Thursday, 20 June 2019

Safe Tourist Season Headquarters in Zadar Reopened

The ''Safe tourist season'' headquarters in Croatia, a temporary summer headquarters set up by the police directorate, has been re-opened in Zadar.

The Headquarters co-operates with Ministry of Defence, the secret services, military intelligence, as well as with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance and other competent bodies, vijesti.rtl.hr writes.

The idea is to have a single place where they can control and maintain the level of safety on the coast and at sea.

The location of the headquarters is in Zadar, which makes sense because it is located centrally on the Croatian coast, and during the height of the tourist season, all of the boats in the Adriatic are followed, as are all border crossings, as are any crimes or misdemeanors related to tourists or tourism.

It premiered last year, and it proved to be an excellent idea, so it was brought back this year. Andrija Ostović, a member of the headquarters for the implementation of the security measures during 2019's tourist season, explained that they follow just about anything that has to do with foreign nationals, whether perpetrated by them or against them, and at the same time they follow the traffic, the border crossings, and the flow of travellers.

Safety is one of the brands of tourism in Croatia, so their goal is to reduce last year's number of a bit over 7,000 crimes during one tourist season.

Minister of the Interior, Davor Božinović, explained that last year around 158 million people crossed the Croatian borders and that the Croatian police and other services are there to take care of all those people.

They also keep a close eye on the migrant situation on the Croatian borders, the illegal traffic of fishing boats, drug trafficking and other crimes, and the way they do this work has received commendations by their Italian colleagues.

The ''Safe tourist season'' headquarters is also in close contact with the fire departments along the coast, Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) and the Croatian Army. Tourism in Croatia is too valuable for anything to be left to chance!

Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Of Monsters and Mermaid Schools: Innovative Family Tourism at Falkensteiner Punta Skala

June 19, 2019 - A busy summer of family fun awaits at Falkensteiner Punta Skala, where this year's attractions include monsters and mermaid schools.  

How do hotel resorts stand out from the rest in an increasingly competitive industry? And what additional attractions are on offer apart from the classic sun and beach combination. 

One resort which always seems to offer something a little different each year is Falkensteiner Punta Skala in Petrcane, just north of Zadar, a luxury resort which is actually the largest successful foreign tourism investment on the Croatian coast. 

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Apart from providing an oasis of luxury and calm on an increasingly busy coastline, the Falkensteiner team are constantly looking to provide that little bit extra for their guests, as I found out during a visit last weekend. And this year's summer will be groundbreaking indeed for two new attractions which will keep 

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Time Out London called it 'the number one thing to do in London this summer" in 2018, and the place to be for the summer of 2019 is Falkensteiner Punta Skala, as the luxury resort will have rather large and fun addition for much of the summer - the largest bouncy castle in the world. Come and try The Monster in Croatia!    

A staggering 300 metres in length, with a challenging array of obstacles along the route, The Monster has been an unqualified hit in the UK, embarking on a UK tour last year. This is the first time that The Monster has left the UK, and it will be taking up residence at Falkensteiner Punta Skala from June 24 until August 4.

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As the official promo material states:

"The world’s craziest inflatable obstacle course is a phenomenal 300 meters long and will be accessible for kids from 7 years + and all adults! You can jump, skate and cross various thrilling obstacles and just for the brave, the pinnacle of the track is a huge 18-metre-long slide. Unforgettable fun that no one can miss!" 

The Monster is open to the public as well as resort guests and is sure to be a big hit, as well as a memorable family day out for those looking for something a little different than the standard day on the beach. Tickets can be purchased via Eventim.

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And just as I had never heard of The Monster, so too I had never come across a rather intriguing sport which will be available at Punta Skala - and free for guests - from August 6 to August 25 - a Mermaiding school, where you can learn to swim like a mermaid or merman.

A quick Google search told me that this is becoming a global 'thing' but I think - like The Monster - Punta Skala is the first to bring it to Croatia. 

