DALMATIA Sustainability is Responsibility

In collaboration with

Dalmatia Cover Spread.indd All Pages 28/03/2019 19:36 Focus EBRD, €3.7 BILLION INVESTED IN MORE THAN 200 PROJECTS The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is leveraging the benefits of Croatia’s EU accession to advance transition and restructuring and commercializing public sector enterprises.

Victoria Zinchuk Director for Croatia EBRD

The EBRD forecast for Croatia’s real GDP and transport will continue to drive growth. In Croatia we growth in 2019 is 2.5%. What sectors are most However, long-term growth prospects focus on mitigating the likely to contribute to this growth? depend on the implementation of structural Croatia’s economic expansion in 2018 reforms. Public and private corporate debt impact of the crisis and moderated from the post-recession high levels remain high and governance in the restoring sustainable of 3.5 per cent to 2.6 per cent. We expect state sector as well as the general business growth to stay at moderate levels in the environment need improvement. Continued growth. near future at around 2.5 per cent. We emigration and an aging population are believe that sectors such as tourism, trade leading to labour shortages in certain areas.

The EBRD has developed 207 projects in Croatia to date. In your opinion, how is the country leveraging the benefits of EU accession? Croatia became an EU member state in 2013, which was a strong signal to investors about the political and economic maturity of the country. Membership also meant access to EU funds and programs which constitute an important anchor for advancing reforms and closing investment gaps. Despite significant progress there remains space to further improve the absorption speed and capacity. This is also one of the areas where the EBRD can make an important contribution to unlock growth potential by strengthening the vital private sector. Introduction UNWTO, WHEN POLITICAL COMMITMENT IS TRANSLATED INTO EFFECTIVE TOURISM STRATEGIES A responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism is encouraged to maximize tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing its possible negative impacts.

is among UNWTO key areas of work in particular, we see great results in developing large focus on prolonging the tourist season, the context of advancing our contribution local gastronomical offers, which is key to and capacity building and communication to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting the destination’s heritage, sports for locals, tourism stakeholders and visitors. in particular, Goal 11: “Make cities and tourism – including the opening in 2020 I would also add that UNWTO is very human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient of one of the longest cycling routes in the proud to count on the active involvement and sustainable”. Our work accompanying world, and health and nautical tourism, of a Croatian partner in its international this area ranges from a series of international taking advantage of the natural heritage of network of sustainable tourism observatories. conferences on urban tourism, to dedicated the country. The Croatian Sustainable Tourism publications offering bets practices and Many measures are also being taken to Observatory (CROSTO), hosted by conveying meetings at different stakeholder address the challenges related to tourism the Institute for Tourism in Zagreb, is levels. growth and congestion, for example, changes responsible for monitoring sustainable The recent growth of urban tourism to tourism laws which will give more power to tourism in the Adriatic Croatia, and is a clear requires the sector to ensure sustainable local governments, thereby enhancing their demonstration of Croatia’s commitment to policies and practices that maximize ability to address local challenges, expanding sharing the global strategic commitment to tourism’s socio-economic benefits. By flights services and connectivity which will act responsibly and with care towards the the same token, potential adverse effects improve the spread of tourism over Croatia, a spaces we live in. need to be tackled – on natural resources, infrastructure, mobility and congestion, and the socio-cultural impact on residents. Urban tourism is multifaceted and requires a city- wide strategy with cooperation between all Why tourism matters? stakeholders and the inclusion of tourism not as an annex to the urban agenda, but from its very beginning. Against this backdrop, UNWTO Sustainable and commends Dubrovnik’s ‘Respect the City’ inclusive cities must project initiated in 2017, geared towards A year ago, the closing ceremony of the managing tourism growth including all Zurab Pololikashvili International Year of Sustainable Tourism mean creating cities for relevant stakeholders. for Development took place in Geneva. What all: citizens, investors Secretary-General is the UNWTO balance on the initiatives and visitors. How would you assess the steps taken by the United Nations World that were launched during that year? What Croatian government towards a sustainable achievements can you highlight for us? tourism policy? Tourism Organization The International Year was a unique Minister Cappelli has on several occasions (UNWTO) opportunity to highlight tourism’s made very clear the clear political contributions to sustainable development. What are the best measures to manage urban commitment to ensuring that the tourism Against the backdrop of tourism’s impact on tourism growth and ‘overtourism’? sector grows sustainably. Indeed, Croatia’s global GDP of 10% and representing one in Cities can only claim to be sustainable and commitment to sustainability has been ten jobs around the world, the International inclusive if they are conceived and managed emphasized in its Tourism Development Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as cities for all: from citizens to visitors. Strategy 2020, and this commitment is identified key areas of impact, ranging from Long before the emergence of buzzwords particularly important in a fast-growing immediate socio-economic impact such as such as ‘overtourism’, UNWTO defined tourism destination like Croatia, which has economic growth, employment and poverty tourism’s carrying capacity as “the been traditionally known for its stunning reduction, to the environmental sphere maximum number of people that may coastlines. around resource efficiency, environmental visit a tourist destination at the same time, And their political commitment has protection and climate change, but also without causing destruction of the physical, translated into effective strategies focused intangible assets, like cultural values, economic and sociocultural environment on developing selective forms of tourism heritage, or mutual understanding, peace, and an unacceptable decrease in the quality based on full quality and destination and security. of visitors’ satisfaction”. Thus, urban tourism management involving all stakeholders. In CITY OF DUBROVNIK: THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC INTERVIEW WITH

What role does tourism play in the city’s passengers, so we are talking about a crazy big friends. Imagine if they say Dubrovnik is nice, economy? number of people entering the city all at once. but it’s crazy, too many tourists, overcrowded, Tourism is a central pillar of the Croatian We do want to have cruise-ship passengers don’t go there. The cruise ship passengers can economy, generating around € 10 billion euros here in Dubrovnik, but not all of them at be a good marketing tool for us because word in income the past few years and accounting the same time. First, we believe that their of mouth is very, very important. Don’t forget for almost one fifth of the country’s economic experience is very, very bad when the city is that we have around 1 million cruise ship output. It has also been the main economic crowded; they walk around but no one sees passengers per year. sector for Dubrovnik for many years now anything - it is impossible to have a real feel and the majority of the population lives off of the town. The entertainment sector can be a considerable tourism. We’ve been continuously growing We already did some adjustments in 2018 foreign exchange earner. Dubrovnik became for the last 10 years, between 7% up to 14%. and improvements were noticeable. The an ever more popular tourist destination with But now we believe we’ve reached our full agencies are now spreading out the arrivals its success as the location site for Game of capacity from April to mid-October, if we and the departures and, for 2019, we already Thrones and the latest edition of Star Wars. want to remain sustainable. have the rule that there cannot be more than What has been the economic and social impact two cruise ships at once. Same for 2020. We of these productions to your city? So how will the sector still grow? will achieve our goal because now there is We haven’t been able to quantify the definite sports infrastructure. We need to invest money center that can host around 5,000 to 6,000 We still have a few periods when we could a port policy, already sent to the cruise ship economic contribution of Game of Thrones in soccer fields, tennis courts, bowling lanes, people. We currently have three conferences receive more people: in winter, early spring companies, which states that not more than but let me point out that the US market is etc. not just for the people of Dubrovnik but in Dubrovnik a year and they are good for our and late fall; these are the only times we can 4,000 passengers can come to the city at the Mato Frankovi very important for us. Americans are the also for foreigners to come and play or train economy. still receive more tourists. We want to remain same time. Mayor second nationality visiting Dubrovnik, so it here. We also want a stadium. Another important investment for us is the sustainable in the future, so we need the high What I want in the future is a completely definitely means that Game of Thrones did We want to build a bigger conference Dubrovnik Airport. More than €300 million peak periods to be lower and spread out the sustainable tourism. We want a tourism City of Dubrovnik good marketing for Dubrovnik and opened has been invested at it and it will certainly be visits during the periods I just mentioned. Also, sector that, first of all, respects the citizens. If the city to the world. Movies were made one of the best airports in this part of Europe. we want tourists to come not just to Dubrovnik, the citizens are happy and satisfied, then the were just walking around the city, but this is here before, even in 1918, but after Games FACTS We also need to invest on our roads. but go all around the region. If we achieve that, guests will be happy and satisfied as well. not true. of Thrones we really reached stardom. Other We need to be connected with Croatia. At living in the city and the service that will be What is more important for us is the famous productions were filmed here, Star the moment we need to cross Bosnia and provided to tourists will definitely have more Are cruise ship passengers the type of tourists experience they have while here because if Wars for example, though Dubrovnik was Herzegovina to go to other parts of Croatia. quality than what is currently on offer. you want? they have a good experience and enjoy the city, not that visible in the film. We also had 13th century We are building a bridge that is going to Some ships stay here from 6:00 am up to they will come back by airplane and stay in a the last Robin Hood and Dubrovnik is very city becomes an important connect the peninsula of Pelješac and this When you took office in June 2017, you said that 6:00 pm and the passengers from these ships hotel or private accommodation and spend visible in this film. We are open for any new Mediterranean sea power will make life easier for the locals. We are also the goal of the City of Dubrovnik was to have usually have a meal in Dubrovnik. We had more money here. Now, if their experience is big production that would like to come here. seeking from the government a highway to sustainable tourism and stated: “I guarantee a survey that showed that they spend around bad, then we have a problem. It is important It is a positive experience for Dubrovnik but Dubrovnik as currently there is none. that Dubrovnik will change.” US$65 to 100 here in Dubrovnik. There was the kind of experience the cruise ship all they have to take place in the off-season 1979 When we took office, we knew we had to a rumor that they are not spending at all and passengers have because they can/will speak to period because in the peak season it would Dubrovnik joins the UNESCO What legacy would you like to leave when you address the issue of sustainability otherwise be impossible. list of World Heritage sites finish your first term as mayor of Dubrovnik? everything would soon crash and fall apart. The first and most important thing for me is We knew that in the next two to three years, if Dubrovnik is now, after Venice, the second to be an honest mayor. Regarding the tourism we didn’t change things, the quality of services most popular cruise-ship destination on the +44,000 sector, I definitely want to leave a mark would get worse and then, consequently, the Mediterranean. When are the best months to population because I am the first mayor that is coming number of tourists would definitely decrease come to the city by cruise ship? from the tourism sector. and we did not want this to happen. To avoid Late spring or early fall. Dubrovnik is always Another important issue for me is to improve that we decided that the best would be to beautiful, but at these times it is not too hot, 2 km the quality of life for the people in Dubrovnik. have partners in all the different segments the sea is already warm enough for swimming, of ancient walls and Everything that the city earns from tourism I of the sectors. We wanted to work with the and there are not a lot of tourists around. You fortifications surround the want to invest in better quality of life for the companies that were bringing tourists to can then really explore the town. If you are not city people. Investment in infrastructure, schools, Dubrovnik. a big fan of swimming or warm weather, then sports facilities, this is what I want to leave as So first, we started talking to the cruise the winter can also be very nice in Dubrovnik, my legacy. ship agencies. We made them aware of the especially when it is sunny. 3 meters What makes me proud is that the city is problems we face when more than two above the sea level going forward, and we are investing our money cruise ships are in town at the same time; What are the most important projects that the in good visible projects for the local people. streets and entrances to the city are blocked. city is undertaking at the moment? In the past few years, sometimes we had 6, 7 We are now starting to invest a huge amount 21.35 sq km What is your final message to our readers? or even 10 cruise ships at the same time. In of money in infrastructure, especially in the land mass Dubrovnik is going to be the same beautiful each ship there might be about 2,000 to 2,500 sewerage and water systems. Another focus is city as it was 1,000 years ago. Tourism

STUNNING KORČULA DRAWS TRAVELLERS FROM AFAR The legendary birthplace of Marco Polo is rich in history; when the ancient Greeks first came across this pine-covered island, they named it Black Corfu. Today, its black pines, white wines and historic traditions attract tourists from around the world.

sk anyone to name the world’s most ramble through the island’s glorious pine- famous traveler and chances are that covered hills. Athe 13th century explorer Marco Polo Whatever their interests, all visitors to will come near the top of the list. But while Kor ula delight in wandering the historic everybody recognizes the name, few people streets of the island’s capital and main will know that his most probable birthplace port of entry, Kor ula Town. Protected was not in Italy but on the Dalmatian island of Kor ula, then under the sway of the from attack by imposing sea walls and date all the way back to the Middle Ages. Republic of Venice. by a series of land gates and towers, this Such is the appeal of Kor ula that Now, nearly 800 years after Marco Polo compact town boasts architectural treasures discerning travelers are now coming not was born, Kor ula is once again moving to that are reminiscent of a less-crowded only from Europe and the USA but from the center of the world’s travel map. One of Dubrovnik. Chief among them is St the lands of the Silk Road and the Far East the largest islands in the Adriatic, Kor ula is Mark’s Cathedral, an ornate 15th century first explored by the island’s most celebrated rich in cultural and natural attractions that construction which looks down in majesty son. “Visitors from as far away as Japan appeal to almost every type of tourist, from upon grand palaces that were once the and Korea are travelling to Kor ula to young travelers and families in search of home of merchants, nobles and governors. experience our culture,” says Andrija Fabris, beaches and crystal-clear waters to culture On the long evenings of the Dalmatian the city’s mayor. “We now aim to extend our vultures drawn here by architecture, arts summer, visitors gather here to watch tourist season so that they can come here at festivals and folk dances, to hikers keen to locals perform unique sword dances which any time of the year.”

