Wednesday, 14 October 2020

PM Brands Zagreb Square Shooting as Act of Radicalization

ZAGREB, Oct 14, 2020  - Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Wednesday that Monday's Zagreb Square shooting, when a 22-year-old man opened fire at policemen protecting Government House, hinted at radicalization, which should make institutions and the society think about the motives and reasons for that act.

"This is a serious situation that should make institutions and all of us as a society think why this happened," Plenkovic told a news conference at the government in reference to Monday morning's shooting in St Mark's Square when a police officer sustained serious injuries and the 22-year-old gunman later committed suicide.

This is something that crossed the line and brought us into a situation in which we are supposed to change the security frameworks for the work of the government and media coverage in St. Mark's Square, said the premier.

The whole society needs to ask itself what has led to this radicalization and why, and this is an act of radicalization, Plenkovic said.

The behavior of that 22-year-old man was definitely impacted by the information to which he was exposed, and he was also under the influence of somebody, sources which prompted him to try to kill (policemen). We will see who is responsible for that, Plenkovic said.

He underscored that at this moment he could not point an accusing finger at anyone. However, he said, society should ask who incites hatred in the political life of Croatia.

Even after this shooting, "persons like (Vukovar Mayor) Ivan Penava and Mrs. Karolina Vidovic Kristo (a Homeland Movement parliamentarian) are capable of making statements which deserve full condemnation, which are unacceptable, and unbelievable in the political sense, and which do not contribute to the culture of tolerance and normal behavior in a law-based society," Plenkovic said.

He called on media actors that incite hatred to start behaving responsibly, referring to "those that incite hatred between Croatians and the Serb minority in their broadcasts."

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

PHOTOS: Before & After - How HNK Afterhours Lost Its Cool

ZAGREB October 13, 2020 – Since early June 2020, the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb has served as a nightly meeting point for the city's youths. In these pictures and video we see the incredible youth phenomenon as it once was and also how HNK afterhours lost its cool

Built in 1895, the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb (HNK Zagreb) is one of the finest pieces of architecture in a city not short on fine Austro-Hungarian buildings. Sitting in the middle of Republic of Croatia Square, it is the focal point of Lower Town. A multi-purpose space, it has world-class opera and ballet companies in-house.

image (1).jpg© David Bakarić

This week, several media outlets have reported on the gathering of youths outside the theatre, especially on weekend nights. While an interesting read, including the thoughts of a sociologist, these stories are a bit out of date. Because the truth is, the party is over - HNK afterhours lost its cool many weeks ago.

BEFORE

image (4).jpg
© Marc Rowlands

In early June, when the three-month Coronavirus lockdown finally ended, HNK Zagreb became the de facto meeting point for Zagreb youth. It all happened rather spontaneously. There were no advertisements. Word spread from peer-to-peer and young people from as far away as Rijeka, Ivanic-grad and Zabok made the journey to take part in the youth culture phenomenon.

image (2).jpg© David Bakarić

image (7).jpg© Marc Rowlands

It was a joyful scene - thousands of people from every youth tribe imaginable; punk and metal fans, sports students, classical musicians, football fans, young patriots, LGBT teens, devout Christians and kids who would usually go to the cajke (folk music) club sat side-by-side. It was good-natured. Everyone was glad to be out of the house and be able to meet their peers. Everyone got along.

image (11).jpg© David Bakarić

image (6).jpg© David Bakarić

image5.jpeg© David Bakarić

image3.jpeg© David Bakarić

Impromptu theatre performances and music concerts took place. Soundsystems were set up. There was laughter, music, dancing and all round good cheer.

image (8).jpg© David Bakarić

image (10).jpg© David Bakarić

'We are extremely happy and positive that our theatre has been recognized as a place of gathering and sharing positive vibrations between generations,' an official from the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb told this journalist when approached to comment on HNK afterhours. 'Ever since 2014, our hope was to create a warm and welcoming feeling here for everybody, for all age groups and different audiences; to make theatre alive outside the building walls.'

image9.jpegResponsible young partygoers cleaned up after themselves in early June. Those cool kids have long since disappeared from HNK afterhours © David Bakarić

AFTER

121248619_10158802995269241_2298868303739573932_n.jpg

HNK afterhours lost its cool many weeks ago. Becoming an expected rather than a spontaneous gathering was perhaps its death knell. That, and the fact that although everyone knew hundreds were gathering there, no provisions were made for these socialising young people. With no other option on Republic of Croatia Square, the bushes and gardens around the theatre became their toilets.