Professional instructors from Austrian Mermaids will be conducting training sessions throughout the August period mentioned above, with morning sessions for little mermaids and afternoon sessions for teenage and adult mermaids. As you can see from the video above, it looks a lot of fun. And if you want to capture the moment, there is enough a specialised Austrian Mermaid Underwater Photographer, Harald Slauschek, who can record the experience for posterity. Mermaid Month will take place at Falkensteiner Hotel Diadora. 

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And while you are there, it would be a pity not to check out some of the other facilities in the resort after a day of action-packed fun. Among the new additions to the resort for 2019 is the new Hideout lounge bar. It is difficult to get a closer place to chill by the sea...

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And after a cocktail or two, what better way than to enjoy the famous Zadar sunsets than at Bracera, the waterfront restaurant surrounded by nature whose top tables are on a terrace jutting out into the sea. A truly divine spot. 

Learn more about the tourism treats that await at this outstanding resort on the official website

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Friday, 31 May 2019

Vandal Destroys 'Monument to the Sun' in Zadar, Damage Worth 660,000 Kuna

Zadar citizens reported that on Thursday around 1 pm, a young man destroyed the glass panels of the tourist attraction ‘Monument to the Sun’. The vandal fled on a bicycle, but the police were able to catch him quickly. 

In front of shocked passers-by, a man destroyed parts of the ‘Monument to the Sun’ in Zadar on Thursday, reports 24 Sata on May 30, 2019. 

“At 13:10, the Zadar police received many reports from citizens that an unknown young man was destroying the glass panels on the ‘Monument to the Sun’, and took off on a bicycle. At the moment there is one person linked to this event that is in police custody,” said Ivana Grbin, a spokesperson for the Zadar police, who added that the criminal investigation is in progress.

The police later added that they arrested a 25-year-old man and that the metal object he used on the monument caused a great deal of damage. The damage costs are said to be around 660,000 kuna. 

“I was shaken by these barbaric, vandalistic acts. We put in significant money for this project. This event shakes me as a citizen of the city administration, and as a citizen of Zadar. The whole installation was over 4 million kuna. The cost will be significantly higher than assumed. He allegedly did this with a part of the fence,” said the head of the municipal property management department, Tomislav Dubravko.

"I feel terrible and horrified by this fact. I'm sorry for that person, they obviously have serious problems, but it's like an elemental disaster, you cannot do anything but regret it. I do not know what made the man do this; it is mind-boggling. It will be repaired, but it is traumatic that we have to deal with this kind of problem at all,” said ‘Monument to the Sun’ architect Nikola Bašić, adding that this installation on the top of the Zadar peninsula was recently reconstructed, but did not know the exact amount of damage and the price of the frames because they include both supply and assembly.

The ‘Monument to the Sun' is an installation by architect Nikola Bašić, located on Zadar's waterfront, right next to the Sea Organ.

From it, you can see the Zadar channel, the islands, and the sunset. The ‘Monument to the Sun' is a favorite place for tourists and consists of three hundred multilayer glass panels placed at the same level with the stone pavement in the form of a circle that is 22 meters in diameter. The monument is illuminated at night, producing a light show. 

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

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

New Breakwater and Waterfront On the Cards for Sali, Zadar County

As Morski writes on the 29th of May, 2019, the construction of a coastal belt and the new breakwater is a new project of the Zadar County Port Administration in the ports of the Zadar region's islands which are now waiting for  the necessary construction permits, as well as to be registered as candidates for funding from the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure within the scope of the "Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020" program.

The above project is worth a massive thirty million kuna, with the investor, the Zadar County Port Authority, accounting for 75 percent of the investment within this program. Currently, the largest port facility operation in Zadar County, the construction of a ferry port in Tkon on the island of Pašman, is funded mostly by money from the aforementioned fund, Zadarski.hr writes.