KORČULA THE BEST ADDRESS IN KORČULA Photo credit: Andrija Carli, Neven Fazinić and Stjepan Tafra. Too Good to be True

No island has more legends or monuments than Korčula, Whether its luxury or affordability, Korčula has something to meet every need. home to Marco Polo, and one of Croatia’s most astounding Families, sports-buffs, gourmets can all explore the island and get to know the rich destinations. Dotted with crystal-clear bays and 15th culture and heritage of this unique place. Apartments just steps from the sea or hotels century Venetian stone architecture, the old town and the with an amazing view of the old town itself, world-travelers will not be disappointed! entire island is a must-see. www.visitkorcula.eu GRAD KORČULA www.korcula-hotels.com KORČULA: ISLAND OF TIMELESS BEAUTY INTERVIEW WITH

Did Korčula benefit from Croatia entering the which is located in the ccnter of the old town European Union? and my whole life has been and is closely Yes! The government units who worked on connected to Kor ula. the admittance of Croatia in the European Union understood that once the country was It seems like lot of young Croatians left the a member of the union, there would be many country once it joined the European Union. Is possibilities of financing projects with the help this a problem in Korčula? of European funds. We all had projects in our Emigration is a problem, but I don’t believe development plans, but couldn’t materialize it’s a big issue in our town or island. First, them with our own city or state budget. This because the quality of life here in the town of applied to Kor ula too, so once we joined the Kor ula, as well as in the whole island is a lot European Union our bigger investment plans higher than in other parts of Croatia. Second, could be accomplished more easily. because tourism, our main industry, has I became mayor of Kor ula in 2015 and helped to keep our population on the island. together with our township team we started Our tourist season is extending more and an agency called Kora to deal with the more every year and the benefits it brings are development of Kor ula. It was founded with getting bigger and better, not only in our town the idea of withdrawing accession funds from but also in the whole region. Because of that, Andrija Fabris the European Union. For the past 4 years I believe that our young people don’t really we managed to get over 4 million euros, have a lot of reasons to leave their homeland. Mayor for development projects. It is a significant ula amount for a town of our size. What are you doing to extend your tourist City of Kor which will bring together various cultures What is your main market? to begin and somebody tapped me on the This amount is only for projects in season? connected to the history of Marco Polo. Our main market is Great Britain and shoulder. I turned around and it was Bernie Kor ula town, but if we include county and It is a part of our aspiration to make the season We are also trying to extend the season by Dozens of ambassadors from the Silk Road then the US. The island of Kor ula is a top Ecclestone. He asked if he could take a state investments, for the last six months, we last longer. It should not last just 7 months. A renovating our hotels which are still not in the countries such as China, India, Azerbaijan, destination that provides quality tourism. picture with me and his two daughters. We have managed to gather around 27 million lot of things, such as festivals, can be developed shape we think Kor ula deserves. Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Turkey will come We don’t want a lot of tourists; we are a small took a picture together and then we had a short euros. Almost 90% of these projects are related to make it longer. Also, different groups of Additionally, we are developing pre-season to this event. With a mixture of films, music destination. We want quality tourism. conversation. He told me that when he visits to and co-financed by European funds. I tourists should be targeted. For example, the events such as the Spring Food and Wine and fine arts of various cultures, for a few days During the summer I take part in the sword Kor ula he is left alone and enjoys privacy, but believe becoming a member of the European Japanese and Koreans - they don’t come to see Festival, which started on April 26. Kor ula will become the host of a really dance Moreška. One day I was dressed as when he visits Hvar with his yacht, dozens of Union was a great advantage for us. the beach, they come for the culture, so they unique and interesting cultural event. the ‘king’ and waiting for the performance people recognize him. can visit throughout the year. What can you tell us about the Spring Food and Otto Bari , the Croatian architect who What projects are the funds being spent on? This year we managed to start the Wine Festival? Connectivity is essential for an island. How designed the arena in Qatar asked us if he I’ve always been impressed by the beauty of catamaran line service earlier. This During the Kor ulanske pjatance, the Croatian well connected is Korčula? FACTS could bring the Emir of Qatar’s family to Kor ula and the funds we managed to gather represents the beginning of the tourist name for the Spring Food and Wine Festival, We are connected to Split and Orebi by Kor ula for a few hours. Instead of two hours are being invested in giving life to the old town season. This service is provided by a private we feature fantastic trademarked Croatian ferry 18 times a day and have catamarans they stayed for three days. We never publi- nucleus and the events related to our historical company which doesn’t get any subsidies; wines such as Pošip, the best Croatian white connecting us to Dubrovnik and Split on a cized it and again, they enjoyed the privacy. heritage, our culture and the splendor of our therefore, it strictly depends on the market wine which is an autochthonous sort grown daily basis during the tourist season, so we 5,663 For me and for Kor ula that is important— town. I was born near the cathedral of Kor ula and the number of users. on the Island of Kor ula; Grk, which means are satisfied with today’s connectivity. As the inhabitants in Korčula town people come here to have a good time in the Greek, the oldest Croatian white wine; island is located in the south of the country privacy. We don’t want to ruin the beauty of our white Muscat wine; red wines from the and far from Zagreb, our capital city, most our town and our hospitality with any kind of nearby Island of Pelješac; to name a few. We of our guests come from Dubrovnik Airport 1214 unpleasant experience for our guests. year the town’s statute also have excellent olive oil from the island which is becoming busier and has more and was issued which is becoming very popular. more direct flights from other destinations. Not many people know that Marco Polo is from Gastronomy in Kor ula today is excellent. And with the new bridge connecting Pelješac Korčula. We have three Michelin recommendations: connectivity should be even better. 1871 Yes. We had a meeting with our minister of the restaurants Leši Dimitri and Filippi, and Hotel Korčula was culture, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, and the the tavern Mate. What are your challenges to make sure Korčula first built as a cafe secretary of the ministry of tourism, Frane has sustainable tourism growth? Matuši , and they asked us to reconstruct Marco What other events are being created to attract Our biggest and greatest challenge is the Polo’s house in Kor ula town so people could people outside the high season? number of cars on the island because we only 18 come and see it. So we started this project with We are organizing the Marco Polo Triathlon have one narrow road that connects the town. ferries from Korčula the purpose of restoring the house in which Challenge where visitors witness the beauty We need to avoid problems with traffic jams to the mainland Marco Polo was born in and turn into a museum. of the island while bicycling. We are also and new road connections should solve the The renovation of the house was possible as we organizing the Marco Polo Art Festival in June problem. received funds through cooperation with Italy. Focus DALMATIA DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY The region has come a long way since the country joined the EU in 2013, successfully transitioning to a market-driven economy aiming to deliver one of the most important UN SDG; decent work and economic growth

s the new middle classes of Asia global economy, with the number of visitors and Latin America discover the reaching the 1.4 billion level two years Ajoys of international travel, low cost ahead of the UNWTO’s forecast. carriers proliferate and innovators such as As anyone who has travelled in recent Airbnb and Uber simplify the challenges years will testify, this rapid growth has of accommodation and transport, the created its own set of problems. With world’s tourism market is expanding at a traditional tourist hotspots such as South breathtaking rate. East Asia and Mediterranean Europe According to the World Tourism struggling to cope with the surge in Organization (UNWTO), there was a 6% tourist numbers, the UNWTO’s Secretary- increase in international tourist arrivals General Zurab Pololikashvili has warned in 2018, almost double the growth of the that, while the tourism sector is one of

the most powerful drivers of economic development, “it is our responsibility to manage it in a sustainable manner and translate this expansion into real benefits for all countries, and particularly, to all local communities, creating opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship and leaving no one behind.” In the Mediterranean, where residents in Such has been the speed at which popular destinations such as Barcelona and Dubrovnik has risen to prominence – Venice have staged regular protests at the nearly 1.2 million people spent the night in huge influx of cruise-ship passengers who 2017, double the level of 2011 – that local contribute little to the economy, the need authorities have decided the city urgently for tourism that is more socially responsible needs to slow down if it is not to stretch and economically sustainable has become its resources to the limit and endanger the an urgent priority. historic atmosphere and cultural heritage On the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, that entice so many visitors there in the first the stunning walled city of Dubrovnik is place. leading the way towards this new vision “We knew that if we didn’t change the There is no such thing of responsible tourism, a vision in which way we did things, then the quality of our preserving heritage and protecting the services and the quality of the Dubrovnik as ‘away’. When we throw community matters much more than product would begin to suffer,” explains anything away it must go making a fast buck. Mato Frankovi , who was elected the city’s Almost a decade after Dubrovnik was mayor in the summer of 2017. “Crazy somewhere. chosen as a major location for Game of numbers of people were entering the city Thrones, this architectural marvel on the all at once. We had to address the issue of Annie Leonard Adriatic has become firmly established as sustainability or everything would crash.” Proponent of Sustainability one of the most compelling destinations in One of the first steps that Frankovi has the Mediterranean. Tourist numbers have taken as part of his “Respect the City” been increasing at around 10 % per cent initiative is to impose a limit on the number a year and Dubrovnik has risen to become of cruise ships that can dock in the city Europe’s second most popular cruise port, at any one time. As of this year, only two behind only its Adriatic cousin Venice. cruise liners will be allowed in the port at the same time, down from as many as 10 days and is working with tour companies to authorities say they are prepared to sacrifice By involving locals more closely in the ships just a couple of years ago. With some stagger coach arrivals over the course of the some short-term revenue from tourists if industry, and attracting high-quality, high- of the largest cruise ships having capacity of week to help alleviate the situation. it means protecting Dalmatia’s unique spending visitors, Dalmatia hopes to avoid upwards of 2,000 passengers, the new limits In the much larger coastal city Split, heritage for the long-term and helps the backlash against tourism that is being The greatest threat will reduce the problem of overcrowding which grew up around the spectacular preserve the region’s status as a high-quality experienced in other major destinations in to our planet is the belief within the walled city and help preserve Roman palace that Emperor Diocletian destination. the Mediterranean. In contrast to Barcelona the tranquillity and magic of the Dubrovnik called home, massive investments in As well as limiting visitor numbers, and Venice, locals in Dubrovnik and Split are that someone else will experience. transport and hotel infrastructure are investing in infrastructure and raising the reaping tangible benefits from the success of save it. Meanwhile, the mayor has also cracked helping the city keep pace with rising tourist quality of life for residents, authorities the tourism industry, giving them a long-term down on the number of day-trippers numbers. “We recognize that our residents in Dalmatia are also working to ensure stake in Dalmatia’s continuing success as one of Robert Swan coming into Dubrovnik overland. In recent are under a lot of pressure during the tourist that local communities receive greater the world’s most attractive holiday destinations. summers, at the historic Pile Gate entrance season, so we are finding new solutions that benefits from the ongoing boom in tourism “We want a tourism industry which respects Author into the old town it was not uncommon will make their lives easier,” says the city’s across the region. Representatives from local citizens, as this is the best way of making to see more than 100 tour buses disgorge mayor, Andro Krstulovi Opara. the business sector played a major role in sure that guests are happy,” Frankovi says. “I masses of people on the same day, causing The region’s response to overcrowding – developing Dubrovnik’s “Respect the City” strongly believe that only those destinations build-ups of visitors and creating a frustrating which comes with the blessing of UNESCO plan and are in the main strong backers of that are focused on sustainable tourism will be first impression of this UNESCO World – has helped position Dalmatia as a pioneer the new direction for tourism. tourism leaders in the future.” Heritage site. Now Frankovi has closed in the quest towards a more responsible access to Pile Gate for tour buses on certain and sustainable vision of tourism. Local DUBROVNIK: A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS INTERVIEW WITH

This summer there will be direct flights to the US. nineteen flights a week. With these winter infrastructure and far less congestion than in How will this impact tourism in Dubrovnik? flights we are also connected to a number of previous years. And with the introduction of Establishing direct flights from the USA to European hubs meaning that the catchment a partnership between the City of Dubrovnik Dubrovnik is of great importance to both area is global. and the largest cruise ship organization Dubrovnik and Croatian tourism. The We are currently running marketing in the world, Cruise Lines International American market is of strategic significance campaigns with many major airlines, such as Association (CLIA), a new possibility of to the city as tourist arrivals from the US are British Airways, Iberia and Turkish Airlines. organization has become a reality. With the second after Great Britain. These flights that Also, we are working closely on strategically overall aim of better control and movement will begin in June will certainly increase the important projects with Croatia Airlines and of cruise ship passengers, and of course number of visitors from the US. We hope the Croatian National Tourist Board. to lighten the load on infrastructure, the that this new seasonal connection from Of course negotiating flights and interna- City of Dubrovnik proposed a number of Philadelphia is only the beginning and that tional connections out of the main season measures and CLIA reacted positively to year-round connections will soon become is only one chapter in our efforts to increase these. Meaning that cruise ships will now a reality. The Dubrovnik Tourist Board has visitors in the winter months. In parallel with adjust their arrival and departures times as initiated a marketing campaign, which starts flight connections we are also working hard well as limiting the number of cruise ship in March and will last until August, with on creating new and exciting attractions for passengers arriving in the city at a specific back into its infrastructure, as the main source Sustainability equals responsibility. Is this a American Airlines to promote these flights and tourists, different entertainment programs, time. You need at least two or three years to of the city’s GDP comes directly or indirectly priority for the city and the tourism board? the city as a destination. which will all be added motivation for tourists change itineraries because schedules have from tourism. It is only logical that the majority Sustainability is an absolute top priority for all In line with the slogan of the Dubrovnik to see the beauty of Dubrovnik throughout the Romana Vlaši already been published and people have of projects are connected to improving the stay of the parties involved in the tourism industry. Tourist Board – Dubrovnik A City For All winter. Director already booked their trips. Thefore, we need of visitors and to raise the standard of living for It is absolutely imperative that our tourism Seasons – our activities are concentrated around For example, the Dubrovnik Good Food to adapt slowly. This is what we succeeded locals. Numerous projects are ongoing at the industry develops in a manageable and correct prolonging the tourist season. According to Festival, which is traditionally held at the end of Dubrovnik Tourist Board in doing for 2018 and it will be even better moment, from an extensive refurbishment and manner. Destinations need to understand their research carried out by eminent organizations, October, proved to be an absolute hit with our in 2019 as we will limit the number of cruise enlargement of the Dubrovnik Airport, to the tourism capacity and their limits. Once you Dubrovnik is the most recognizable Croatian guests. Also, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, year, and importantly throughout the whole ship passengers arriving at any one time. improvement of road connections, a public know what your limits are in terms of numbers, tourist brand and we are currently achieving which offers a range of festive attractions year. Once again I would like to emphasize, All these measures are just part of a longer garage and more parking. It is important for then it is much easier to organize responsibly. a record number of overnight stays. However, over the holiday period, has brought a new Dubrovnik is truly a city for all seasons. strategy to create a better synergy between the future that we not only develop tourism in Quality always comes first, especially in a we believe that there is room for additional dimension to winter tourism, just like the other Along with traditional tourism Dubrovnik the city as a popular tourist destination and a sustainable way, but in a way that works in destination like Dubrovnik. The majority of tourist arrivals outside of the main season. At winter festivals you can find in Europe such as has been working hard to extend the season the cruise ships. Although without doubt harmony with the needs of the citizens. The Croatian five-star hotels are in Dubrovnik the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, we are actively Christmas fairs and concerts. by bringing congresses and conferences to the the results are already visible and over the investment into tourism should and must go and it has always been a luxury destination. engaged in negotiating with international Each year we create ever-more interesting many top-class facilities we have in the city. next few years, they will become even more hand in hand with improving the standard and Managing the destination is very much like airlines to increase the number of flights and events and an increasing number of people In fact, Dubrovnik has been recognized as a apparent. The complete introduction of quality of life of its citizens. a Swiss watch, every segment, no matter how connections during the winter months. We come to the Christmas fair and the Winter leading destination for congresses and we are this project “Respect the City” is expected large or small, is a cog and all the different cogs have been successful this winter in introducing Festival. On our website visitors can find over placed in the top 100 world conferences venues. to occur over the next three years. But it is FACTS have their own action and reactions. There flights to seven different European cities with twenty different main events that are held every The introduction of direct flights with important to point out that after the very isn’t a “one-size fits all” solution to managing American Airlines, especially if they continue first year the international media and press destinations, every city needs to develop its through the winter months, gives the city and have already recognized the impact and own. It is an ongoing process that responsible the region a new opening to an important are pointing out that Dubrovnik is a great 8% institutions in Dubrovnik are involved in. You increase in tourist market. example of sustainable tourism. really need to collect as much information as arrivals in 2018 And with the promotion of Dubrovnik as a possible, study it and then formulate a plan. We Have you seen a positive impact on the reduction year-round destination, which quite frankly are more than aware that this takes time, and if and re-allocation of the cruise ships to the city? it is, the burden on the tourism industry the plan is well developed it will bring results, Absolutely. The Dubrovnik Tourist Board throughout the summer months will also 5% as we have already seen. has been very much involved in the project be eased. Creating a steady flow of tourists increase in tourist since the very beginning. The mayor of through the whole year will not only make it overnights How would you describe Dalmatian culture? Dubrovnik introduced a project entitled easier to organize, but also create a sustainable The best way to answer this question would “Respect the City” which has both short-term environment without the peaks and troughs. be from the feedback we receive every year and long-term goals and the results until now 14 from our guests. In my opinion the people of 5-star hotels in the city have proved extremely positive. The overall Are the financial resources earned from tourism Dubrovnik are warm, welcoming and friendly goal is sustainable tourism and the effect being reinvested into infrastructure and and are always more than willing to explain to so far has been encouraging. In 2018 the improvements to the city? visitors the history and culture of the city. In emphasis was put on the organization of Reinvesting back into the city´s tourism # 1 fact, it is important to mention that Dubrovnik private coaches and buses that bring cruise industry is of vital importance and of course is MICE destination is not a museum but a living city and therefore ship passengers to the city which resulted in a at the top for both the city and the tourist board. in Croatia its citizens are an important factor in the overall much better and more fluid flow of the traffic The City of Dubrovnik is constantly investing experience of our guests. PORT OF SPLIT: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE REGION INTERVIEW WITH