121296984_10158802989159241_3898738759607166314_n.jpg

121490394_10158802989649241_4814054063461728022_n.jpg

121356091_10158802992239241_4123465723672026524_n.jpg

It was instantly noticeable when HNK afterhours lost its cool - all of the cool kids just stopped coming. What was once a representation of all the city's youth tribes dwindled to a hardcore few hundred of late-night drinkers with nothing better to do and no place else to go. The theatre and most of the music stopped.

121103899_10158802989329241_906847101294353229_n.jpg

121242575_10158802990029241_8461258907323126108_n.jpg

121253646_10158802988969241_4690427699762109735_n.jpg

Then the violence, graffiti and vandalism began. The excessive drinking was one major sign of youth insecurity – people not entirely comfortable with themselves within large groups got drunk to ease their discomfort. Then, they threw up in the bushes. But the violence and graffiti were greater signs of insecurity and immaturity.

121364453_10158802989204241_9217352489991848452_n.jpg

121335662_10158802991459241_1845051120801009269_n.jpg

121386158_10158802989424241_6422909218930449828_n.jpg

Like dogs urinating on street corners to mark their territory, mindless graffiti 'tags' appeared all over the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb – its steps, its windows, its antique doors. In an effort to leave a permanent mark, the insignificant few seemed determined to destroy everything that had once been joyful and good-natured about this gathering.

Zagreb police intervene when one drunken male started to physically abuse some of his peers. Present at the scene, this journalist commented to a friend that the police had acted bravely. The peer commented that the police had looked scared. They were surrounded by hundreds of spectators to the violence.

You can now guarantee there will be some violence outside the theatre on every weekend night. Zagreb police, who have shown remarkable patience and restraint throughout the whole phenomenon, sit far from the crowd and let the youngsters party. However, Zagreb Police Administration have said that from May 1 to September 30, the police intervened around the Croatian National Theatre Zagreb about 50 times, based on allegations of possible disturbance of public order and peace. In an effort to perhaps try and understand the frustrations of youths at this time, they have filed misdemeanor charges against only six people. This, despite a small, insecure and immature male section of the crowds flexing their muscles against smaller peers – or the police themselves – on a nightly basis. A small cabal of latecomers are ruining the reputation of a youth culture movement which deserves to be much better remembered.

121554186_337487367535021_1901937487742305067_n.jpg121528825_822783415210126_2612493705426715970_n.jpgA young man shows the marks around both eyes that he received in an unprovoked attack at HNK afterhours on the weekend of 9 October 2020

When you're young, it can be difficult to hear that the party is over. After you've had such a good time, you don't want to go home. You want the good times to last forever. But, this party is well and truly finished. HNK afterhours lost its cool many, many weeks ago. It is a rather sad remnant of something that was beautiful while it lasted. But, now it is time for the party to move elsewhere or for the attendees to go home. This beautiful building, its grounds and surrounding residents have played host for long enough. They each deserve a break.

The use of uncredited photographs in this article was granted on condition that the submitting photographers remain anonymous

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Flights to Croatia: Eurowings Operates on Four Lines to Croatia in November

October 13, 2020 - The latest news for flights to Croatia as Eurowings operates on four lines to Croatia in November.

Croatian Aviation reports that Eurowings, a German low-cost carrier, plans to operate to two airports in Croatia in November this year - Split and Zagreb.

Eurowings was among the first to establish traffic to Croatia after the borders opened and the lockdown was lifted. The company operated in this year's summer flight schedule to all airports in Croatia, as it did in the last summer season (Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and Osijek) but with significantly fewer weekly flights and in a shorter duration (Osijek and Dubrovnik had only one month of regular flights).