With this investment, the northern shore of the harbour or the bay in Sali will be extended and properly arranged in the length of an additional 150 metres, while the new breakwater which is also set to be constructed in Sali will be 114.5 metres in length.

The new pier will fully protect the Sali's harbour, and thus far more securely, from potentially damaging and strong southeastern winds, and the new shoreline and breakwater will provide new berths for the transit needs of Sali's local harbour within a concession held by the Sali-based communal company "Mulić".

Davor Škibola, the director of ŽLU Zadar, said that all preparations for the realisation of this project could be completed by the end of this year, and that things could be wrapped up at the time, or at the latest at the beginning of next year, when the construction of a new part of Sali's riva (waterfront) and the breakwater would finally begin.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

 

Click here for the original article by Zadarski.hr

Monday, 27 May 2019

Zadar's Aquaculture Impresses European Federation of Animal Science

As Morski writes on the 27th of May, 2019, Prof. Dr. Matthias Gauly, a professor at Bolzano University and President of the European Association of Animal Science (EAAP), one of the largest animal breeding associations in Europe, has been in the Zadar area in recent days.

With the help of doc. dr. sc. Ivan Župan from the Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture of the University of Zadar, he got better acquainted with Zadar's local aquaculture. Namely, EAAP didn't have a section on this aspect of agricultural production, which was recently established by Dr. Župan. Gauly got to know the production processes which take place in Cromaris and with Kali tuna out in the field, and he's leaving Zadar with positive impressions, according to HRT Radio Zadar.

''Our department was actively involved in the co-organising of the EAAP Congress last year in Dubrovnik, where we presented, along with other participants such as AGRRA and Cromaris, the state of aquaculture and our scientific work. Nearly 2,000 participants from all over the world participated in the congress, and in our section there were thirteen speakers. This year, we continued our activities. So far, we have fifteen registered participants and we're trying to create a working group that would further enhance aquaculture within this association,'' stated Dr. Župan.

A working visit was an opportunity for Dr. Gauly to understand how aquaculture is developed in a county that hold over seven percent of the state's entire share. With deputy professor prof. dr. sc. Slaven Zeljić, they visited Cromaris and Kali Tuna, where they could see how production is done live in the sea. The whole process of production was explained to them, from getting younger fish to the aspects of fish processing, which left an obviously good impression.

''As a department, we want to connect more tightly with the economy, but also with the businesses involved in fisheries and aquaculture, we're closer to the associations that can help them in their production. EAAP covers all aspects of livestock production, poultry farming, cattle breeding, general livestock farming, but so far, we have not included aquaculture as one of the fastest growing branches. This will also provide opportunities for advancement to scientists and businesses,'' said Župan.

EAPP covers a number of topics that are important to manufacturers such as health, genetics, and environmental protection.

Gauly says he has positive impressions of what he saw in Zadar and is impressed with everything he has seen there, in terms of scientific work and in terms of the collaboration with Zadar's local producers.

"I've been convinced that the production takes the environment into account and that it has a future because it's viable. I appreciate that from the beginning, the owners have collaborated with the industry, and given feedback on the state of the environment so researchers can continue to lead them. It is very positive that students are involved in all of this, who have a very critical approach. I've seen a lot of young professional people who can stay here where they are educated and who like to work. Our association also has a platform for young scientists, who will be able to express their potential through it, working with colleagues from other countries,'' noted Gauly.

The EAAP brings together experts from all European countries and better connects them with the industry.

"What I've experienced over these twenty or so years is that we gain a much better understanding among people through co-operation. I think that's more important today than ever. The friends I met at the beginning of my engagement today, I understand now much better than I ever did before. Although we differ, we retain our identities in many things. As far as Zadar University is concerned, it's very active, it's been involved in our activities from the very beginning and I look forward to our future cooperation,'' concluded Gauly.

Make sure to stay up to date by following our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

Thursday, 23 May 2019

Journey into the Past with Antiquity Days in Zadar!