You wrote a doctoral dissertation ‘Economic basins and we use our rail and road links to How are innovation and technology helping to effects of maritime traffic and transport in transport goods around the region and further. boost the port’s performance? function of economic development’. How do We also work together with passenger and Innovation and technology are certainly you assess the Port of Split’s contribution to cargo maritime transport companies and grant playing a huge role in the port’s performance Dalmatia and Croatia’s economic development? concessions to various other businesses, so we and the PSA is planning to develop itself as Today, the Port of Split ranks as not only the are constantly generating employment. a “smart port” to increase its effectiveness, largest passenger port in Croatia, but the largest security and sustainability while preparing in the whole Adriatic, as well as being the 11th What were the latest improvements to itself for the changing global environment. largest European port in the Mediterranean. And strengthen the port’s performance? The exchange of information within the it is not important just for tourism; we are a major The construction of wharves on the outer side port to increase the quality and efficiency transport of goods hub too. It’s been of crucial of the breakwater in Split which started in June of its services will be very important for the importance for the development of tourism in 2014. These works were divided in two phases. community and supply chain. The Port Split and the region as well as a key influence on The first phase was completed in July 2016 and of Split is facing new challenges with the the regional and national economy. the second in March 2017. constant growth of ferry volumes and cruise Passenger traffic in the two last decades ships. Due to limited port area and berthing has more than tripled, from 1.7 million to What is the next infrastructure development spaces, congestion may, if unattended, port” would account for both economic and locations that are easily accessible from Split. 5.4 million passengers per year, while vehicle planned for the port? become a problem. Therefore a “smart ecological aspects of the port, with a special For the cruise ships, the Port of Split traffic more than doubled from 343,000 to Any investment in the Port of Split’s facilities port” system is necessary for the Port of Split focus on infrastructure, traffic and trade flows. completed the construction of two new 811,000 vehicles per year. In recent years and infrastructure has been a timely and Vice Mihanovi to reduce the congestion and improve the We also plan to be less dependent on cruise berths on the outer side of the growth amounted to more than 5% a year. optimal response to a steady increase in the Managing Director efficiency in the long run and to be able to conventionally generated energy by switching breakwater. The berths accommodate cruise The port is a logistical link to several places number of passengers and freight travelling handle both passenger and cargo volumes to renewables. PSA is aiming at promoting ships with a maximum length of at least 320 due to its location. It’s the major transport hub through the port. This partly reflects increased Split Port Authority without disrupting neither the port users nor eco-friendly mobility by redistributing energy, meters and 270 meters respectively, with especially for Central Dalmatian islands cause interest in the city of Split and the Central the citizens. thus reducing energy consumption and saving 10.5 meters maximum draft, significantly it connects them in terms of passengers and Dalmatia region as a tourist destination. It We are also investing in the new on costs. For instance, we are considering the increasing the capacity to handle large cargo. A reliable connection with the Port of is essential that we continue to manage the international passenger terminal building What have been the most important possibility of providing fuel supply services to ships and raising the level of service, safety Split is a prerequisite for a sound economy, flow of passengers and vehicles effectively. A of around 25,000 m2 which will be located improvements the port has had with the cruise ships and other ships using LNG fuel. and security for passengers. In 2018, more quality of life and development for the islands growing number of vehicles entering the port at the breakwater of the basin in the city implementation of innovative solutions? than 307,000 cruise ship passengers passed of Bra , Hvar, Šolta, Vis, Lastovo, Kor ula, causes heavy congestions in the city, especially center. The project will revitalise worn out By upgrading the system, optimal results in What is the Port of Split’s role in the tourism sector? through the Port of Split. Drvenik Veli and Drvenik Mali. in the center. This is particularly evident during former industrial facilities, warehouses and improvement of the business processes were Split is already a must-go tourist destination and The Port of Split is also key for connecting the high season when the traffic within the port office space through reconstruction. It will achieved. In particular, this relates to planning specifically a cruise travel destination. Besides What is your view on the initiatives to improve Croatia and Italy. It also provides top-quality is the heaviest. More than 180,000 trucks per accommodate maritime passenger transport processes and procedures. Data collection the UNESCO listed Diocletian’s Palace in the intermodal connectivity between ports and service for cruise ships. The excursion year transporting cargo to and from islands and related facilities including Schengen border technical capabilities will also be increased, the city core, there are many shore excursion airports in the Adriatic-Ionian area to optimize programs offered to cruise ship passengers Italy cause major congestion problems. crossing and various commercial content and additional training provided to employees. the flow of passengers? contribute to the development of those areas of Therefore, by investing in improving the including separate parking space. Most of We will provide a comprehensive display of The port benefits from excellent opportunities FACTS our region that are not on the coast. So it plays infrastructure the PSA aims to reduce the the construction works will be financed with interactive information to users in real time, to expand its current intermodal transport an important role for the development of the congestion, especially in the city center. In private capital based on a concession contract. introduce a free Wi-Fi network, interactive infrastructure, which serves both its passenger interior of our region. the area of Stinice, we’re planning to create a The PSA has been preparing to issue an displays, application for smartphone and QR and freight port basins via railway and the A1 Besides being a passenger port, Split is also new operational area for Ro-Ro ships including international public concession tender. codes for quick info-points. All of the provided # 1 motorway between Split and Zagreb. a significant cargo port. We have four cargo ferries. information will be multilingual. passenger port in Croatia What makes the Port of Split one of the most What are the priorities the PSA board is focusing competitive ports in the Adriatic? Initiatives have to be implemented to make the on and its short term-goal? The Port of Split is given a competitive edge by cities of the region more sustainable. What is 11th The primary objective of the Port of Split its strategic geographical location in the center PSA’s strategy regarding sustainability? largest European port in Authority is to provide the best possible port of the eastern Adriatic coast, by the increased All the major stakeholders in our region are the Mediterranean service for connecting the Central Dalmatian tourist demand and last, but certainly not least, aware of the need of implementing measures islands to the Croatian mainland throughout by the fact that the Port of Split is the gateway to make the region more sustainable, which is the year. The key challenge is to co-ordinate to the Central Dalmatian islands. key for our future. 5.4 million our efforts to raise the level of service with Also, Split is located in the center of the The goal is to make our Environmental passengers per year the local, regional, national, and cross-border recently established EU’s Adriatic-Ionian Management System a comprehensive, stakeholders and to play a responsible role in macro-region and the Port of Split is a crucial effective and fully usable tool for managing 2 the community by taking part in the new smart hub for local and international maritime travel environmental impact, which will contribute to 25,000 m and sustainable development paradigm of Split in this part of Europe. A sustained growth in the pollution reduction, amount of unseparated new international passenger and the region. The goal is that, by introducing tourist arrivals has been and will continue waste, energy consumption, noise and other terminal building new technologies, the Port of Split becomes a being a strong basis for further development. negative impacts on the environment. A “smart smart and sustainable port. DUBROVNIK PORT: THE CITY’S NAUTICAL GATEWAY TO THE WORLD INTERVIEW WITH

How much does the Port of Dubrovnik contribute of per guest or per cruise ship passenger, the that our business partners will show their to the region’s economic development? City of Dubrovnik would benefit to the tune understanding and give their contribution We contribute a lot. Cruise tourism is of around 12 million Croatian kunas which in promoting these endeavors. Advancing of an economic activity which is showing the city would then reinvest back into the environmental sustainability is conducted an increasing expansion worldwide. The transport system of the city. It is important to through the Ordinance on Order at the Port Mediterranean is globally recognized as a notify the cruise lines in time so that the new which defines measures and regulations very attractive destination for maritime cruise fee can be calculated into future prices. The in order to make regulated environment at tourism with high expectations for economic implementation of the new tax is expected to the port and environmentally-friendly port. benefit from commerce, tourist services and take place in 2021. Additional regulations are adopted in order operators. to provide the above-mentioned conditions, What initiatives to improve the intermodal protect the sea and port basin from any kind What is Dubrovnik Port’s role in the tourism connectivity between ports and airports in of pollution from shore or from the ship and sector and the importance of the cruise calls? the Adriatic-Ionian area to optimize the flow of their activities at the port. Dubrovnik has become one of the most passengers are being implemented? desirable cruise destinations in Europe Dubrovnik Port Authority (DPA) participates as How is DPA collaborating with Mayor Franković’s with a very diverse tourist offer recognized a project partner in EU funded projects which “Respect the City” project envisioning a by UNESCO, a beautiful and preserved aim at improving intermodal connectivity sustainable tourism development? landscape and high-quality eno-gastronomy. between ports and airports and optimizing the Blaž Pezo DPA in cooperation with the City of The 2019 cruise season is shaping up very flow of passengers. For example, the overall General Manager Dubrovnik is implementing the program well. Cruise traffic is expected to reach objective of the INTER-PASS project is to “Respect the City“ which aims to harmonize last year’s levels with a slight increase. The enhance the intermodal connections between Dubrovnik Port Authority tourist flows and migrations through city’s projected numbers for 2019 predict 488 cruise ports and airports in the Adriatic–Ionian infrastructure, where cruise passengers calls carrying 810,000 cruise passengers to region in order to improve the processing of represent a significant percentage of daily Dubrovnik. passengers, mainly cruise tourists and travelers simultaneously with the aim of securing a visitors. The aim of the project is to find less impact on the city’s infrastructure. How are innovation and technology helping reaching tourist destinations located on pleasurable and memorable high-quality stay optimal solutions for sustainable tourism The solution lies in communication and boost the Port’s performance? What are the benefits of the proposed new €2 Adriatic and Ionian coasts during peak season. here for cruise ship’s passengers. Previously, development in the destination. cooperation with all stakeholders involved. Concerning performance, the Port is up-to- tax on cruise ship passengers? the defined daily limit was 8,000 cruise date. There were financial investments in The new proposal put forward aims at Is the daily limit of 8,000 cruise ship visitors passengers, as suggested by UNESCO. What projects and investments are necessary FACTS order to reach environmental sustainability collecting tourist taxes from tourists on cruise helping solve the negative impact of too many However, in practice, DPA applies a daily to strengthen the Port’s performances? as well as raising environmental sustainability ships with a set fee of €2 per passenger. This fee tourists? limit of 6,000 cruise passengers, whenever it Dubrovnik Port Authority is currently awareness. DPA is planning to obtain will certainly not deter people from coming Since Dubrovnik as a cruise destination has is possible. Considering given goals, as well as developing the project Batahovina 2 – electrical vehicles and decrease air emissions to Dubrovnik, and the city and the citizens limited carrying capacity, we have decided the characteristics of the cruise industry, we construction of 500 meters of new operative 1997 through the EU funded project Adrigreen. will certainly benefit from it. With a €2 tax to limit the number of cruise ship passengers carried out a set of rules and criteria for cruise quays with two ferry ramps, which is now establishment of There is also an air quality environmental vessel booking in Dubrovnik that provide in the phase of project documentation Dubrovnik Port Authority monitoring station at the Port of Dubrovnik. transparency as well as enough time for cruise preparation. Upon realization, expected lines to arrange their schedules. in 2023, the capacities of the port for How do you see Croatia and Dalmatia’s 2 vessel accommodation will be significantly 120,000 m business-friendly environment to attract What measures are necessary to make tourism increased. operative territory surface investors that will generate high-quality jobs? in Dubrovnik more sustainable and offer more In my opinion coastal tourism is vital to environmentally-friendly options? What are the port’s competitive advantages? the economy of coastal destinations. Due Following the conclusions from working The Dubrovnik brand, the city’s tourist to the increasing number of existing and meetings held with Mayor Frankovi and attractions as well as attractive surroundings 1.4 million emerging destinations, the development all relevant public services with the aim of are undoubtedly an advantage we have for passengers expected in 2019 of these destinations has to be controlled avoiding port and city congestion, regulating our future development. As cruise tourism in through strategic planning and monitoring traffic and securing high-quality stay in the the city grows, in an orderly way, we will also and based on the principles of sustainable destination, we will endeavor contributing become more competitive and grow. 488 development. Taking into consideration to the following objectives: reduction of cruise calls expected in 2019 the development trends, natural resources, the traffic congestions, extension of cruise Which DPA board’s priorities are you focusing port infrastructure development projects, season over the year, increase the number The biggest challenge is sustainable cruise the level of cruise tourism development so visits outside the main high season, daily destination development. DPA board is far, as well as the strategic orientation to distribution of cruise calls and longer cruise focusing on the planning and organization 9% develop Dubrovnik into a cruise destination ship stay in the destination. We are aware of accommodating the existing vessels and of the passengers in the future. Dalmatia presents one of the that the collaboration with cruise lines is of opening new possibilities for traffic increase come from the US most attractive business environment for crucial importance for success, so we hope with better distribution of cruise calls and investors. ŠIBENIK: ... CITY OF FESTIVALS Feel free to discover INTERVIEW WITH … Magnificent Cities Dubrovnik Old Town, an almost perfectly preserved medieval city.