In the previous winter months, the company operated to Split, Zagreb, Rijeka, and one year, even to Pula. There will be no direct flights to Pula and Rijeka this autumn and winter, which means that Eurowings will remain present only in Split and Zagreb.

Zagreb connected with Stuttgart and Cologne

In November, Eurowings will continue to operate on two routes to Zagreb, from Stuttgart and Cologne.

The Stuttgart - Zagreb line should run four times a week, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. A319 aircraft have been announced on the route, which has a capacity of 144 passengers in the fleet of this carrier.

The Cologne - Zagreb line should also run four times a week, on the same days as the line to Stuttgart, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. This line will have one less flight per week compared to the summer flight schedule (canceled on Saturday).

Two lines to Split

In last year's winter flight schedule, Eurowings had four international routes to Split (Cologne, Stuttgart, Munich, and Dusseldorf). This winter, there will be only two in traffic with a minimum number of weekly flights.

The Dusseldorf - Split line will operate once a week, on Saturdays, while the Stuttgart - Split line will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday.

All other seasonal routes to Croatian airports will end with traffic for this year by the end of October (October 24), when the summer flight schedule also ends.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Monday, 12 October 2020

Zagreb Film Festival to be held on 8-15 November

ZAGREB, Oct 11, 2020 - The 18th edition of the Zagreb Film Festival will this year take place on November 8-15 at several locations in Croatia's capital, as well as online.

The films will be screened at several venues in Zagreb, including Tuskanac Cinema, the Croatian Music Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as in some other Croatian cities as part of the ZFF Travels programme.

In addition to the main competition programmes for international feature and short films, the festival also features the national competition of short films called "Checkers" and the competition "Together Again" for new films by directors whose films have been screened in the previous editions of the ZFF.

Some of the films to be screened this year are "Oasis" by Ivan Ikic, "New Order" by Michel Franco, "Echo" by Rúnar Rúnarsson, and "Uppercase Print" by Radu Jude.

Monday, 12 October 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Policeman Shot on St Marks Square in Zagreb

ZAGREB October 12, 2020 – Policeman shot on St Marks Square in Zagreb just after 8 am this morning...

UPDATE: 22-year-old Danijel Bezuk from Kutina has been identified as the Zagreb shooter. Read more...

Developing news: Policeman shot on St Marks Square in Zagreb just after 8 am this morning. As of 8.35 am, the perpetrator was still on the run. Some media outlets were reporting that the armed man was hiding inside one of the museums in the upper town. However, by 9 am, media outlets were reporting that the attacker was dead, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot. Unconfirmed reports say that a Kalashnikov was used in the shooting and that a burst of gunfire rang out at 8 am during the incident of the policeman shot on St Marks Square.

508088be-09ad-4331-8cde-76a5971998ee.jpgN1 TV screenshot. The broadcaster was one of the first to detail the incident of a policeman shot on St Mark's Square in Zagreb

The policeman shot on St Marks square in Zagreb was injured and has been taken to hospital. No details regarding his condition have yet been released. Armed police in bullet-proof vests have now replaced him and are surrounding government buildings in the Upper Town. The search for the shooter has now been called off. The Croatian Prime Minister has arrived at the government buildings in the Upper Town. He did not yet make any comment to reporters. He is said to have looked shocked upon arrival.

This is a very uncommon attack with a firearm in one of the best-guarded areas of the capital. This morning's incident of the policeman shot on St Marks Square in Zagreb is also an extremely rare incident of a gun being used against the police in the Croatian capital.

The policeman shot on St Marks Square underwent surgery at Zagreb's KBC Sestre Milosrdnice. The 31-year-old policeman works as a personal security officer for the government. His condition is now described as stable.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed gathered journalists on St Marks Square at 10.30 am. No motive for the attack has so far been ascertained. It is thought the gunman intended to fire upon the buildings and that the guarding policeman shot on St Marks square was not the actual intended target.

This is a breaking news story and Total Croatia News will be updating this article as more details are released

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Monday, 12 October 2020

11th Adria Business Network in Zagreb Features Saša Cvetojević

October 12, 2020 - The monthly Adria Business Network event, which networks and brings together established entrepreneurs and anyone who wants to become one, is entering its second season. The 11th event on October 21 features Saša Cvetojević.

