister Brnjac said that as soon as the European Commission released its draft recommendations on travel restrictions, Croatia immediately started working on clear criteria for entry into Croatia.

The Commission recently proposed a regulation on creating a Digital Green Certificate which should enable safe travel within the European Union during the pandemic. The certificate should be proof that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has received a negative test result or recovered from COVID-19.

Brnjac added that this requires technical preparations which are already being worked on in the Interior Ministry and the Croatian Institute for Public Health so that, as soon as the regulation enters into force, it can be integrated in the system.

That is important because of the epidemiological situation, which is why at the end of 2020 we launched safe protocols and the "Safe stay in Croatia" label, she said.

"We have previously warned that the most important thing is for Croatia to be in the 'green' zone and we asked local tourist boards to recommend testing stations for tourists... We need to achieve flow of both tourists and tests," said Brnjac.

Asked how the current situation is being reflected on bookings, Brnjac said that she is in constant contact with partners on the markets and that there has been an increase in enquiries, mostly about whether Croatia is in the "green" and about the vaccination of tourism workers which, she added, could be conducted in May and June as "vaccines are coming."

"There are fewer bookings than in previous years, even for Easter, but more are expected... from the end of May and in June, for which there is more interest by tourists, and that is why we should have the best epidemiological situation possible," she said. 

Asked about aid for travel agencies which are required to refund deposits for cancelled travel arrangements, yet don't have the funds to do so, Brnjac said "they can get loans and return what they owe, with state guarantees for up to 100 per cent of the loans that are earmarked for SMEs and 90% for (those earmarked for) large companies."

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

March 31, 2021 - Last year's champion of tourism Vir Island is on its way to keeping first place.

After being last year's champion of tourism, the island of Vir is optimistic about having another great year.

As Večernji List daily newspaper reports, without having any organised events, Vir recorded 87% of last year's numbers in January alone. Speaking of last year's numbers, Vir was a well-deserved champion indeed with its 2.3 million overnights, over 100.000 tourist arrivals, and 87% of traffic from 2019. Vir Tourist Board director Srđan Liverić says he expects this year to be even better.

„We expect a good season, but we are aware this will depend on the situation in the world and travel possibilities. Due to the coronavirus crisis, we didn't show up on markets where we were present for more than 10 years and so we are waiting to see what will happen in spring", said Liverić for Večernji List.

He adds that one of the key advantages of Vir is that it is a real-estate tourism destination. In other words,  almost half of all estates on the island are owned by foreign citizens who reside on Vir year after year. They also invite their friends and families to join. The other half is owned by domestic, Croatian tourists who go there over weekends because the island is easily accessible by car

With good results in January, February also kept the island happy with a 16% increase. Mate Čulina, manager of the Vir Turizam tourist agency, told Večernji that while reservations remain in small numbers until the warmer months, Villa Lanterna already has 60 days fully booked in July, October, and September. Last year, Villa Lanterna had 100 days of filled capacities, and other luxury accommodations did similarly.

Vir Tourist Board also showed strong support for local renters, presenting them on their redesigned webpage.

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

March 29, 2021 - While it was expected last year that guests from other countries would arrive just for the summer season, accommodations owners hoped that this year they could travel even sooner. However, as we enter the Easter holidays, it hasn’t been the case.

HRT Vijesti reports that the scenes from April 2019 for tourist workers are now just a dream, despite the fact that this year there are more tourists in the Zadar area than last year when the country was immersed in a complete "lockdown". Most are domestic tourists. Due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation, the expectations for Easter are also bad.

‘‘We are also afraid that the reservations we have can be canceled as well. Entries to Croatia have been simplified with these quick tests, but unfortunately returns to neighboring countries are complicated’’, said Tomislav Fain, president of the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies.

It is known that, although last year tourists from countries such as the United Kingdom or the Netherlands could travel to Croatia, many had to cancel their flights or reservations. This is due to the last-minute measures imposed by their respective governments, in which they were forced travelers to serve a certain time in self-isolation upon their return. Local authorities fear that this could be repeated this season.