Šibenik has become one of the most popular homegrown products. And most important, tourist destinations in Croatia in recent years. Šibenik, unlike other cities in this region, never … Magical Islands How did this happen? had a problem with mass tourism because not Korcula, Lastovo and Elafiti Mljet with their enchanted sites. Even though Šibenik has always been a only did we enter the tourism market later than beautiful and attractive city for visitors, until 20 everyone else, but we had a lot of time to learn years ago it was only perceived as an industrial from the mistakes of others. … Stunning Beaches and port city. We were practically an unknown Veliki Zali, Divna and Prapratno with their pristine water. touristic destination. It had very few emblematic What special events can Šibenik visitors expect hotel options and most visitors perceived it as to experience this summer? a transit hub. Back then, Šibenik already had Šibenik is the City of Festivals. We have around … Preserved Natural Parks the old city center, its fortresses and a beautiful fifteen festivals of different musical genres. We Mljet and Lastovo with their unique cultural heritage natural environment around the city. However, have all sorts of festivals too, not only musical ones. its focus was not on tourism. The Travel Festival, for example, gathers all Due to the devastation caused by the war in travel lovers and those that want to travel. The the nineties, the companies related to heavy goal is to show people all the different ways industry that was prominent in the city were to travel, to develop knowledge regarding the destroyed. As a consequence, we had to start positive sides of traveling, etc. The concept of rebuilding the city’s infrastructure and at the the festival is to learn and have fun through - same time we began renovating historical and lectures with famous travellers and writers, Dino Karadole traditional sites and creating cultural programs. gastronomy, concerts, international dance Director So we completely shifted our economic focus performances, etc. towards tourism which became one of the Chef’s Stage is the best gastronomic festival Šibenik Tourism Office main economic sectors for us. And today, it is in the region. This event presents Croatian and one of the most important activities in Šibenik regional cuisine to the international gastronomy Along with Arena in Pula, Šibenik’s as we do have historical, cultural and natural scene. During the festival industry leaders come St. Michael Fortress is the most attractive open attributes to attract tourists. together to foster creativity and share their concert space in the country. In the high season, knowledge and experience through master there are up to 30 top programs to choose from. How can one differentiate Šibenik from other classes, panel discussions, a gala dinner, a grand Concerts there are great due to the incredible cities in the vicinity such as Zadar and Split? tasting lunch and guest speaker presentations. acoustics and beautiful view at sunset or under Šibenik is the smallest city in the world which Our International Children’s Festival is also a star-lit sky. has two UNESCO protected sites: St. James a unique cultural event and Šibenik trademark Cathedral and St. Nicholas Fortress. It also since 1958. The two-week festival features a full What are Šibenik’s main markets for tourist boasts the biggest old town center in Dalmatia programme of arts and culture for children, arrivals? and four fortresses. We also have two national including drama, visual art, music, puppets, Our main markets are Germany, Austria and parks in vicinity of the city: Kornati National film and television, and a host of performances neighboring Slovenia. But because of our Park and Krka National Park. and interactive activities. natural and cultural offer, we are now targeting Also, we are the leaders in the Dalmatian new markets in Asia, mainly China, Japan and gastronomic scene. Our culinary offer is FACTS Korea as well as the Americas. completely based on natural, organic and How are you making sure that the tourism product of Šibenik is being developed in a 48,000+ sustainable and responsible manner? inhabitants First, we have learnt from the mistakes of some of the other cities in Dalmatia, so we know what not to do. We are trying to focus 2 our tourism development on being a high-end UNESCO World destination. We also started to plan our strategy Heritage sites on sustainable tourism development, which will be the base for further development. Our 1290 strongest resources, as well as potential, are our obtained the status of a old city center and fortresses, which need to native Croatian town be preserved in their current state regardless of any other developments that may go on around them, their preservation is crucial for our future. www.visitdubrovnik.hr Infrastructure

SHIPBUILDERS FLOURISH AGAIN

Dalmatian shipyards such as Brodosplit are building on a long and proud tradition of shipbuilding in Croatia, producing high-quality specialty vessels and carving out a niche in today’s global marketplace

accompanied by just one crew member Brodosplit is successfully carving out a niche and a Newfoundland dog, all to win a for itself in an industry dominated by the bet of £100. Despite terrible storms and giants of South Korea and China. misfortunes, Primorac successfully navigated Following the completion of a privatization the two legs of the journey and was received process, the shipbuilder has refocused its as a hero in both countries by thousands of business on smaller cruise ships, the offshore well-wishers. The name of the epoch-making energy sector and specialty vessels such as boat, in homage to Primorac’s shipbuilding polar expedition ships. homeland, was “City of Ragusa”. Such is the strength of its business that Today, while Shakespeare’s “argosies with early this year, Brodosplit confirmed it would portly sails” may no longer ply the waters participate in the restructuring of Uljanik, a of the Mediterranean, Dalmatia is home state-owned shipyard based in the north of to Croatia’s largest and most profitable the country. As the company approaches the shipyard, Brodosplit. Building on the legacy 100th anniversary of its creation in 1922, it is of hundreds of years of shipbuilding in the set to lead the Croatian shipbuilding industry historic town of Trogir just north of Split, into the future with new wind in its sails.

rom the trading communities of Roman economy of Renaissance Europe, and the When History Embraces Innovation times, to some of the most celebrated Dubrovnik fleet outnumbered that of even Fseafarers and shipbuilders of early Venice. modern Europe and the entrepreneurs Dalmatian shipbuilding was somewhat of today’s tourism sector, the sea and the eclipsed by the rising maritime power of maritime industry have long been among England and the Netherlands in the 17th the major drivers of the Croatian economy. century and was hit hard by the devastating Dalmatia in particular has a storied Dubrovnik earthquake of 1667. Nevertheless, heritage in shipbuilding, with its shipyards seafarers from Croatia continued to play emerging as European leaders in the a disproportionate role in the European late Middle Ages and early Renaissance. shipping industry, as shipowners, captains Centered on Dubrovnik, the most important and ordinary seamen. Excluding England, port in the region, Dalmatian shipbuilders the Dubrovnik fleet was the third largest in were renowned for the seaworthiness and the world in the 18th century, employing quality of the vessels that they produced for tens of thousands of people in all aspects of Brodosplit´s expertise and the vast experience of its shipbuilders make it use across the Mediterranean and beyond. the maritime industry. a world-renowned shipyard. Such was the fame of boats built in Some of Croatia’s sailors became legends Dubrovnik that the Shakespearean word for a well beyond the shores of the Adriatic. With a niche market approach and custom tailored solutions that cover merchant ship, “argosy”, derives from Ragusa, Foremost among them may be Captain luxury yachts all the way up to the world´s largest sailboats, Brodosplit´s the Italian name for the city. For much of this Nikola Primorac, who in 1870 sailed across approach to quality and service make it a global leader and second to none. period, the trade and transportation of goods the Atlantic from Liverpool to New York www.brodosplit.hr on Dalmatian vessels was vital to the growing and back in a boat only 6 meters long, Tourism

DALMATIA: A STRATEGIC SAILING DESTINATION

From yachting around the secret islets and bays of the Adriatic, to spending the night in a still functioning lighthouse, a nautical holiday in Dalmatia will create memories to last a lifetime.

or sailors of all ages and all abilities, Nowhere else can tourists enjoy this kind of from complete novices or even young authentic experience.” Ffamilies to teenagers on party boats or even hardened ocean-going skippers, there are few adventures in yachting which can match the experience of cruising along the Croatian coast. As well as the pure joy of discovering hidden beaches, islets, sheltered bays and historic harbors along the Adriatic, with the excitement of navigating these turquoise waters under ever-changing wind and sea conditions, Croatia provides sailors with some of the finest marinas in the region, with affordable berths and world-class facilities helping crews refresh and relax after a long day at sea. From May to the end of September, as the sun comes out and the waters warm up, the Dalmatian Adriatic becomes one of the world´s undisputed yachting capitals, with sailing schools and chartering companies welcoming tourists from all corners of the planet, many of whom will be experiencing the joy of sailing for the very first time. The most popular option is for passengers YOUR to charter a boat with a qualified skipper, often starting from northern Dalmatian PARTNER FOR SAFETY cities such as Zadar and Šibenik. The yachts IN NAVIGATING THE ADRIATIC will then sail leisurely along the Adriatic coastline for a week, visiting the sights of Dubrovnik and Split and making frequent stops for swimming off the beaches and coves of islands such as Hvar, Korčula and Mljet. More experienced, certified sailors can join a flotilla or charter their own boats for the ultimate Adriatic adventure. For nautical visitors looking for an even more exclusive experience, Croatia also offers the one-of-a-kind chance to overnight in a series of heritage lighthouses all along the coast. Plovput, the state maritime safety company which owns and maintains the lighthouses, has begun working with private PLOVPUT is a state-owned company ensuring maritime safety in the Croatian Adriatic. Apart from maintaining sector partners to renovate the structures and aids to navigation and coastal radio communications, we lease them as high-end holiday apartments. play an active role in ensuring that all the lighthouses in Croatia are well maintained. By giving long-term leases to “It is a truly unique opportunity,” says Mate private companies, who are committed to preserving them Periši , Director of Plovput. “All of our as a cultural and historical heritage, we contribute to the ć development of a more sustainable tourism and looking www.plovput.hr lighthouses are still functioning, with their after these unique monuments for the future generations. lights spinning above our guests in the dark. Tourism

DUBROVNIK IS ALWAYS WELCOMING

Talk to locals in Dalmatia and to travellers in the know, and they will tell you the best time to visit Dubrovnik is not in the sweltering summer months of the high season but in spring, autumn and winter.

t these times of year, the streets are less world, all eager to experience the attractions crowded, the weather is more agreeable, of the old town under the unique spell of a Aand there is an increasing number of Croatian Christmas. cultural festivals and events that make the Tourists from Asian countries such as most of Dubrovnik’s magical atmosphere. China, Japan and South Korea are among One of the new highlights of the cultural the keenest connoisseurs of the pleasant calendar of the city, which last year was voted temperatures and cultural offerings of the the world’s number one cultural destination Dubrovnik low season. Traditionally averse in AFAR’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, is to strong sunshine and to beach vacations, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. From the and eager to flee the rigorous winters of lighting of the first candles for Advent to their home countries, visitors from the Far a traditional Christmas market and New East have begun to flock here since the start Year’s Day concert, the festival is drawing of the Winter Festival some six years ago. discerning visitors to the city from around the To increase visitor numbers in the months

from October to March, tourist authorities in flights from the US to Croatia in almost 30 Dubrovnik are developing joint promotions years, has said it will consider continuing with airlines and working with them to flying its new Philadelphia-Dubrovnik increase the frequency of direct flights. In route beyond the initially planned month of recent years, major carriers such as British September. Airways, Iberia, Turkish Airlines and Vueling, “We have reached our full capacity in the alongside local flag carrier Croatia Airlines, summer but in the winter, early spring and have all added to their Dubrovnik schedules late fall we can still receive more tourists,” in winter, bringing new volumes of visitors in Mayor Mato Franković says. “At these times the low season. the city is not crowded, the weather can be Meanwhile American Airlines who perfect for exploring the old town and of started in June to operate the first direct course Dubrovnik is as beautiful as always.” BRODOSPLIT: THE LARGEST SHIPYARD IN CROATIA INTERVIEW WITH