Fancy a journey back into times gone by in Zadar? The Roman empire, which once dominated almost all of Europe, left a more than noticeable trace on the old face of Zadar, and while much of that can still be seen in many places in this famous Dalmatian city today, it wouldn't be enough without having an event dedicated to the Roman presence on these shores and more specifically in the City of Zadar.

As you probably already know, Zadar, a highly popular Dalmatian destination for tourists from all over the world, is a city with a very, very long history. A large part of that history is from the formerly glorious Roman period. The old city, traditionally known as ''Poluotok'' is full of Roman ruins.

However, that's not where it all begins and ends when it comes to showcasing Zadar's rich history with its long Roman past. That's where Zadar's Antiquity Days come in, with their interactive approach of reviving the spirit of old Roman times.

Traditionally, local students of archaeology from the University of Zadar have been organising the popular Antiquity Days manifestation in cooperation with the Archaeological Museum of Zadar and other generous sponsors.
The program includes a workshop for children, a treasure hunt, book promotions and much more, all rounded off with the final entertainment program held on Zadar's beautiful Forum.

You can see the full schedule of the program by clicking here.

A small procession through the streets of Poluotok, where the emperor and the empress will say hello to citizens and visitors alike will eventually end up on Zadar's Forum. Gladiator fights, oriental dances and a fire show are also will entertain the crowds. There, the emperor will decide on whether or not Zadar and its citizens have been loyal to the Roman Empire. Make sure to be there and enjoy this trip into Zadar's past!

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

New Fast Line to Connect Croatian Islands May be Tourist Hit

The residents of Croatian islands often have rightful complaints about their connections to the mainland not being up to scratch in many cases, and while efforts are being made to create better, more reliable and more frequent connections between Croatia's many inhabited islands and the mainland, many remain less than satisfied.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 22nd of May, 2019, the carrier of this idea and the launcher of the line itself is the company GV Line Iadera from the Dalmatian city of Zadar which has many years of experience in navigation on important state routes under its belt.

Every single day as of June the 15th to September the 15th, there will be a fast passenger line on the Rijeka-Zadar route and this will also connect the islands of Krk, Rab, and Pag. This is otherwise the first and the quickest fast passenger line to connect Zadar and Rijeka and the islands in this manner, as 24sata reports.

This new line will certainly contribute to not only the ease of the lives of the residents of the aforementioned islands, but also to the overall enrichment of the tourist offer of both Dalmatia and Kvarner respectively, as well as to the better linking of the islands, since the islands of Krk, Rab and Pag have never been connected in such a way with each other, nor have they ever been connected in this way to the Croatian mainland.

Make sure to follow our dedicated travel and lifestyle pages for much more.

Sunday, 19 May 2019

Pag Riva Renovated, Reconstruction Stands at 5.8 Million Kuna

A bit of ''cosmetic surgery'' for Pag's main waterfront (riva) as the reconstruction and upgrading of this heavily frequented area gives the town and the island a breath of new life.

As Novac/Jutarnji writes on the 19th of May, 2019, in approximately twenty days, the reconstruction and upgrading of the popular island's main waterfront with a small harbour in the town of Pag, ''Katina'', will finally be completed, and then that part of the coastline in Pag will be ''released'' for general use in its brand new, done up and completely revised edition.

In the reconstruction of Katina harbour, the Zadar Port Authority, with partial support from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure headed by Oleg Butković, and Zadar County, invested a massive 5.8 million kuna, and the necessary works were executed by the Zagreb-based company PGP.

The aforementioned works saw the deepening of the bay area in front of Katina, an important coastal wall was properly repaired and two 50 and 80 metre-long pontoons were erected, which resulted in one hundred new berths for boats, according to a report from Zadarski.hr.

