March 5, 2023 - What is the most impressive tourism promotion project you have seen in Croatia? Something to beat the World's Biggest Welcome?

One man. One Project. One Word.

Welcome.

As a hospitable tourism country, what if Croatia could also offer the World's Biggest Welcome? Daniel Lacko, an adventure tourism expert, decided to do just that for Croatia.

It took him 65 days, more than 2,500 kilometres, but he achieved this goal back in 2011. For me, the most impressive tourism promotion project in my 20 years in Croatia.

The video premieres tonight at 19:53. 

Which Croatian tourism promotion project has impressed you the most? Answers in the comments below.

You can still visit the official Facebook page of the World's Biggest Welcome, where you can see many of the original photos of Lacko's amazing journey - https://web.facebook.com/welcomehr

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May 13, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 52 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 52 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 52 moved from Saplunara to Dubrovnik for the final day of the journey. 

35 kilometres for the day: And really, just a smooth kayak ride from Saplunara on Mljet to Dubrovnik to complete the ‘E’ in ‘Welcome’ and thus the adventure. The final day of the journey was also on World Environment Day. 

Lacko left the island of Mljet to begin the last leg of the journey to Dubrovnik.

How could one not admire the rocky coastline of Mljet?

Lacko left the island behind him and looked towards the shore. 

Though he had to take occasional glimpses of the GPS to make sure. 

From Saplunara to Šipan.

And another good look at Lacko, since we won't be seeing him much after this. 

Lacko passes between two reefs. 

And encounters steep cliffs. 

A group of swimmers indicates that Dubrovnik is not far away. 

Lacko made it in front of the Dubrovnik walls.  

As Lacko approached Dubrovnik, he encountered many tourist boats. 

And even had some fun with fellow kayakers. 

From the kayak to the optimist. 

And into the Old Town. 

Where Lacko had a crowd of admirers waiting to welcome him. 

And dancers. 

And even prominent members of the tourist board. 

The end. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 12, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 51 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 51 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 51 moved from Korčula to Saplunara on the island of Mljet. 

74 kilometres for the day: 9 km bike ride from Korčula to Lumbarda, followed by 20 km by kayak from Lumbarda to Pomena, and 45 km walking and cycling from Pomena to Saplunara to continue forming the ‘E’ in ‘Welcome’.

Day 51 began in Korčula at cape Raznjic before Lacko set off towards Mljet.

The rest of the team on their way to Pomena.

The team arrived at Mljet National Par. You can spot the Benedictine monastery and church on the island of Sveta Marija in Veliko jezero.

And Lacko. 

Lacko arriving at the dock on Veliko jezero.

The dock on Veliko jezero.

The team spotted sugar cane on the island of Mljet. 

And some mud. 

Lacko began cycling towards Saplunara. 

And spotted small islands along the way. 

A quick descent to Saplunara. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 52, the final day of the journey as Lacko moves from Saplunara to Dubrovnik. 

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 11, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 50 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 50 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 50 moved from Ploče to Korčula.

52 kilometres for the day: 17 km kayak ride from Ploče to Trpanj, followed by a 10 km bike ride from Trpanj to Donja Vručica, 20 km on foot from Donja Vručica to Orebić, and 5 km SUP from Orebić to Korčula to continue forming the ‘E’ in ‘Welcome’.

Day 50 set off on kayak from Ploče. 

And Lacko beginning the journey to Pelješac. 

But first, Trpanj.

After Cedo presented the team's plan to climb St. Ilija, they were invited for a drink of discouragement.

Lacko visited the birthplace of his grandfather in Donja Vrucica.

And then they continued on foot to Orebić.

They had to make their own path to Orebić. 

The plan was to get through to the old path built by Napoleon. Apparently, no one had been there for decades.

They managed to get through to Napoleon's forgotten path.

Which took them to the reef, from where they made it to the top.

Walking on a cloud on St. Ilija.

The further they climbed, the thicker the clouds. 

But the clouds started to clear. 

And they opened to a view of Korčula.

They could finally see the top of St. Ilija!

Total bliss. 

St. Ilija 961m.

The group then made it down through pine forest. 

And Lacko paddled to Korčula. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 51, as Lacko moves from Korčula to Saplunara.

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 10, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 49 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 49 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 49 moved from Ston to Ploče.

61 kilometres for the day: 3 km by kayak and paddling from Ston to Neum, followed by 33 km bike ride from Neum to Metković, and 25 km from Metković to the Neretva firth rowing in an old Neretva style boat to continue forming the ‘E’ in ‘Welcome’.

Day 49 kicked off with a send-off from the kids of Mali Ston. 

Lacko trying out his new vessel. 

Lacko giving tribute to Czech adventurers who often choose paddle boats as their transport on the Adriatic.

They traded in their paddleboats for bikes and set off towards Bijeli Vir.

Passing Lake Kuti along the way. 

Locals in Bijeli Vir admiring their traveling circus.

Lacko made it to Metković and rowed with the team from Krvavac 2 in an original ship from Neretva. 

Passing by the Kula Norinska tower. 

Krvavac 2 arriving in Opuzen where Kominski pirates gave Lacko a proper welcome.

The Kominski gusari pirate ship.

They even let Lacko steer for a bit!

Kominski gusari pirates in Crna rijeka.

The day ended with a group photo. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 50, as Lacko and the team move from the Neretva to Korčula. 

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 9, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 48 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 48 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 48 moved from Lumbarda to Ston. 

49 kilometres for the day: 21 km kayak ride from Lumbarda to Žuljana, followed by 26 km bike ride from Žuljana to Ston and 2 km walking the Ston walls to begin forming the ‘E’ in ‘Welcome’.