Shipbuilding is one of the most important we, as Brodosplit, offered our assistance and of shipbuilding. Second, we have very good industries in the country. What is your partnership and expressed our interest to universities for the sector; unfortunately, assessment on its current state? take over two yards. They could have been not with the number of students that they The Croatian shipbuilding industry has restructured under our guidance. could have. Third, we have flexibility. We always been important. In the past, it boosted can immediately be approached because the country’s GDP, contributed to our exports How big is Brodosplit nowadays? all the vessels we build are more or less and employed many people as there were a Brodosplit is the largest shipyard in Croatia prototypes. So, knowledge and skills, these lot of smaller companies servicing shipyards. at the moment with 2,200 employees. DIV are our advantages apart from having very But it faced a lot of difficulties too. First, the Group, our sister company, has around 1,100 good design departments. We are shipbuilders ownership structure, as all of them were state- employees. mainly and are not competing in the repairs owned companies. Second, the profitability, as and maintenance business. We don’t have the it was not the main focus of the management. What are you building today, what is your niche? facility, a dry-dock, to carry out repairs. Third, the competition from the Far East. We completely left the niche of cargo ships Also, we were mainly building cargo vessels and are now trying to position ourselves in You mentioned that there are good universities and not catering for the cruise or offshore the market as the best builders for small- for the sector here in Croatia… markets not to mention that the pricing was and medium-sized cruise ships as well as Yes, and we collaborate closely with a not good, so the shipyards were not making a offshore vessels and offshore structures. The university here in Split in mechanical, naval lot of money. Then the sector also suffered the reorganization of the company was difficult in and electrical engineering. We are trying impact of the war we went through. the beginning and now we are in the process Zoran Kunkera to attract more and more pupils from high But in 2000, we started negotiations with of implementing of our new strategy. It has CEO schools to go to these colleges. Unfortunately, the European Commission for the shipyards been a dynamic process. shipbuilding is not such an attractive sector restructuring and in 2010/2011, all shipyards Brodosplit now as IT or even tourism, so we are trying to started looking for strategic partners. That is So Brodosplit is performing better than before? make it more appealing with some programs We had 8,000 employees in the 1990s, now tourism developed very quickly so there is when Mr. Tomislav Debeljak entered into Yes, in 2017 we had a €90-million turnover cruisers that we build. On the other hand, and scholarships. They do their Bachelor’s it’s one-fourth of that so we have a lot of free more money in tourism than in shipbuilding the whole restructuring of Brodosplit and and 8% net profit. the Chinese are trying to penetrate, as much degrees or PhD and come practice here at the space. We really have very good infrastructure nowadays, but we are persistent, and we completely changed the mentality of the as possible, in the cruise sector. But they are shipyard. We are also trying to do the same so we want to attract people from the IT sector, believe that the situation will change in the company. The first measure was to choose Who are your competitors now? going for the large vessels, not medium-size with the University of Zagreb and have already new start-ups, entrepreneurs to work with us future. the proper niche and the first goal was to be Korea is still very big in shipbuilding. They are that we build. attracted about 10 students from Zagreb to on new systems and technologies, and not profitable, even if were to build only one now merging two of the biggest shipyards in come to Split and we want to bring more. necessarily only related to the shipbuilding, What are your the mid-term goals for vessel per year. the world and they are going to be huge, but I What are your competitive advantages? but something that can be used in shipping. Brodosplit? Today, we’re in a good position but we can’t doubt they will switch to the size of the vessels We have several advantages compared to the What is Brodosplit policy in terms of We are still at the beginning of this. As I said, First of all, from a sales perspective, we need say the same for all the shipyards in Croatia. that we are building. We don’t fear that they Chinese. First, we have the knowledge that environment and sustainability? to penetrate more into the offshore sector; Some of them are close to bankruptcy and will interfere too much in the medium-sized was transferred from generation to generation We have incorporated smart and green not only vessels but also structures. We would FACTS technologies. Some of our best designers like to be, for example, the contractors for have recently gone to Hamburg to learn more windfarms in Europe, especially in Northern about green energy in the marine industry. Europe. It is a promising sector that is And we already build vessels with hybrid growing. We would like that at least 40% of power systems, combining diesel and electric +450 our capacity is dedicated to the offshore side power. And we are also doing some prototypes vessels built of our business. fully powered by batteries. It will be important Another goal, a long-term one, is to establish to have vessels in the future that have no some sort of collaboration with all the footprint, that are green-powered completely. 281 m shipyards in Europe. Unite our workforces and ship launching have ‘multi-country’ shipyards, and depending How is technology and innovation affecting on the peaks of each yard, exchange blue or Brodosplit? white collars to support each other in project We are implementing some technologies management, design, outfitting activities, etc. related to autonomous ships and unmanned +2,000 We don’t recognize shipyards in Europe as our systems, so we are definitely following all new employees competitors, we want to approach all of them technologies. as a partner and then, all together, be able We want to attract small entrepreneurs, new to compete with the Far East countries. We engineers and fresh graduates to join us here +13 already started collaborating with Fincantieri; at the shipyard. The infrastructure we have is award winning projects we have established a long-term partnership huge; 0,65 mil square meters plus the sea area. with them and we’re building for them as they We have many facilities that are now empty. have a problem with capacity. Culture UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ABOUND IN DALMATIA Old City of Dubrovnik Dubrovnik, the famous walled city, was a flourishing maritime republic and the only city in the With more than 1,000 islands, Croatia is not only beautiful, but also rich in history Adriatic that could rival Venice. With its diplomacy and wealth, it was well ahead of its time during and culture. Incredibly, this small country boats ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites the 15th and 16th centuries. Its well-preserved buildings range from baroque St. Blaise Church with ten other sites being considered. These four can be found in Dalmatia: to Renaissance Sponza Palace and Gothic Rector’s Palace, now a history museum. Paved with limestone, the pedestrianized Stradun (or Placa) is lined with authentic shops and restaurants.

Historical Complex of Split and the Diocletian Palace

During the 4th century AD, Roman Emperor Diocletian built this palace in the city of Split. Later other ancient mausoleums, churches and fortifications were added during the Middle Ages and all have remained mostly intact. They are popular tourist attractions in the city of Split and form an integral part of the city’s striking history.

Cathedral of St James, Sibenik

The Cathedral of St James is the fruitful outcome of considerable interchanges of influences between the three culturally different regions of Northern Italy, Dalmatia, and Tuscany in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Historic City of Trogir

Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity that combines influences from the Romans, Greeks and Venetians. The complex within the historic city center is also one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque-Gothic. This site encompasses the medieval core of the city that includes a series of dwellings, palaces, castles and towers and its churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period.

NOVALJA: ETERNAL BEAUTY ON THE ISLAND OF PAG INTERVIEW WITH

What is your strategy regarding tourism to eliminate. We wanted to show our To attract higher-end guests we have to development in Novalja? guests that they were welcome, but they have a great offer not only in accommodation Before I became mayor and worked for had to behave properly. We brought in but also high-end gastronomy. the city administration, there was no extra policemen and security to guarantee real strategy or plan regarding tourism that everything was calm, and no one was Any other projects to up-the-game in Novalja? development. The sector was growing, but misbehaving. After a while and just a few One is our future marina; it is a big part it wasn’t sustainable; once I was elected, we incidents, we managed to solve the issue of of the whole strategic plan. We are in the drafted a project in 2014: the ‘Sustainable young tourists not behaving properly. process of getting permission to build it Strategy for the City of Novalja’, which Secondly, we had to deal with and we already have an investor, Croatian envisions its growth for the next 10 years. accommodation issues, which is a strategic state-owned ACI Marina. We hope that it is We were able to finalize this project after problem, not only ours, but in the whole of finished by 2024. conducting many workshops and meetings, country. We lack hotels in Croatia; private Also, on the Lun Peninsula we want to in collaboration with all the tourism owners provide about 60% of the available embrace traditional tourism, no big hotels stakeholders in Novalija: hotels, travel accommodation. La Luna was the first but only small, rural, boutique ones. We agencies, rental places, caterers, restaurants, big hotel here in Novalja and it was built don’t want huge hotels outside of Novalja, etc. It was important that everybody had in 1978. We never had hotels here until we need small traditional villas that can be a say and was heard. The theme of these recently. We need more, and in order rented for €1,300 a night. meetings was: Novalja and Zrće - two to encourage that we have reduced the With our development plan, in 5 years, worlds, one future. communal tax by 10 times for 4 or more Ante Dabo Novalja will change its position on the We had to deal with an important issue: stars hotels and start looking for investors. Mayor touristic map. Right now, we are known for the type of tourists we were getting. Zrće We are currently building 3 new hotels and one type of tourism: which is party tourism. Beach is a Croatian summer destination we hope that they are open all year round. City of Novalja We want to change that, but we still want for partygoers. A tourist product based just At the moment, we can offer 1,000 beds in young people to come, of course. What else did you learn from your visit to partygoers. But, to have this kind of festivals on youngsters and party tourism is not 4-star accommodation, and our aim is to We also upgraded and improved our To make a significant change in a tourist Ibiza? we would have to solve the issue of noise, sustainable; this model was at stake. Also, double that by 2025. camping site. We have one of the most strategy you have to be patient and wait for In Ibiza, you can have an open-air festival which was a huge problem for us as guests it was creating some tension amongst the We believe that better hotels will attract beautiful ones in Croatia nowadays and at least 10 years to see the results. We are until midnight and after that everybody started to leave the camping sites in the local population. Therefore, we had to think tourists and therefore they will spend more the investors spent a lot of money on it. It halfway there at the moment and I must say has to go inside the clubs. Our club owners vicinity. how to deal with it and solve this problem. money than the younger crowd. Perhaps in spreads over 50 hectares of land and more I am satisfied with the results so far. realized that in Zrće, we could have open- We were the first one in the world to solve First, we dealt with safety issues. Partying the short term we are losing some money, than 75,000 people stay at the camp every air festivals for the whole night until dawn. this problem with a smart software patented tourism is something that we don’t want but it will certainly pay off in the long term. year with an average stay of 7 nights. Will Novalja give up being a party destination This is kind of a special experience for in Spain and made in Britain. Novalja was for young people? the first one to order it from the factory. We No, we just want to better and improve the FACTS paid for the installation by British sound product because we are known as a party specialists, the club owners had to buy destination for young tourists and we need this software so the city and club owners to attract the right kind of party people. Like shared the costs of solving the noise issues. Ibiza in Spain. When I became the mayor, 1978 When the noise reaches 104 decibels it I visited Ibiza and met with all the club first hotel was built automatically starts to be reduced. owners to talk to the local authorities and learn from them to up our game. What is your strategy to stretch the season? The club owners at Zrće Beach need to re- Sports and gastronomy can help us extend invest money in their clubs constantly. Also, 3 our tourism season. Our moon landscape new hotels under some of them need to change their concept experience in Pag is also unique because construction and improve their offer. Aquarius, for example, it really looks like as if you were on the which is one of the best of them, wants to moon due to the lack of vegetation. Matajna attract the 30 to 40-year-old guests. They will and Barbati also have great potential with have cabaret nights and a fancy restaurant. It 1,000 incredible trails for trekking. is clear to the investors that when quality is 4-star beds We have ‘Life on Mars’, an event that is offered, they will get high-end tourists. currently available getting bigger and attracting more people

The high-end guests want good products each year. and we want investors ready to provide that. Then we have Lun, with over 200,000 Another example is an Austrian businessman 75,000 olive trees. We have classical music concerts who is building a €3-million home villa for annual guests at in the olive gardens; also, this year will be 8 tourists which can accommodate 8 people. camping sites the second year of a 7-day festival where We want people like him to come to Novalja. eminent artists perform. MAKARSKA: EMBRACED BY NATURE INTERVIEW WITH

Croatia is encouraging sustainable tourism What is being done to be more sustainable? growth. How is your office dealing with this We have a lot of new projects and measures issue? in place. Sustainability is not a problem that concerns First of all, we changed the public electricity only tourism, but the whole development of which is now greener throughout the whole the city. We, at the Tourist Board, are very city. Second, we are educating our people, focused on sustainable tourism at the moment teaching them to be more environmental because, unfortunately, mass tourism was friendly. Also, we are trying to make our allowed in the past, and we need to resolve this citizens be more conscious about using their situation. The former administration allowed cars. Our aim is to promote a healthier way of too many construction works in our region living and this project was funded by the EU. which is subsequently overbuilt today. There We also got funds for a campaign to was no urban planning. Another important promote sustainable waste management issue regarding sustainable tourism is that which is a serious issue not only here but in there must be the right balance between the the whole of Croatia. We need to learn more local population and the visitors. We cannot and be conscious about recycling. Part of this only focus on the benefit of the tourists and let campaign focuses on tourism and as well as the citizens standards of living being lowered. our tourists. We have this new application to tell tourists exactly how and where they should Hloverka Novak Srzi What is being done to avoid mass tourism? recycle. It is all about creating awareness. We Director One of the biggest Croatian hotel groups, need to encourage development towards a Valamar Riviera, has decided to invest in green and low carbon economy, not only in Makarska Tourist Board three hotels here; they will refurbish two and the public sector but also in the private sector. build one from scratch. These new hotels We are also using education and training revamp Biokovo Nature Park and make it of our rich cultural heritage we launched and then later, be cycling at 1,500 high. tourism, there are a lot of opportunities here. will certainly attract a more upscale type those private homeowners that are renting out more tourist friendly while preserving its cultural projects in a modern and innovative Another opportunity would be the We are also encouraging and promoting of tourists. We also hope that the private to tourists. We need them to be more energy environment. way using new technology and multimedia. It refurbishment of old houses in little hamlets creative industries because they add extra accommodation available here, around efficient, for example, by using solar energy. And finally the city of Makarska, though is about the revitalization of the cultural and on the slopes of Biokovo Mountain. They value to tourism. We do have a lot of people 15,000 will also be upgraded and that they quite small, has a rich cultural heritage. historical heritage of the hamlet of Kotisina. would make lovely heritage hotels. And these involved with creative industries, but will improve their facilities to be able to How many tourists does Makarska usually The project encompasses the reconstruc- hamlets are all connected by cycling paths. they need support so they can open small offer a better product to a more sophisticated receive? How do you perceive the cooperation small tion of the 17th-century Veliki Kasteli, If you are interested in ecotourism or agro- boutiques, shops with traditional food or local customer. Makarska needs to change the Last season we had 1.5 million overnight stays. communities are getting from the Ministry of housed in the Botanical Garden of Kotisina, cosmetics. We need to encourage local artists presentation of its tourism: we don’t want Tourism for their tourism development? which is set between cliffs. There is also and producers. We would like to create one mass tourism; we want select tourism. Where do most of your arrivals come from? The government is providing enough support the cemetery Church of St. Martin from FACTS place that could be where they work, exhibit Germany and the Scandinavian countries: to small local tourism focused communities in the second half of the 14th century, which their products and sell them. Like an atelier Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden. We order to implement our vision and ideas. We is extremely valuable for the architecture and studio design. We hope to be able to also have many arrivals from Great Britain. have new offices and backing to implement of Makarska because it represents the only implement this soon. our projects. When they hear that we have a construction with partially preserved, intact Geographically Makarska is a very unique place. good idea, they will help us to collect all the 2 km medieval parts and the church of St. Ante, of sand and pebble What do you hope to accomplish in the short What would you say is the most special thing necessary permits and documents and help in front of which a stage will be set nature. term? beach in town about it? us prepare the project to be submitted for EU The Church of St. Martin and Veliki Kasteli I hope to change people’s mindsets towards Our nature. The unique connection between co-financing. were previously archaeologically explored by tourism. Only people can change the type of the mountains and the beaches is amazing. the Makarska City Museum as one of the 1,762 m tourism we have here. Our people and tourists Makarska’area is not so big, but we have Can you tell us about one of these projects? critical, starting activities. In addition to the height of Biokovo need to change what they do with their waste, everything. Our seaside with plenty of pebble For many years, Makarska was all about sea renovation of valuable heritage, the project mountain range our local citizens need to think carefully beaches, that can be over 2 km long, is really and sun, but in the last few years, we decided includes establishing a bicycle path, a sign- when they decide to build something, and so unique. to create a project to develop ‘facilities’. This aling system, organizing two new tourism on. Then Biokovo, 1,700 meters high and the is because people are no longer just interested 1.5 million tours in the hamlet of Kotišina and the most overnight stays in 2018 Our focus is always on people; first local second-highest mountain range in Croatia, in going to the beach the whole, swim and attractive activity – developing a modern in- people and tourists, then change the way the is located here and Biokovo Nature Park, a have a good meal. They want more, they terpretation center for Veliki Kasteli. think and treat tourism and finally take care protected area, is second to none. The park’s want ‘experiences’. That is the new trend in 17th of our heritage and nature. flora and fauna are beautiful. The “New tourism. And if you offer more than just sun What are the investment opportunities related century when Veliki Adrion - Promoting the Sustainable Use of and beach, you are able to extend the season. to tourism in Makarska? Kasteli was built How would you define Markaska in a few words? Natural Heritage at PP Biokovo”, a European One of the projects we have is called We would love to have a cable car here. Makarska: culture and nature. In Markaska funded project, is a 3-year project that will ‘Heritage and Technology’. Taking advantage So people can go swimming in the sea the local experience is very authentic! LIGHTHOUSES: A UNIQUE TOURISM OFFER INTERVIEW WITH