(Credit: PIXSELL)

Mostly domestic guests are expected. Frane Skoblar of the Turisthotel believes hostels in the pandemic crisis have pulled out the “thickest end” because of their attachment to air traffic.

The thick end was also drawn by private renters who have almost no reservations. On the other hand, hotels and large resorts claim that they are satisfied with reservations for the holidays.

‘‘We are mainly focused on the Croatian market, and some guests from Austria and Slovenia are also coming’’, said Goran Sremec from Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Ladera.

Guests feel safe in the campsites as well. Mišela Lastrić (Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences Borik) says that they expect increased interest from domestic guests and that the booking is very good for now. She adds that they are currently at more than half capacity.

(Credit: PIXSELL)

The pandemic has completely changed the tourist picture all over the world, including on our coast.

‘‘There will certainly be no Slovene tourists at this moment. On the days of Corpus Christi, which come after, German tourists traditionally arrive. You know what instructions they have.’’, said Mario Paleka, director of the Zadar Tourist Board.

All private accommodations and tourist workers expect the first large number of tourists to arrive in June if the situation allows them to spend their holidays on the Adriatic during the COVID pandemic, which depends mostly on the vaccination process through Europe.

For the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia, CLICK HERE.

March 25, 2021 - Both the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Croatian tourist boards recognised the development of health tourism as a high priority for Croatia.

To discuss the development of health tourism in Croatia, a branch that is becoming one of the more important Croatian tourist products, Croatian Tourism and Sports minister Nikolina Brnjac met with Kvarner Tourist Board director Irena Peršić Živadinov, Kvarner Health Tourism cluster president Vladimir Možetič, and Zagreb Tourist Board director Martina Bienenfeld. As life expectancy and healthy lifestyle trends increase, the value of health tourism grows. The novel coronavirus only made that growth even more rapid.

"Over 80,000 tourists in 2020 visited Kvarner (well-known for Lošinj Island and its hospital for respiratory issues) for health services. Today, many people are recovering from the consequences of the novel coronavirus there," said the Kvarner Tourist Board director Živadinov.  

"We have all the advantages for further development of health tourism: a good reputation of health services, qualified staff, natural richness of thermal sources, good climate, and long tradition of tourism," said minister Brnjac. Her goal is to pull Croatia out of the perception of a country only good for the summer season.

Croatia offers health services in wellness and medicine tourism. Health tourism is most associated with the regions of Kvarner, Istria, northern Croatia, and Zagreb, but the goal is to include other regions that have the potential for health tourism and to achieve the goals of a strategy that needs to be accomplished by 2030.

Martina Bienenfeld said that the Zagreb Tourist Board is working on the City's recognition as the centre of medical excellence. She pointed out good traffic connections, a mixture of the Mediterranean and mid-Europe climate, as well as good prices of health services as great advantages of Croatia's capital to the international clientele.

The Health Care Bill and Services in Tourism Bill now allow hospitality and health tourism services in hospitals and medical centres. These legal changes are also significant in attracting further investments in the field.

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

ZAGREB, 18 March, 2021 - Eminent French-Belgian playwright, writer, director and actor Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt was a guest at the Croatian Music Institute in Zagreb on Wednesday.

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is one the most widely read living Francophone authors in the world, whose works have been translated into 46 languages, including Croatian, and staged in over 50 countries.

This is the author's first visit to Croatia and it is the culmination of the Rendez-Vous at Francophonie 2021 project, a part of the programme of the Francophonie Month on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the French Institute in Zagreb.

He spoke about his works and his attitude towards art, and the focus of the conversation was on Schmitt's most famous and translated work, the short novel "Oscar and the Lady in Pink" from his Cycle of the Invisible series dedicated to childhood and spirituality.

The author also spoke about his latest book, "Paradis Perdus".

On Thursday, 18 March, Eric-Emmanuel Scmitt will perform in Zagreb's Croatian National Theatre in the adaptation of his story "Mr Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran", a text which has travelled the world, has been published in 50 countries and staged numerous times in different languages. The first Croatian performance of the famous play is the result of cooperation between the French Institute in Zagreb, Wallonia-Brussels International and the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb.

During his visit to Zagreb, on 17-19 March, the author will also meet with Croatian students and teachers of the French language.

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