At the celebration of the Day of the City of Pag which took place on Friday, the project was presented to the participants of Pag's annual celebration, including to the minister of the competent Ministry, Oleg Butković. Pag riva's new look was presented by Davor Škibola, the director of the Zadar County Port Authority which, as mentioned, was among the investors.

On this occasion, Minister Butković referred to this particular port authority as "the best in Croatia" primarily because of the number of projects it has accomplished or performed in the port areas it manages.

Make sure to stay up to date by following our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

Click HERE for images of Pag's brand new waterfront by night.

Saturday, 11 May 2019

Successful Diaspora Returnee Stories: Mate Begonja, Octopus Transfers, Zadar

The 2nd International Conference on Diaspora Tourism opens in Split on May 17, 2019. In the build-up to the conference, TCN meets some of the returning diaspora who have made a success of life in Croatia. Meet Mate Begonja from near Zadar.

With so many young people emigrating from Croatia due to lack of opportunity, there are a number of the Croatian diaspora looking to move in the opposite direction and return to the Homeland. Few actually make the move, for a variety of reasons: the uncertainty of what awaits, lack of much available information of the realities of the process and experiences, and a reluctance to move from successful Western economies to the struggling Croatian economy.

One man who has successfully made the switch and has been living here for six years is Mate Begonja, who now lives with his family near Zadar. Also known as Mr Chasing the Donkey for his supportive role of his wife's successful blog of the same name, Mate now runs a successful transfers business covering the whole country. 

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1. Born in Australia, returned to Croatia, something that many diaspora dream of doing. Tell us briefly about your journey 

Our journey begins back in 2010 when my wife, SJ, and I took a sabbatical to explore Europe with Zadar being our base for our adventure. We had a tough few years in the lead-up to the holiday with the sudden death of my father, closely followed by me getting the big C - Hodgkin's lymphoma, and then relapsing six months later and being hospitalized for months at a time. Those two years of being sick, made us both reflect on what's important in life and dramatically changed our perspectives on life.
Following this, significant changes were made; we saved a heap of money, quit our jobs and were off to Croatia. In the six months, we spent in Croatia, we fell in love with the lifestyle and the sea and decided we would return to live here permanently and give Croatia a shot! 

Fast forward to 2013 and with our 9-month old we finally made the move and with our first plan being to build a house. Once we achieved this, I set about finding a business I could start in Croatia, we tossed up dozens of ideas, wrote many business plans - but many just did not stack up or were impossible to get off the ground with all of the permits and or legal requirements.

Having a private transfers business was one idea we had early on, but with all of the required paperwork involved, we parked the idea (see what I did there?!). Then after some time, I found a local business partner, and we joined forces. With his driving experience, and our sales and marketing knowledge we are now headed into our third season with Octopus Transfers Croatia, achieving significant year-on-year growth with a fleet that covers the entire territory of Croatia.

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2. Looking back, what were your hopes, expectations, and fears about moving to Croatia?

I was really excited about the move. The idea of sea change was something I had longed for many years; I guess it was my inner Dalmatian itching to get back to the sea. I was also drawn to having a stronger connection to my ancestral homeland and building something new with my family. I was a little worried about starting a business here, as all I had ever heard were horror stories. So, we took a long time to get going, and we have been extremely cautious with our businesses expansion as a result of those ongoing concerns. 

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3. How supportive was your Croatian community back home at the time? 

My immediate family was very supportive, particularly my mother. As for everyone else, they were mostly supportive to our faces, but behind our backs, we heard how crazy they thought we were for moving here. Many people told us directly how we'd fail, and it was a mistake to leave Australia. Some people still think it's only a matter of time before Croatia chews us up and spits us out and we return with our tails between our legs - even after six years of enjoying and succeeding at life here.

4. What were the main differences in what you expected to find in Croatia and the reality of living in Croatia?

I was definitely overwhelmed by the negativity. I knew there was a culture of complaining, but not to the extent that I experienced. On a positive note, I never expected winters to be so pleasant on the coast. No tourists, peace and quiet and all those beautiful places you see in the pictures are so much nicer when no one is around.