Could you give us an overview of Plovput? places where people can go to on holidays. It exploiting them. So in a way, we are generating Plovput is a company that was established by is an exceptionally exciting project. investment, the lighthouse are being renovated the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Trieste in for the next 100 years and we are preserving 1810. With the fall of the Empire at the end of Why do you believe it is an exciting project? our cultural heritage, while at the same time, WWI, the company moved to Bakar in 1918. A lot of the old lighthouses are not in the best generating income for Plovput. Then, in 1924 it was moved to the current shape. They need renovation and refurbishment, Now, not all of them are on the market. headquarters in Split. and we are carrying out the works under the We ourselves are managing 11 as a touristic It was founded in order to ensure maritime very strict supervision of the association for product and 17 of them are leased to a third safety on the Adriatic coast. The Austro- preservation of the cultural heritage in Croatia. party who is also using them for touristic Hungarian Empire wanted their ships to be They have a promising future as a touristic purpose. able to navigate during the day as well as at project. It is a unique touristic offer. night in order not to lose money or waste time so How satisfied are these third parties that have they started building lighthouses. They built 65 What is the current ownership structure of invested in this project? lighthouses and 48 of them are still functioning Plovput? So far, so good. Not a single one has today. The remaining 17 were devastated We are a 100% state-owned company. complained about it, so we think they are during WWI. These 48 lighthouses, which are happy with it. The people who invested in hotels to avoid the use of private homes as How important are innovation and technology today zero-category cultural heritage, are only What is the scope of the company’s business now? them are aiming for the high-end market vacation places. This problem has been for Plovput today? a small part of the maritime safety business we We are responsible for around 1,200 objects Mate Periši because it is such a unique product. The creating congestion in the city centers. Very important and we’re keeping pace with are involved in nowadays. related to maritime safety aids to navigation. lighthouses are mystic, and people are We should also create more and different everyone in the business worldwide. We belong Those are all the lights, buoys, markings Director attracted to this mysticism. I am sure they kinds of nautical tourist attractions. We need to to the international association of maritime Can you tell us a bit more about the lighthouses? and everything that ensures safety in the sea. are capitalizing on this. diversify our touristic offer to its maximum, but safety (IALA), so we need to keep up with all The first lighthouse was built on a small island We are perhaps the best in Europe for sea Plovput always trying to have unique products. And we the international companies in the business as near Pag island, but it has been destroyed. coverage with signals and markings. In all What is the potential of this ’lighthouses’ need to avoid tourism which is uncontrolled, far as maritime safety technology is concerned. The second was in Losinj. The third one was maritime areas where we operate, we have the lighthouses as monuments and a touristic tourism? mass tourism without a plan, because that kind We have to be aligned with all other developed built in Savudrija and it still is as it was when about 7 speed boats. Our procedures are of destination. But let me point out that we are Lighthouses tourism is a very small niche in of tourism is determined to fail. nations. The standards are the same in Portugal, it was first built. Last year we celebrated 200 international standards. not a touristic company, we are in the maritime the market. We still lack accommodation as Spain and everywhere else. years of ‘lighthouses’ in Croatia and it is an safety business, with our secondary activity in there are only around 250 beds in them. So Technology has made some employees that anniversary that we are very proud of. Where are you present? tourism because we had the lighthouses under the operation is like a small hotel. But it does FACTS were working in maritime safety redundant. The lighthouses are still in their original We have branches in Pula, Zadar, Dubrovnik, our scope – we manage them and we thought offer something different and unique. In the By turning some of the lighthouses in touristic state and it is our duty to maintain them. Rijeka, Plo , Šibenik and Kor ula with the it would be a good way to use them. tourism market you always need to come up facilities, we somehow are helping to solve the Today they are not crucial for the safety of the headquarters in Split. They needed renovation, but unfortunately with something different, something that problem of redundancy. th maritime sector; there are GPSs and other the government doesn’t have the funds to others don’t have. And this is our advantage 200 technological devices that are used for safety Who is responsible for the lighthouses for the invest in them. So I came up with this project because no one can offer this type of tourism. anniversary of the What is unique about spending a night in a purposes. We have them as cultural heritage project you mentioned? ten years ago. We give long-term leases to third We started this almost 20 years ago and it’s oldest lighthouse lighthouse? monuments and we want them to be unique There is a department that oversees the use parties who are interested in refurbishing and been a rather successful story. And right In Croatia, every single historic lighthouse from the beginning we decided to do it in building still works and every lighthouse still a sustainable way, using solar power which 100% has its light spinning at night. When you book was not usual then, and we are still using this owned by the Republic an apartment there, the light will spin above you type of energy. of Croatia in the dark all night and it’s a very unique and Using the lighthouses as a tourism authentic experience. attraction means attracting funds for our core 1,168 business which is safety. aids to navigation What message would you give to the readers along the coast about coming to Croatia? How do you see the development of the The best message I can give to anyone who is tourism industry in Croatia? thinking about coming to Croatia is that in our The best way to do it is to keep creating 48 small country we have many different touristic something different. We have to develop operational lighthouses on places with several attractions and that it will take those segments of the sector that are not the coast them at least ten days to see everything properly. covered by others, especially by our close Croatia, because of its geographic position, has competition. The lighthouse tourism is a 28 different regions that look totally different one good example of it. It has given us a special on offer for touristic from another. So there is plenty to choose from mention in the international tourism market. purposes even though it is one country but with different We need to come up with new products. architecture, different people, different sight… At the same time, we need to develop more everything is different in Croatia. SPLIT AIRPORT: CONNECTING DALMATIA TO THE REST OF EUROPE INTERVIEW WITH

Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara mentioned how In terms of finding the best corridor for the years, to 2 and then 3 million. It was quite a big important it is to link Split’s airport to its ferry line, how limited or constrained are you by the growth in such a short time. terminal in the next five years. How do you airport’s physical surroundings? perceive this project? We always have to carefully plan any work and How do you assess the tourism boom Split has The ultimate goal of this long-term project, extension related to the airport because we experienced over the past few years? organized by our public bodies, is to connect don’t have a lot of space around it. We are very Tourism is the main activity for the region of Split the Split Ferry Port to the Split Airport. It’s close to urban areas and the sea, which should and without a good airport, it would be impossible crucial for the development of our city. In be seen as an advantage, but at the same time, to develop the sector. The more activity our December 2018, the contracts that will enable sometimes works against us. We’re constrained airport has, the more tourism will grow. But we the realization of this highly anticipated on one side by mountains, on another side by need to be careful and have a sustainable growth project were signed. water and then the city. We don’t have a lot since our airport in very close to the city; we need Why is it so important? The amount of of space for the biggest tools and machines to to be a ‘good citizen’ and be responsible for the people that use both the airport and the ferry develop huge projects, so we need to be precise environment around us. port proves the importance of this project. when planning any work around the airport. We might be perceived as an environmental Last year, Split Airport had three million problem for some as often airports are seen as a passengers while the ferry port recorded 5.5 What has been your most recent accomplishment? threaten to the environment, but in reality, we million passengers by September. So, we The extension of the terminal which cost about bring a lot of benefits to the local community are talking about nine million people who €60 million. By the way, this was funded with and are very conscious about being sustainable. fluctuate between the ferry port and the our own resources. Split Airport is owned by the Luksa Novak Our growth strategy is balanced considering accommodations, in the longer term, we need Volotea and Vueling also fly here. But we also airport and they need a better service to go state (55%) and the local communities (45%). General Manager both what we must bring to the people in the more hotel capacity and more developed and serve major European players. from one to the other. These local communities are Trogir, Kaštela, area and the environment. One of our goals upscale hotel offers. The low-cost airlines prefer airports that can We strongly support this project especially Split and Split-Dalmatia County. When you Split Airport is that people from this area have a quick offer low operational cost for them as well as because we will be one of the beneficiaries have enough resources to do a project, it is faster connection to all parts of Europe. How important is the low-cost airline business a smooth traffic and turnaround and since we once it is completed. I believe the railway than applying for EU funding. 2013, almost 6 years ago. The number of for Split Airport? are a smaller airport, we can do that. Another is always the best connection between an tourists coming here increased a lot as there You mention 3 million passengers in 2018l How We played an active role in negotiating with advantage that we have is that we are easy to airport and the city center. Now, we need How did Croatia joining the European Union were no more borders, people felt safe as we busy is the airport in the summer months? the low-cost airlines to get them to fly into Split. deal with, from the worker on the apron to the to identify the best corridor for this link and affect Split and your airport? were part of their community, etc. So in a We had 3.1 million passengers last year, and Today, the low-cost airlines are responsible for top management. then look for its financing which should not There was a big impact at our numbers when very short period we went from 1.5 million almost 700,000 in July-August. During the about 50% of our traffic. EasyJet is the first EasyJet only started flying to Split once be a problem. Croatia joined the European Union in July passengers a year, a figure we had for many winter months we have about 40,000 so there’s airline at the airport, Ryanair will start flying our traffic reached 700,000 passengers a year. a huge difference between the summer peak this year but just to one destination for the Once they commenced their operations, months compared to the winter months. We time being and then Eurowings, Norwegian, their results were good and improved every need to address that. I’d like to point out that year; so they started increasing the number of we have the highest daily traffic of passengers the destinations, offering more frequency to in Croatia. each place they we flying to, etc. Today, they You mention a big difference in number of FACTS service around 19 destinations bringing almost passengers during the summer months. What 800,000 passengers. I think the same will can be done to make sure that the growth is happen to the other low-cost airlines, they will also noticed during the winter months? increase their flights from Split. One way to attract more tourists (and +3 We are now working with 55 airlines flying passengers) during the winter months would million passengers to about 105 destinations and it is important be to improve the quality of our infrastructure in 2018 to note that we treat all the airlines that fly and accommodation. If you compare us to here equally; they are all the same to us. So Dubrovnik, for example, they have a lot more €60 million the price of our services is the same but each five-star hotels than we do. We have only a cost of extension of airlines will have benefits the more passengers few and our best offer, the Le Méridien Lav, terminal they bring in. is not even in our city but in Stobreč. If we Ten out of the 55 companies operating here have better hotels, we will be able to tap into bring 80% of our traffic so we really try to listen congress tourism which is an all-year tourism. 105 to these 10 best clients and see what they want, We need quality hotels in the center of the city, destinations from Split and we try to provide them with what they need. walking distance from our main attractions in order to bring people during the winter 55 What would you say in the most unique feature months too. airlines flight to Split of Split? I think this is a great investment opportunity Our coast, which you cannot find anything in Split as even though we have good private like it anywhere in Europe! HVAR: THE GO-TO LUXURY DESTINATION IN CROATIA INTERVIEW WITH