After the successful first season in which the guest lecturers were some of the most successful Croatian entrepreneurs, the second edition begins on October 21, 2020, at 6 pm in the Congress Center FORUM, Radnička cesta 50, on the 1st floor. It will open with a conversation led by entrepreneur and investor Sašo Cvetojević on the topic 'ready for new challenges.'

Everyone is thus invited to attend the Adria Business Network #11 organized by successful entrepreneurs Željka Barišić, owner of Forca Digital Agency, and Kristina Krstinić, owner of MIKRIS Project Management, which will take place on the mentioned date.

Slika 1.jpg

In the first part of the event, the guest lecturer is Saša Cvetojević, a successful entrepreneur with many years of experience in the healthcare sector, mobile telecommunications, and in the distribution of consumer goods. He is the founder and owner of numerous companies and health care institutions in Croatia. He is actively involved in CRANE (Croatian Network of Business Angels) and is an investor in numerous startups, some of which have become leading companies that generate revenue globally. He was a member of the board of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute and the Croatian negotiating team during the process of accession to the European Union in the field of health and consumer protection. He is a co-founder of ZIP (Zagreb Entrepreneurship Incubator), which launched in 2012. He was named Communicator of the year in 2014 and is a Croatian jury member for the EY - Entrepreneur of the Year award. He is an active promoter of e-mobility, the first owner of a Tesla electric car in the region, and the first person to cross the Sahara Desert by electric car.

The second part of the event is followed by one-minute pitches by the participants in attendance.

Finally, in an informal gathering with quality wines, everyone will have the opportunity to share experiences with other participants.

The number of places is limited, and you can secure your place on time by registering HERE.

Slika 2.jpg

The diamond partner of the event is A1. The silver sponsor is FINA and ManpowerGroup. The event sponsors are the Bagatin Polyclinic, the FORUM Zagreb Congress Center, and Kreativ info.

Partners are Vladimir Abicic Photography, Aero Print, Blackberry Wine - Kupilek, Valenta Wines, and MY MY CONCEPT.

The event's media partners are the magazine and portal Poduzetnik, magazine and portal Zaposlena, Netokracija, She.hr, Zagrebonline.hr, Story.hr, Rep.hr, Glas Istre, Flash.hr, Moja Domovina, Total Croatia News, Fama, ZgExpress, and Radio 92 FM.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Sunday, 11 October 2020

UEFA Nations League: Croatia Tops Sweden 2:1 in Rainy Zagreb

October 11, 2020 - Croatia tops Sweden 2:1 in their 3rd-round Nations League match on Sunday at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.

Croatia continued their Nations League campaign on Sunday against Sweden, a team they didn't meet back in September. Croatia and Sweden met in rainy Zagreb at Maksimir Stadium at 6 pm. 

Coach Zlatko Dalic unveiled a slightly different lineup for this match, featuring Livakovic in goal, Melnjak, Caleta-Car, Lovren, and Uremovic in the back, Brozovic, Vlasic, Modric and Kovacic across the midfield, and Perisic and Brekalo up top.

Before this match, Croatia had played Sweden four times - in a friendly in 2003, in World Cup qualifiers in 2004 and 2005, and in another friendly in 2012, which is the only time they lost. 

The match began with heavy rain and a quick yellow card for Mateo Kovacic, who was cautioned in the first minute of play. While Sweden pressured Croatia's goal within the first five minutes, Croatia picked up the pace and Brekalo even scored an offside goal in the 10th minute. The wet pitch certainly made things more difficult.

Modric had a chance in the 18th minute, which was saved by Sweden goalkeeper Olsen, though it didn't stop him from shooting again moments later, albeit over the goal. 

WhatsApp Image 2020-10-12 at 07.39.22.jpeg

Slobodan Kadic

Sweden had their first real opportunity when Kulusevci shot in the 24th minute, though it was no problem for Livakovic to save. Vlasic took a chance at Sweden's goal two minutes later.

However, Croatia and Nikola finally got their chance. A brilliant play by Modric at the midfield line saw Croatia attack up the pitch. Brekalo found the boot of Vlasic who scored for 1:0 in the 32nd minute!