5. Many diaspora think of returning, but few do. In truth, there is little information out there about real-life stories and help/info about the process. What advice do you have for those who are thinking about making the move?

Before you consider moving you need to know how you will finance your life in Croatia. Currently, there are lots of jobs, but the salaries are not what you may expect or need to live the life you are accustomed to.

My wife also likes to tell people to come and stay for at least six months during the offseason (like we did), to really see what life is like here. And, to speak to lots of people - various types of people who have lived here for 12+ months, I agree with that, as summer and fulltime living in Croatia are not the same. 

Starting a business is relatively easy but ensuring you comply with all the relevant laws is not, and navigating the bureaucracy is extremely frustrating. You need to be a dog with a bone and expect the frustrations and inefficiencies - but keep on keeping on no matter what. 

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6. How were you perceived in Zadar as foreigners/diaspora moving back - was the welcome warm?

Some people were great - we made some great local friends, some continue to be perplexed by our choice to live in Croatia, and the others just think we are downright stupid. To some extent, I understand their point of view but I am very persistent, determined and adaptable and I don't let their thoughts impact me. 

7. Through a lot of hard work, you have been very successful, while many foreigners have given up and left Croatia. What are the keys to success in doing business in Croatia in your opinion?

It's actually no different to anywhere else in the world. You need to have a great product or service, killer marketing, advertising, a motivated & empowered team, top customer service and consistently deliver on all of these things.

8. What is the diaspora community like in Zadar and how integrated is it with locals?

I always hear that there are a lot of diaspora here in Zadar, but, the diaspora community in Zadar is somewhat fragmented in my experience. We have lovely local friends and great diaspora/expat friends, though I am not aware of a community that effectively connects the two. If there is I'd like to know. 

9. And finally, a word on this conference. What are you hoping to get out of it?

I'm hoping to meet others like myself here in Croatia and share experiences and ideas about the future of Croatia. There are some truly inspirational people attending the conference who have really kicked big business goals in Croatia, so I'm interested to hear them speak and learn a thing or two. And maybe, just maybe, inspire another young family to come to join us in Croatia.

To learn more about the 2nd International Conference on Diaspora Tourism in Split on May 17-18, check out the official programme in English and Croatia.

For the latest TCN coverage of the Croatian diaspora, check out our dedicated section.

Monday, 6 May 2019

Jadera Secrets, a Sightseeing Game Adding Content to Zadar's Tourism Offer

May 6, 2019, Zadar - Even though it is being regarded in the media as a city without real content for tourists, Zadar is slowly changing this image. One girl, with her sightseeing game, is on her way to help the tourists to get the feeling of this old Adriatic city. Read our interview with Lucija Plantak, owner and creator of a game called Jadera Secrets.

Lucija, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello. My name is Lucija Plantak and I run the Jadera Secrets game. As a student in Zagreb, I had an opportunity to join a company called Fox in a Box. They introduced me to the idea of treasure hunt games and escape rooms. With continuous work there, I got an idea. The idea to create something for my hometown – Zadar, which I have to mention - I truly adore. With a little help of my friends and bosses (Renata and Goran) I have created Jadera Secrets.

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Inner motives, are there any?

Well, I really love my town. And even though I have walked across Zadar a million times, I am fascinated again. In this era of express and instant thrills, I wanted to make something that makes an impact. Tourists come here and they just wander around the town with selfie sticks and Instagram. A lot of them do not take the time to truly see the rich history surrounding them. Also, as locals, I think we often take it for granted, our heritage. Of course one doesn't need to know every little detail about the town's history, but we should show at least some interest for our past to know how we got to where we are now and broaden our horizons for the future.

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So, what would be the essence of Jadera Secrets?