Why don’t you discuss some of the most Every night we have more than 10 boats that Before de-population, at the beginning of the current issues for tourism in Hvar? sail from Hvar’s port to Carpe Diem’s Beach. 20th century, the Town of Hvar had more than Last year, we celebrated 150 years of organized 2019 is crucial as we are aiming to get the 11,000 people. During this period agriculture tourism in Hvar, which started in 1868 with Destinatination Management Organization was the main source of income, however, our the first association of tourism, which is today and to create a brand “Island of Hvar” and vineyards, lavender fields and other attractions the Hvar Tourist Board. In the beginning, thus make it easier for tourists to find us. brought tourism from America and Canada. we started with winter tourism and the first hotel had 13 rooms. Last year, we hosted the Are you able to handle so many tourists at Who comes to Hvar? Days of Croatian Tourism, which was a big once in the high season? Currently, millennials occupy more than celebration for Hvar as a quality destination Yes, but our current infrastructure was made 3,500 beds. Most of our guests are young with luxury tourism. This year, we started 40 years ago, which is no longer sustainable. people between the ages of 28 to 38 years old projects that would protect the environment who work all year long and have the money and we started one called “The Whole of What are you doing in terms of environmental to really get the best from their holiday Croatia” with the Institute and Ministry for sustainability? destination. Tourism. Other projects include IQM, where Our main goal is recycling. We’re on the we decide what apartments, hotels, restaurants right path to create an official location for A big issue you’re facing is tourists choosing are five-star in Hvar. composting, which will be transported to the Airbnb over hotels. Another common issue As for summertime we have a lot of cruise mainland by cars and ferries. Petar Razovi we’ve heard is that hotels don’t have a ships, and many of those ships want to spend one ć place for their workers to live in. Have you a honey cake called medenjak. It comes in island of Faros about 2,400 years ago and they day or one night in Hvar. This type of tourism has What’s the population in the winter? Director encountered any of these issues as well? painted little boxes made out of sugar with built the town of Stari Grad. We are also the given us a reputation as a party destination, but Approximately 3,500-4,000 but bear in mind It is certainly one of the biggest issues in different themes and models. Hvar cuisine third longest island in Croatia and we are we are not, and we are always trying to change that the whole island has approximately Hvar Tourist Board Croatia and elsewhere. As for the hotel depends on the quality of its food. With also known as the most luxurious destination that image. 10,000 citizens and in the summertime, workers, we need approximately 3,000 people fish from the Pakleni Islands and delicious within the country. In Hvar’s center you can enjoy different we have more than 50,000 people on the getting them up to speed and changing their who need accommodation here. Suncani meats, our cuisine is very diverse, but mostly kinds of tourism offers such as the Carpe island. We’re facing a big issue because the habits through education. Hvar, the biggest hotel group, can host Mediterranean. So, you are aiming to attract the high-end Diem Bar, targeted to younger demographics. population is not well educated in terms approximately 800. tourism? It is a starting point for those who want to of recycling; therefore, we have to do the How many people lived on the island before For tourists that haven’t had the opportunity Yes. When I speak with people who work in attend Ultra Festival on Pakleni Island. recycling for them, and we are working on the times of emigration? Is it a dual economy, the summer economy to visit the island, how would you differentiate Croatian tourism, they always recommend and the winter economy? Hvar from the northen or middle islands? Hvar as their ideal island to start a trip in Yes, summertime is especially good for people What’s unique about Hvar? Croatia. that work and live in Hvar, they enjoy it and of Hvar is the oldest island in the country, we course they have an extra income compared had our first migrants coming from the Greek As a final message, what would you tell our to the rest of the year. readers to expect from Hvar in 2019? 2019 represents a year of challenges for Are you also benefiting from European funds Croatian tourism. As an example, we are the to develop different parts of your tourism main destination for Great Britain. In the offer? FACTS coming year we will have more beds on the As the Tourist Board we can utilize European island and attractions so that our guests get funds and the Town of Hvar gets money the most out of their vacation, and a unique for cultural events. We are about to start six cultural experience. different projects here in Hvar, which are also 206,734 We are also a great sports destination for getting funds from Europe. This is paramount tourists visit people who love being active during their stay. for the development of tourism in the island Hvar per year This year we will be commemorating the because we will be able to offer a more quality 48th Hvar’s Cultural Summer and I’m certain tourism experience. this year Hvar will continue to be in the spotlight as one of the best tourist destinations Do you have any plans to create gastronomic 10,000 in the world. events? guests in summertime I believe it is paramount to promote our Hvar is under UNESCO’s gastronomical “go- island and showcase all the magnificent to places for traditional cuisine”. Especially natural, cultural, gastronomic and other for the quality of our fish. Our traditional dish, # 1 attractions we have to offer. We have a steady hvarska gregada, fish with potatoes is worldly luxury island in Croatia strategy to attract tourism and investment to recognized for its amazing quality. Also, in Hvar and we will be seeing the results in the Stari Grad, we have the starogrojski paprenjok, short and long term. Tourism HVAR ISLAND: HISTORY & CULTURE ATTRACT NEW BREED OF VISITOR CYCLISTS & HIKERS DISCOVER PARADISE IN DALMATIA The recognized epicenter of beach holidays in Dalmatia, the lavender-covered The landscape and climate of the Dalmatia are ideally suited for walking island of Hvar is also a treasure house of cultural riches, from local wines and and cycling, with the history and hospitality of the region ensuring the seafood to cultural festivals and ancient architecture. perfect vacation for the active and adventurous traveler.

arely 20 years after readers of Condé make it easier for tourists to explore the On the island of Hvar there are no fewer n the last decade, Croatia has become Nast Traveller voted it one of the most natural and cultural heritage of the island than five UNESCO-recognized cultural one of Europe’s most popular destinations Bbeautiful islands in the world, Hvar’s that has been settled by human beings longer attractions that can be explored. Of these Ifor hikers and cyclists of all ages, with the stunning beaches, clear waters and pulsating than any other in the Adriatic. five, perhaps the most celebrated is the hilly and rewarding terrain of the Dalmatian nightlife have turned this once undiscovered In recent years, to discover this history for Mediterranean diet: it is hard to think of mainland and Adriatic islands among the destination into Croatia’s undisputed capital themselves, many higher-income tourists any cuisine that is healthier than Hvar’s, most sought-after regions for the outdoors of sun-and-sea holidays for the millennial have also chosen to discover the narrow streets which is characterized by light food, fresh enthusiasts of today. generation. and Renaissance buildings of Stari Grad or fish, home-made olive oil and wines made Here visitors can trek or cycle through While Hvar still offers a warm welcome “old town”, a relaxed and atmospheric port from indigenous grapes that have basked rugged landscapes while admiring breath- to young and carefree tourists from around town which is lined with art galleries, ice- in sunshine all-year-round. Meanwhile, taking views and architecture, before the world, the island is also developing its cream parlors and welcoming restaurants. authorities are also investing in an increasing refreshing tired bodies with a swim in the appeal to older and more affluent visitors. One of the oldest continuously inhabited number of sporting events and cultural Adriatic at sunset and then an exquisite New five-star hotels are opening to cater settlements in all Europe, around Stari Grad attractions, such as the long-standing Hvar meal accompanied by wines grown in the to this demographic and the frequency of there are olive fields and vineyards that have Summer Festival, all to help make sure that vineyards they may have visited earlier in ferry crossings to the mainland is increasing. been cultivated without interruption since any visitor who comes to this most hospitable the day. Meanwhile, coastal and inland roads are the arrival of the first Greek settlers in the of islands returns home refreshed in body, In recent years, authorities have created being constructed to avert congestion and fourth century BC. mind and soul. thousands of miles of cycling trails across Dalmatia, with official maps available for the entire inland region and for all the castles and fortresses dating as far back as With such a variety of options for bikers major islands. the Middle Ages. and hikers, the region caters for all tastes and The mainland itself offers much more Meanwhile, the islands of Brač and Hvar all abilities. It is hard to think of two people than just verdant landscapes of hills, rivers regularly feature among lists of the best more different than UK Conservative Party and lakes: here cyclists and hikers can coastal cycling destinations in Europe. politician Boris Johnson and Opposition explore the wine-growing region where the Hvar in particular, with its endless lavender Leader Jeremy Corbyn, but in recent years Long known for its amazing party nightlife and its world-famous very first Zinfandel grapes were cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves, offers some both men have been spotted on cycling musical festivals, Novalja is rapidly evolving into a must-visit destination. For the adventure and thrill of adrenaline sports, there hundreds of years ago, at the same time of the most scenic walks and cycling paths holidays in Dalmatia, the region that really is biking, trekking, racing…and the famous Life on Mars, as discovering historic villages and visiting anywhere in the Mediterranean. does offer something for everyone. David Bowie’s tribute race, where runners compete across a surreal moon-like landscape. Whether its cultural events, sports, or simply the peace of hidden turquoise bays, Novalja is simply… PERFECT IN EVERY WAY HVAR A LUXURY ESCAPE FOR THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL

Hvar is a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage. The island boasts pristine warm waters, secluded beaches, historical sights and amazing Renaissance architecture. Whether it’s enjoying www.visitnovalja.com fresh seafood on a yacht, or walking in endless lavender fields, Images: ©Visit Novalja ©Visit Images: www.visithvar.hr Hvar Island leaves guests with unforgettable experiences. PORT OF ZADAR: POISED FOR EXPANSION INTERVIEW WITH

Can you give us a brief introduction on the very close by the port, about 5 km away with Zadar becomes an established international Port of Zadar? a highway connecting airport and port, will airport with several direct flights to the most In 2007 the municipality and the region of also help us to increase the number of cruise important European cities and even to the Zadar decided to move the port from the passengers. United States. Having international flights downtown area of Zadar city to another not so close to the port is very important for the close to the center, Gaženica. Having the port Zadar wishes to become a homeport for some homeport business. The airport in Zadar in the downtown area meant too many trucks, cruise ships. Can you expand on that? has a business plan to expand its terminal cars, passengers that made circulation difficult. Last year the issue of both ports in Venice and building in order to increase its capacity. So a credit line of about €220 million was Dubrovnik becoming overcrowded became The government is fully supporting this taken from two banks, KfW and the European very apparent. Venice had 1.2 million passengers initiative. Investment Bank (EIB), to carry out the and Dubrovnik about 900,000 passengers Zadar is one of few airports that has the project. The project started in 2009 and is still and those numbers are not sustainable. They capacity to grow because the land around is in progress; hopefully it will be finished by the needed to reduce the number of ships coming free for development, which is not always end of this year. to their ports. So Zadar, as it is right in the the case for some airports so close to cities. Last year, the traffic at the port here in middle of both cities, could be a solution as we This is just one of our great advantages, Gaženica was of about 465,000 cars and still have room for growth. the airport can expand and is very close to trucks and 1.6 million ferry passengers. The The terminal is not only very close to the port area, just five kilometers by highway. number of cruise passengers also grew to about downtown Zadar, just 3 kilometers, so it is easy Robert Škifi And our link to the airport is direct, you don’t 166,000 passengers. When we first moved to for cruise passengers to visit the city but also ć need to go into town which really facilitates Gaženica, it was about 30,000 so this is quite an very close to several national parks: National General Manager the movement of people and goods, saves impressive growth. Our intention is to grow to Park of Plitvice Lakes, National Park of Krka, time and even helps traffic flow. about 235,000 passengers in the next few years. Paklenica, National Park of Kornati Islands, Zadar Port Authority We hope to achieve this growth with the etc. Being surrounded by nature makes Zadar Environment is a major concern to Zadar are ready to be a Schengen terminal, and currently finishing the connection between help of Global Ports Holding with whom we a very interesting destination to become a You also mentioned the airport being close to county prefect Božidar Longin… we have all the facilities here with custom the cargo and the terminal port. have signed a contract as they will manage the homeport. The parks make a great day tour the port which could help Zadar being an ideal And for us. It’s important that our economy police, port master, etc. And we have a project to finish two fishing international passenger terminal. They are one for cruise passengers as it does not take more homeport. grows, and tourism can help that. We want We also have a container terminal which ports. This is very important for our economy of the biggest operators of passenger terminals than an hour to get to them from the port. Also, Correct. We work very closely with the tourism to increase but environment must is a project we are about to finish. We are because in the Zadar Region, fishing is a in the world. The aim is that by 2022 we reach Zadar old town is a must, as it is a UNESCO management of the airport and our intention be a priority too. So our strategy and plan is vital and strong industry. 240,000 cruise passengers. Having the airport heritage city. is that in a very short time the Airport of to become a ‘green port’ in the near future. 2019 is the first year that the terminal is We have started looking into using alternative operational, it will be our first season. The energy sources such as LNG, hydrogen and FACTS first cruiser will come on April 5th and solar power. We are also looking into using we expect them to come until the end of electricity for our domestic ferry transport. The November. We expect to have about 130 ride from here to Preko, for example, is very cruise ships and 185,000 passengers this short, just about 20 minutes so we could use 1997 year. ferries operated by an electric power system as Port of Zadar Authority it is being done in countries like Norway. was established How to present Zadar to those that are not familiar with the city and region? Your port has brand new infrastructure I always tell people that they just have to which makes it very competitive. How do you come and visit Zadar and see this part of compare your port to the others in the region? 2.6 million Croatia for themselves since it is one of Zadar has one of the most modern terminals ferry passengers in 2018 the oldest towns in the Mediterranean with in the Mediterranean and our new terminal Illyrian, Greek and Roman influence. It is was not just built for cruise ships, it is also one of the biggest Croatian historical towns for domestic passenger transport to and 166,000 and as I said before, surrounded by fantastic from the islands. We are the second biggest cruise passengers in 2018 national parks. port in Croatia after Split. Split has about And from here they can visit other parts of 4.5 million passengers while we have 2.5 Dalmatia as we are connected to other cities million passengers. like Split or Šibenik, by highway. And from And our terminal also caters for 5 km Zadar, people can go to many islands that international lines. We currently have distance from are very beautiful. The Kornati Islands, for connections to Italy, but we want to open Zadar Airport example, are one of the most popular places the new lines, so we are in negotiations for those interested in nautical sports. It is with other ports in the Mediterranean. We ideal for sailing. Tourism

ZADAR: A CROATIAN JEWEL WHERE HISTORY ABOUNDS With a fascinating history that dates even back to the Stone Ages, the city of Zadar sits pristinely atop the Adriatic Sea and forms the seat of Zadar County in the Northern area of Dalmatia.

adar was an important Renaissance center 12th to 13th century and is the largest in between the 15th and 17th centuries, Dalmatia. The Church of St. Donatus, built Zproducing scholars, architects, painters on the site of a temple of Juno in the 9th and sculptors. It’s considered to be a historical century, is the most important building of its center in Dalmatia. It is also thought to be a time in Dalmatia. hub for everything from political thought to Other sights not to be missed are the art, education, culture and events. Citadel which was erected in 1409 and has Today it is one of the most popular tourist not changed to this day, the Land Gate, the destinations in Croatia. It has been named Great Arsenal and the unique Sea Organ “entertainment center of the Adriatic” by which is a major tourist interest. The Times and “Croatia’s new capital of cool” Not only the city, but the region is full by The Guardian. Additionally, the Belgian of national parks with hundreds of islets portal europeanbestdestinations.com held a near lakes and waterfalls, karst barren land, 3-week voting period in 2016 and Zadar was endless forests, unimpaired and intact nature voted “Best European Destination”. with thousand-year-old cultivated landscape There are numerous churches and of olive groves and vineyards. cathedrals to take in while sightseeing and Beaches and hidden coves, pinewoods, many people come for culture as well as the endless dry stone walls and an abundance of beaches. St. Anastasia’s Cathedral was built herbs are all accessible in this pleasant and with a Romanesque style basilica from the mild Mediterranean climate.