Lacko begins Day 48 and the start of the letter 'E' from Lumbarda. 

Lacko rowing towards Pelješac.

Saying goodbye to Korčula. 

And the islands that sit in front of it.

Lacko arrived at Žuljana on Pelješac.

"Old friends meet again."

The group then made their way to Ston for a walk around the walls of Ston, the second longest defense walls in the world (after the Great Wall in China).

They might look familiar to you. 

The team taking on the walls. 

The view of Ston and the salt pans.

The salt pans were actually the reason the walls had to be built.

The Mali Ston bay and the most famous mussel farm in Croatia.

And the day ended with Lacko blog writing.

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 49, as Lacko moves from Ston to Ploče.

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 8, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 47 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 47 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 47 moved from Lovište to Lumbarda.

68 kilometres for the day: 20 km kayak ride from Lovište to Blato, followed by 33 km by bike from Blato to the bottom of Klupca, and a 15 km kayak ride from the bottom of Klupca to Lumbarda to complete forming the ‘M’ in ‘Welcome’.

Sajko and Lacko sett off from Lovište towards Korcula.

Maneuvering around the boat.

And the deep shadows in the sea.

Marko snapping Korčula in the distance.

Babina - Tea, Sajko and Lacko arriving at the island of Korčula. 

In Babina, the team switched from kayaks to bicycles and carried on pedaling down the main road.

Cedo investigating narrow passages between cliffs.

The team encountered Kocje, a beautiful and unusual protected park near Zrnovo. It is special for its labyrinth of cliffs and vegetation.

Korčula town.

And Mislav riding through the streets of the town.

The team made it to Lumbarda.

For a pleasant sail.

And a view of Pelješac.

A Lumbarda swim on one of the islands, with St. Ilija, the highest peak of Pelješac, in the background.

The team explored the Lumbarda streets.

And Grk, the indigenous grape variety from the sandy plantations of Lumbarda.

And the town in all of its glory.

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

Lumbarda.

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 48, as Lacko moves from Lumbarda to Ston.

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 7, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 46 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 46 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 46 moved from Makarska to Lovište. 

50 kilometres for the day: 25 km bike ride from Makarska to Živogošće, followed by 25 km kayak ride from Živogošće to Lovište to continue forming the ‘M’ in ‘Welcome’.

Day 46 began in Makarska. 

Before heading to Živogošće, located between Makarska and Drvenik.

The team prepares for their departure to Pelješac.

Živogošće (Blato) - setting off towards Pelješac.

Passing Ploče on the way. 

And the Ploče port. 

A hazy view over Pelješac.

And the town of Korčula.

The Welcome team arrived in Lovište, a small seaside town in a cove near the western tip of the Pelješac peninsula.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by the children of the town. 

And to end, a Lovište sunset. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. On Day 46, however, Lacko and his team did not pass any landmarks.

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 47, as Lacko moves from Lovište to Lumbarda. 

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

May 6, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 45 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 45 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 45 moved from Bol on the island of Brač to the island of Hvar by kayak to continue forming the 'M' in 'Welcome'. The 'Welcome team' also had an epic welcome to Hvar town.

Day 45 began at one of Croatia's most famous beaches - Zlatni Rat in Bol. 

The crew then started their journey to Hvar. 

And was even followed by a helicopter. 

A Red Bull helicopter. 

The team forming in Bol. 

From Brač to Hvar - arriving in Vroboska.

Vrboska's most common nickname is 'Little Venice' as it has just one canal. 

The canal and Vrboska's stone bridge. 

Seems as if the group could barely fit!

The charming town in all of its glory. 

The team then traveled from Milna to Hvar town. 

Where they were greeted by Hvar mayor Pjerino Bebic.

And flares.

The mayor even helped the team pull their kayaks out of the sea!

And then it was time to party. 

The Cathedral of St. Stephen.

The team traveled to Malo Grablje in the evening.

And ended the night at tavern Stori Komin in Malo Grablje.

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

Hvar.

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 46, as Lacko moves from Makarska to Lovište.

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

All photos in the story by Luka  Tambača.

May 5, 2019 - Putting Croatian adventure tourism on the map, with the biggest welcome in the world. Day 44 of this incredible 2011 adrenaline trip covering 2,500 km along the Croatian coast. 

The World's Biggest Welcome, an ambitious adventure tourism project in 2011 in Croatia enters Day 44 of this 2019 appreciation of one of the finest tourism promotion projects ever in Croatia.  

The plan? To showcase the diversity and fabulous offer of adventure tourism in Croatia by following a GPS route the length of the Croatian coast in the shape of the word 'Welcome' - thereby creating the biggest welcome in the world from a hospitable tourism country. 

Day 44 moved from Makarska to Bol on Brač via kayak and bike. 

Day 44 began from Makarska as Lacko and Cedo prepared the kayak in the sea.

A look at Lacko departing from Makarska. 

Lacko and Sajko rowing towards Brac.

Makarska in the distance.

Tea, Lacko and Sajko.

The group made it to Brač.

The perfect photo opportunity. 

Lacko needed a break. 

And a bit of therapy. 

After a bit of rest, the group painfully pedaled above Sumartin.

Lacko and Mislav pedaling towards Vidova gora hill.

And Zlatni Rat in all of its glory.

To end, a descent down Vidova gora hill. 

A key part of the project was promoting tourism, and the official website has details of the key places visited during the day. 

Makarska.

You can see the entire project on the Welcome website, as well as much more of Luka Tambaca's stunning photography on the Welcome Facebook page. 

Tune in tomorrow for Day 45, as Lacko and the team move from Brač to Jelsa on the island of Hvar. 

To follow the whole project from the start, follow the dedicated TCN page.