WhatsApp Image 2020-10-12 at 07.39.21 (1).jpeg

Slobodan Kadic

Vlasic shot again off a Modric corner found him just outside the top of the box, though he hit over the goal in the 38th minute. The game ended 1:0 at the half.

Unfortunately, the weather only worsened at the start of the second half, and we could only hope that the already weak Maksimir pitch wouldn't flood. 

Croatia came out aggressively in the first few minutes, though it was Sweden to threaten Croatia's goal in the 50th minute. What was nearly an own goal by Lovren was saved by Livakovic on the goal line to keep Croatia in the lead. Sweden, however, called for a penalty as it looked as though there was a Croatia handball in the box.

Brekalo had a great chance in the 52nd minute, which went wide of the goal for a corner.  

Sweden had another excellent chance in the 56th minute from a free-kick which Livakovic tipped over the goal then caught it to ensure Croatia's lead. 

Pasalic was subbed on for Kovacic in the 60th minute.

A rocket from Perisic's right boot saw the Sweden keeper make a difficult save for a Croatia corner in the 61st minute. 

WhatsApp Image 2020-10-12 at 07.39.21 (2).jpeg

Slobodan Kadic

A quick Sweden counter-attack in the 65th minute saw Berg even the score for 1:1. The goal certainly gave Sweden momentum, as they picked up their game considerably in the minutes that followed. 

Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Bradaric were subbed on for Brekalo and Melnjak in the 74th minute. 

Thankfully, Kramaric brought Croatia the luck they needed. In the 83rd minute, Perisic found Kramaric unmarked in the box, who scored for the Croatia lead! The game was now 2:1.

WhatsApp Image 2020-10-12 at 07.39.23.jpeg

Slobodan Kadic

A dangerous play by Sweden in the 89th minute could have leveled the result again, but Livakovic was solid in goal. The referee added 4 minutes, in which Sweden was unable to score. The match ended 2:1 for Croatia!

In their 4th-round match, Croatia will meet France on Wednesday in Zagreb at 8:45 pm. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

 

Sunday, 11 October 2020

World Rally Championship is Coming to Croatia in 2021!

October 11, 2020 - Big news in the auto-racing world, as the World Rally Championship is coming to Croatia at the end of April next year!

Goran Rihelj of HRTuirzam reports that the World Motorsport Council, the FIA ​​World Automobile Federation council, confirmed that the Croatia Rally is included in the calendar of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for 2021. Croatia will host one of the world's most attractive sports events from April 22 to 25, 2021.

The start and finish of the race will be in Zagreb, and it will be driven on the local roads of Zagreb, Karlovac and Krapina-Zagorje counties. How attractive these races are is best illustrated by the 836 million spectators who watched the WRC last year. The clubs holding the Croatia Rally are D.T. from Poreč and Cro Dakar Team from Zagreb, with the support of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association.

"This was literally a fight of 11 rounds, and now the most important one awaits us, the organizational and logistical one. Still, the feeling is great because the WRC is, along with Formula 1, the most prestigious octane competition in the world and only selected countries have the opportunity to host this spectacle. In addition to the sports part, we are planning many side events, such as a large economic and investment forum, because sports are first and foremost big business. I am proud and grateful to everyone involved in this complex process! We will show Croatia in the best light and mark 115 years of motoring in Croatia in the best possible way!" concluded the president of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association Davorin Štetner.

It has taken many years of struggle, lobbying and positioning Croatia as an ideal destination for the WRC. 

Back in 2017, after Croatia Rally, as a successor to the INA Delta Rally, moved to Istria in 2013 as a European Rally Championship, the team around Auto Club D.T. from Porec, A.K. Cro Dakar Team from Zagreb and A.K. Delta Sport from Zagreb, with the support of the then president of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association (HAKS) Matko Bolanča, vice president of HAKS Domagoj Kamenski and secretary of HAKS Zrinko Gregurek, started working more concretely on the idea of ​​bringing the WRC to Croatia. Thanks to Zrinko Gregurek, secretary of HAKS, the Croatian beauties, tourist infrastructure and winding, hilly and narrow Istrian and Kvarner roads, with the persistence of project managers Daniel Šaškin, Marin Frček and their team, the WRC was at their door. Then in September, the most important people of the WRC and the FIA ​​visited Croatia to present the ideas and possibilities.