Well, as Zadar old town is a center for group tours, Jadera Secrets is orientated towards smaller groups, like couples, families, friends and similar. It is a more private atmosphere in which you can relax and do things „your way“. The game is meant for groups of 2-5 people. Equipped with a wooden suitcase, players are sent on a mission. They need to unlock six locks on the mystery box, each one at a different famous sight of the Old Town.

The combination of adventure and tour is what people give a special feeling. Also time limit of 75 minutes to complete the mission makes it even more exciting

And the mission is?

Well, in a few words (not to spoil the thrill for potential players) the mission is to find the recipe for a liquor traditionally made in Zadar, Maraschino. And as the player solves the riddles, let's just say he finds out more and more secrets from the history of this area and the liquor itself.

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Where does the game start?

We are located in the beautiful, modern building of the Museum of Ancient Glass (special thanks to the Museum for giving us this space). The game starts there, where players take the wooden suitcase and start their adventure.

How did the people react last year, when you started this?

I am really happy to be able to say that everyone had highly positive feedback. Of course sometimes there are people who find the game a bit too hard but then there are others who find it quite easy. That is because we had to start with this, let's say neutral level since it is just one game for now. However, in the future, I plan to develop sightseeing games with different levels of difficulties. In addition, although it is designed for smaller groups of 5 people maximum, we have more than one box which means that bigger groups can divide into two teams and compete, which is always a lot of fun.

It is a much more interactive approach in discovering the city and rather interesting way to learn and experience something. It sticks in your memory, I would say. Even though people are sometimes sceptical before starting this game after they finish they are full of good impressions.

Well, we don't want to spoil the end and the prize. What are the plans for the future?

Right now, Jadera Secrets is ready in English and Croatian. However, I also plan to do it in the future on French and Portuguese. And as I said, I will try to develop different games on different levels. And stories, let them stay a mystery for now on. Also, someday I would like to promote this into a thing for teambuilding and conferences. I think it has potential.

What would be the best memory of your last season with this game?

Well, nothing that really sparks, but rather a whole impression of people. You know, they are walking around here, they see our poster. And in the first moment they have no idea what it is, but they want to find out. An hour and a half later they are coming back here with a big smile on their faces.

It shows that it was a worthy experience. And how did you choose the topic about that exact thing – the liquor that is made in Zadar?

Well, Zadar has a lot of heritage. But, a lot of it is religious or orientated much more towards history. And not all people like that. However, food and drinks, that's what people are looking for when they are visiting the other country. And this is great coincidence to use that Zadar has that – a drink that is twisted with so much history and heritage.

Did you find any obstacles when you started this „adventure“ of setting up a business?

When you are starting something new, no matter what – you will have obstacles. There is a difference between the product idea and the product itself, and that is what I learned here. The first year was tough, but that's how it goes. Now we already have some experience and it will probably get better and better. I am extremely glad to have gotten support from the Maraska Company and Zadar Tourist Board, I am grateful that they recognised the potential that this project has and am looking forward to future cooperation.

I think it is a rather good model of individual action and raising awareness about local heritage. How do you feel about it?

I could say the same. There were a lot of people from Zadar that played this game. And their experience is noteworthy. They found out more things about their hometown. I think it is interesting how we walk around all this city in a rush, then you play this game and you get this „new“ perspective about some locations. We live in a world that is everchanging but to take some moments to reflect and realize monuments and heritage around you is a good thing.

Yeah, one thing is to „see and take a photo“ and a whole different thing is to stop and understand the story of time behind something.

Definitely, there is so much more to things than meets the eye. And in the time of instant access to almost everything, sometimes we just get lost in a sea of information which leaves us confused. We don't know what to do or where to go anymore.

Well, maybe to Jadera Secrets. After all, it is a liquor we are talking about. Thank you Lucija for this interview.

Thank YOU for the wonderful conversation!

You can learn more about Jadera Secrets on Facebook

To learn more about Zadar, check out the Total Croatia Zadar in a Page guide.

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