A meeting was held at the highest level, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, the project had the support of MINT and CNTB, and things were more than promising. In fact, Croatia was granted the WRC in 2018, but Turkey was faster, so in almost a week it obtained all the necessary permits and state guarantees and signed a contract with the WRC promoter for the end of September, which Croatian organizers had hoped for. After that, the term offered to Croatia was in July 2018, which was not acceptable given the seasonal crowds and the peak tourist season, and the organizers wanted the WRC in Croatia to be organized in April, May, early June, late September or October.

Without thinking about surrendering, the struggle for the arrival of the WRC in Croatia continued. Thus, at the 103rd session in 2018, the Government of the Republic of Croatia gave its consent to submit a candidacy for the organization of the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the Republic of Croatia in 2019 and 2020. This was the first precondition for the globally popular WRC to be held for the first time in Croatia, as the FIA ​​and WRC Promoters condition the bringing of one WRC station only by the active participation of state institutions in the project on several levels, of course, to ensure quality performance and an organization at the level required by the whole event.

Then all the prerequisites for the day's agreement were on the table, and the organizers wanted the WRC in Croatia to be organized in April, May, early June, late September, or October 2019 or 2020. But then the story came to a halt and there was no news about the progress of the negotiations.

However, in March 2019, Davorin Štetner, former assistant president and longtime member of the Board of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association, was elected the new president of the association. Without any multiplication of the success and effort of the entire team that worked from the beginning, the arrival of Stetner at the forefront was a game-changer and a change of direction through a new narrator. Because Davorin Štetner, entrepreneur and investor, was written in capital letters in the history of Formula 1 in 2011 as the youngest private owner of Formula 1 TV rights in the world. An achievement that enabled him to have direct contacts with the leading people of Formula 1, as well as the position of special guest of all F1 events around the world.

Also, in the same year, the Kreator Group successfully obtained media rights for the most prestigious sailing race around the world - Volvo Ocean Race ™ and the rights to broadcast the World Motorcycle Championship - MotoGP ™ and other premium sports rights.

In 2013, he launched a specialized sports channel - Kreator TV, which broadcasts in almost all cable operators in the country. In parallel with the launch of the channel, Štetner also invests in a satellite and television center in Jastrebarsko. In 2014, he signed agreements on exclusive cooperation with Eurosport and other major television companies. At the beginning of 2012, he founded the KREATOR RACING TEAM with the aim of racing in karting and foreign Formula One categories. Also, Štetner is a member of the FIA group for digital motorsport and participated in the creation of rules at the global level, and no less important, the president of the Croatian network of business angels - CRANE.

Finally, in July 2020, Jean Todt, President of the World Automobile Federation (FIA) visited Croatia, and the main topic of meetings with Croatian officials was the possibility of holding the World Rally Championship race in Croatia. Under the leadership of Jean Todt from 1993 to 2008 - Ferrari won 14 Formula 1 titles, a name that does not need to be specifically represented anywhere in the world.

All of the above led to this video address by Jean Todt on the pages of the Croatian Auto and Karting Association - HAKS.

Interestingly, Jean Todt especially referred to the successful organization and holding of the 46th INA Delta Rally in Zagreb, which took place at the end of September this year, especially in the context of restrictions and epidemiological measures related to the coronavirus epidemic.

In 2019, the WRC was watched by 836 million spectators, and 13 races attracted more than 4 million spectators, while the races achieved 1.4 billion online views. About 1,500 accredited journalists report on the competition, and almost 9,860 hours of TV programs have been produced, which are broadcast in more than 150 countries around the world.

In the last seven years, the WRC has recorded a significant trend of growing popularity. This was helped by the implementation of new television technologies with the creative use of footage from helicopters and drones.

Feasibility studies prepared in 2017 by the Faculty of Economics and Tourism from Pula, headed by prof. dr. sc. Robert Zenzerović, Cooperative for Ethical Financing from Zagreb and an abbreviated study by the Department of Economics and Sports Management of the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb, headed by dr. sc. Sanela Škorić et al. sc. Mato Bartolucie from the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb, and based on data from other WRC races in the world, proves that this is a project of great benefit to the Republic of Croatia.

In the most conservative calculations, the generated consumption would amount to 22 million euros. The direct profit for the state, only through VAT, is at least four million euros, while the indirect profit of the project through media effects is 41 million euros.

It is clear that one such global attraction is a magnet for extending the tourist season and promoting and branding Croatia on a global level. We could clearly see this in the example of the Tour of Croatia race, which was unfortunately killed due to private interests. This can only be achieved with new attractive content and strong entertainment and sports events in the pre- and post-season, such as the WRC.

The arrival of the WRC in Croatia is an opportunity to promote and brand Croatia, because no matter what we think, the Croatia brand is still insufficiently recognized throughout the world. After all, the best ambassadors of Croatia so far have been its sporting successes.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Friday, 9 October 2020

Croatia to Get €683.7 m to Remove Consequences of Zagreb Earthquake

ZAGREB, October 9, 2020 - The European Commission on Friday proposed that Croatia be allocated aid in the amount of €683.7 million from the European Solidarity Fund to remove the consequences of a strong earthquake that hit Zagreb on March 22.

The first tranche, in the amount of €88.9, was disbursed in August in the form of an advance payment. The EC's proposal is yet to be approved by the Council and the European Parliament and the funds will be available right after that.

The aid for Croatia is part of a broader package worth €823 million which the EC proposed on Friday. The rest of the package is intended for removing the consequences of floods in Poland (€7 million) and advance payments in the amount of €132.7 million as assistance in coping with the health crisis caused by the coronavirus in Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Hungary and Portugal.

Friday, 9 October 2020

Restaurant Week Returns to Croatia for 21st Edition: A Look at Offer in Split

October 9, 2020 - Restaurant Week returns to Croatia for its 21st edition on October 9, 2020. Foodies around the country can enjoy three-course meals at various participating restaurants for 100/125 kuna! 

Yes, you heard that right. From October 9 to 18, Restaurant Week returns to Croatia. 

So, what is Restaurant Week anyway?

Restaurant Week is the idea of Željka Marjanović and Ozren Drobnjak, who wanted to find a way to promote Croatia’s gastronomic scene in cooperation with its catering establishments.  Restaurants participating in the action meet the needs of guests through a special promotional offer. The concept of this action is modeled on world capitals and adapted to the Croatian market. During the event, participating restaurants offer various three-course menus at promotional prices. It is held twice a year, usually in late February and late September, but in this case, in October.  

For example, the Croatian capital has 30 participating restaurants this time around, though we'd like to focus on what Dalmatia has going on, too. 

Namely, for the 21st edition of Restaurant Week, there are 14 restaurants you can choose from in Split. 

Restaurant Week veteran Brasserie on 7, for example, is offering guests:

Starters

Pecipala - basil pesto, goat cheese mousse, paprika coulis, arugula, toasted pine nuts
Provencal mussels - leeks, white wine, tomato concasse & fresh parsley
Seafood risotto - "bisque" of scampi, shrimp, finger clams, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy parmesan

Mains

Pork fillet - beans, ricotta gnocchi, charcuterie sauce
Slow-boiled beef rib burger (12 h) - sriracha aioli, lettuce, carrots, pickled purple onion
Sea bass fillet - cream of celery, zucchini & fennel salad

Dessert

Selection from the cake display case

Newcomers on the list, like Ami Pub has prepared something a bit heavier for the beer lovers in Split.

Starters

Ami's spicy dip

Cold platter with homemade honey and chutney sauce

Dalmatian collards with bacon

Mains

Mon Ami beer sausages with a side dish

Beer tingul

Game with gnocchi

Dessert

Cheesecake

Chocolate Rhapsody

Semifreddo

But this is only a portion of the offer. You can find the restaurant list for Restaurant Week in Split and all of Croatia on the official website

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

Page 72 of 374

Search