The “New Port Zadar” project opening in 2019 includes the INVESTMENTS FOR relocation of the ferry terminal and the construction of the new ferry port in Gaženica, south of the centre that has The gateway to central Dalmatia GROWTH excellent access to the highway, railway and airport. These recent, massive strategic investments have set the port on a path for growth in passenger, cargo and cruise traffic that will positively impact the city and the entire region.

PORT OF ZADAR AUTHORITY www.port-authority-zadar.hr www.zadar-airport.hr JADROLINIJA: A SHIPPING COMPANY WITH A HUNDRED-YEAR-LONG TRADITION INTERVIEW WITH

When was the company founded and where do and improving life standards for those living you operate now? both on the islands and the mainland. Jadrolinija was founded in January 1947, 72 years We’ve been transporting children to school, ago. The company has continuously grown ever islanders to hospitals and medical facilities in since and today it is considered to be the leader the mainland, to public institutions, etc. We in maritime liner in Croatia. We are also among also transport construction materials, water the top 10 ferry companies in the world. for those islands that aren’t connected to land We have a fleet of 51 ships which operates plumbing, food and whatever is necessary for a on 34 local lines. We also have 3 international normal life on the islands. ferries connecting Croatia and Italy; from Zadar In addition, we haul waste from the islands to Ancona, Split to Ancona and Dubrovnik to to the mainland’s dump sites thus helping to Bari. And for the past three years, we have been reduce a number of illegal dump sites on the connecting the Port of Bar in Montenegro to islands. We also transport fuel for petrol stations. Bari in Italy with high-speed crafts. The past two years have been excellent for What are your current priorities and goals? us as we reached record numbers transporting The company is currently going through a around 12 million passengers and over 3 restructuring and modernization process. million vehicles yearly. Our company has been We started with the renovation of the fleet, David Sopta experiencing steady growth as the economy of which is our main goal. We are constantly most important, we are constantly investing Therefore, we started a campaign “Become a relationship with the Faculty of Maritime our islands grown as well due to increasing investing in the fleet, considering the versatility CEO in our passengers’ comfort with new lounges, member of Jadrolinija’s team” for the first time. Studies in Split and we are able to select and tourism. of our islands and the demands we are obliged to kids corners in longer trips, etc. We are doing We’ve been focusing on hiring “white” staff and get our staff through them. We now want the meet. Port infrastructure is developed differently Jadrolinija everything we can to assure our services provide have had really good responses so far. People “white” staff to be proud of working for us too. What does Jadrolinija bring to the local from island to island, so we have to adjust our pleasure and safety for our passengers. didn’t really know that Jadrolinija needed those islanders? ships to each port’s characteristics. The waters lasting longer so the workload on our fleet is types of workers, because Jadrolinija mostly In which areas do you see the greatest potential Croatia is famous for its numerous islands and are also diverse - the winds are stronger in some increasing. However, during winter months What is one of your biggest challenges as the reminds people of seafarers. for foreign investments in Croatia? 56 of them are populated so our main aim is to waters meaning that the navigation is more the traffic subsides creating space for a different number of tourists keeping growing every year? We are a respectable company in the Croatia is a diverse country with beautiful nature connect these islands to the mainland. demanding. Because of that, we always need to kind of challenge - an overhaul of our ships. Airplane tickets are cheaper now so more country and for a lot of seafarers it’s a prestige so there is a lot of opportunities in tourism. For the past five years, responding to have different types of ships in order to meet all We’ve also invested a lot into digitization tourists are coming to Croatia by plane. Split, to be a part of Jadrolinija. We have a great I personally believe in a smart sustainable passengers demands, we’ve increased service the demands. and modernization of our business. We Zadar and Dubrovnik airports have been tourism development and I see potential growth from cities like Split, Zadar, Rijeka and Our business depends highly on seasonality opened an online tour booking and reservation experiencing a two-digit growth every new in medical, nature, cycle, hiking tourism to Dubrovnik to our islands with the purpose of and there is bigger pressure on our fleet during system, introduced pre-paid cards, created season. And a lot of these visitors want to travel FACTS name a few. We need to take advantage that we enabling more mobility to our local islanders summer months. Also, the high season is a mobile application for selling tickets and to the islands using our catamarans and ferries. have a great combination of seaside with nearby So one of the biggest challenges to our business mountains and a good climate too. is to properly plan how to transport them from Also, the sustainable development of our the airports on the mainland to the hotels on 1947 seafood production is an opportunity for the islands in the best possible and sustainable year it was founded investors. We are already exporting tuna to way. The government established new laws on Japan. Some fish farmers are also already sustainability in the islands and we definitely exporting their entire production to Europe. need to respect and consider them. 3 large car ferries What is it that makes this region different from How are you solving the problems connected to (night ferries) the others? the lack of people willing to work in seasonal jobs? Its geographical location and history. The Jadrolinija is a 100 percent state company due influence of the Roman Empire, Austro to its strategic role in the national economy 33 Hungarian governance and Italy is noticeable so we always hire our employees permanently local-route car ferries in the region’s culture, architecture and way and not by contract as other international of living. shipping companies often do. And in order The climate variety, from the mountain to keep our staff, we are constantly investing 4 U ka to flora and fauna of the islands of Cres, in their training and education in accordance classic passenger ships Lošinj and Krk also make the region quite with international certificates and rules. different from others. However, we do have a problem with the 10 Kvarner and part of Istria is known as a “white” staff - waiters, chefs, house maids, fast passenger ships treatment center, especially with thalassotherapy cleaners, etc, we do lack the workforce for in Opatija, Mali Lošinj, the Island of Rab and these jobs. Crikvenica. That is very unique too. Tourism REINVENTING NOVALJA: EXPERIENCING AUTHENTIC THE CITY GOES UPMARKET DALMATIAN CULTURE IN MAKARSKA There is much more to Novalja than the nightclubs of Zrće Beach. Trail races through As well as offering some of the finest beaches in the Adriatic, the the stunning landscape, new cultural festivals & luxury accommodation are all Makarska Riviera is rich in opportunities for hiking, cycling & changing the face of tourism on Pag island. exploring the historic villages of southern Dalmatia.

n the long and rocky island of Pag just established fixture on the European sporting to mind that other Mediterranean capital off the coast of northern Dalmatia, calendar, “Life on Mars” is one of a series of of hedonism, Ibiza. Dabo has visited the Oevery summer the legendary clubs of initiatives that is helping to reposition Novalja Balearic island to discover how authorities Zrće Beach in Novalja welcome thousands as a destination not only for music lovers, but there are managing to combine the two facets of youngsters who come from afar to dance also for adventure tourists, gastronomes and of tourism. the days and nights away. But in recent years culture vultures. Like Ibiza, Dabo has put safety, community visitors have also been able to participate in an “This event is attracting more and more relations and sustainability at the heart of his entirely different sort of workout, as hardened people every year,” says Ante Dabo, the strategy for the responsible growth of tourism. competitors flock to Novalja to take part in one Mayor of the City of Novalja. “The moon Tax cuts have encouraged the construction of Europe’s most scenic and demanding trail landscape experience in Pag is unique and of upscale hotels, rural properties across races – the so-called “Life on Mars” event. we have great potential for incredible trails. the region are being converted into luxury Named after David Bowie’s classic song in By investing in sports events, cultural festivals holiday villas, and a marina is being planned recognition of the spectacular rocky terrain and gastronomy, we can extend our tourism for 2024. “We still want young people to of the Novalja region, this year’s race in season and appeal to higher-end tourists.” come and enjoy themselves, but within five March attracted more than 1,000 competitors The combination of a spectacular years we are going to change the position of from Croatia and across Europe. Now an landscape and world-famous nightclubs calls Novalja on the tourism map,” Dabo predicts.

ocated in a glorious setting in the foothills now developing authentic experiences that mountainous hinterland. For the first time of the Biokovo mountains, Makarska has are opening up new parts of the region, this year, in the stunning Botanical Garden Llong counted among the most popular preserving the environment and extending in the hamlet of Kotiština inside the nature of Croatian resort towns, beloved by local the tourism season. park, visitors will be able to witness the families, Germans, Scandinavians and Brits In the celebrated Biokovo Nature Park, reconstruction of an imposing 17th century alike. Combining the best of Mediterranean which offers spectacular views of the Makarska fortress and medieval church while exploring beach tourism with easy access to the Riviera and the island of Brač, work is the village on a new bicycle path. mountains, the Makarska Riviera enjoys an currently underway on an EU-funded project And all along the slopes of the Biokovo enduring appeal, welcoming some 1.5 million which will build a “skywalk” glass platform Mountains, plans are afoot to convert overnight visitors last summer. across the edge of a cliff, as well as limiting traditional rural properties into heritage To avert the menace of overtourism in access to the park by cars and making regular hotels connected by cycling paths, adding this most attractive of destinations, and and electric bicycles available to visitors. an entirely new dimension to the experience to increase Makarska’s appeal to higher Makarska is also working hard to showcase of tourists who choose Makarska for their spending travelers, local authorities are the historical and cultural heritage of its summer vacation.

ITS SUBLIME BEACHES ACCOUNT FOR SOME OF THE BEST COASTLINE AMAZING MAKARSKA IN ALL OF CROATIA For nature lovers, Biokovo Nature Park is an enriching excursion for hiking tours and perfect to discover the diverse vegetation and wildlife. Only a short ferry ride separates Makarska from the island of Brač, while a catamaran line and numerous day-trip boats connect it to other islands and towns in the summer months. www.makarska-info.hr ŠIBENIK: A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE WITH RICH CULTURAL HISTORY INTERVIEW WITH

Can you give us a brief introduction on Šibenik? world musicians. Then we have St. John The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of Šibenik is the political, economic, social and which will ensure a gastro-visual experience life on Zlarin throughout the year and create cultural center of the Šibenik-Knin county in after its ongoing renovation and the Barone the conditions for the citizens to live and work Dalmatia. The city is right in the middle of Fortress with a virtual reality museum. Also, on their island. The project is not only related the Croatian Adriatic coast in an indented bay we recently started with the construction of to corals, but also aims to revitalize the whole where the Krka River meets the sea. It is also a long-awaited cable car, which is supposed area. very unique because while Solin, Trogir, Hvar to connect the two Šibenik fortresses of St. and Vis were Greek, Roman and Byzantine, Michael and St. John. What about the projects developed on Obonjan Šibenik is a “new city” and it is considered There is a new part of the city being planned Island? to be the oldest native Croatian town on the out at the moment which is going to be called These are also very interesting because it is sea shore. Šibenik has a very Mediterranean Nikola, after St. Nicholas Fortress. It’s an a glamping island now. It is located just six climate with mild, humid winters and hot, investment by a Swiss investment fund; they’ve kilometers from the Croatian mainland and dry summers. We are the only city in Croatia, been buying land from private owners in order a 25-minute speedboat ride from Šibenik. and one of the few in the world—five as a to develop this huge project. Obonjan is now one of the most picturesque matter of fact—with two UNESCO protected places in Europe. monuments: St. James Cathedral and the St. Can you tell us about another project, the Nicholas Fortress. Croatian Coral Center on the island of Zlarin? Can you tell us about the national parks that one This project started in the summer of 2018 can visit while in Šibenik? The city is famous for its fortresses. How many and involves the reconstruction of the Željko Buri Two of our national parks are located here. are there? Šare and Kažerma houses on the island. Mayor First, Kornati, an archipelago with about 150 There are four fortresses, each of which has The Kažerma House will be an exhibition small islands with a nature preserve located in views of the city, sea and nearby islands. We space with a permanent exhibition that will City of Šibenik the north of the city. It’s the densest archipelago have withdrawn about € 7.56 million from present an overview of the ecosystems and in the Mediterranean Sea. EU funds for their renovation, thanks to protected species of the Šibenik archipelago, The project will establish a visitor Second, Krka, named after the river which And then we have our third pillar which is You mentioned you also want to develop which all of them are now interesting and the Zlarin coral traditions and a library with tracking system, monitor the coronal genetic is famous for its several waterfalls. It is also education. We are investing in our system of other sectors. Any specific one that is worth unique tourist sites. St. Nicholas Fortress is scientific papers. The Šare House will be biocenosis, acquire electric vessels and an example of an extremely preserved nature higher education. We would like to develop mentioning? the one located on Ljuljevacat island at the reconstructed and turned into an educational passenger transport vehicles, create a set and landscape located along the Krka River. the science, technology, engineering, and Croatia is not using its healthcare facilities entrance of Šibenik. St. Michael’s Fortress research center with working space and of unique souvenirs, conduct training for This national park can be visited at multiple mathematics (STEM) areas and anything enough. It could certainly be a medical is in the historic town center and has a accommodation for researchers and visiting staff and partners, develop educational and locations. related to renewable energy and energy tourism destination too because there are unique open-air stage that hosts famous scientists. tourism programs, and develop the brand. efficiency. excellent hospitals, well-educated people How important is tourism for the development and good climate. So this is another sector of the city today? we can easily develop that would also provide It is one of the three main pillars for the jobs for the population all year round and development of the city and it is getting most not just the summer season. of our attention because it has the fastest FACTS Though in Dalmatia tourism is the main return on the time and effort invested. But economic sector in most of the cities, in although it is going to play an important role Šibenik we are not putting all our eggs in the in the development of Šibenik, we won’t same basket and it is important to diversify the concentrate our efforts only on tourism. We 4 economy. want to develop other sectors as well. fortresses Our second pillar is our economy. We What would you like to tell our readers about have an industrial park, PODI, that presents the city? several opportunities to foreigner investors. 38 The nucleus of Šibenik old town is At the moment there are 38 companies companies operating in actually bigger than Dubrovnik’s! And we operating, around 1,400 people employed the city’s industrial park are concentrating our efforts in solving and it’s completely infrastructurally infrastructure problems because without equipped. We already have a very good organized and reliable infrastructure— example of a Slovenian company that water, sewerage, gas and transport—there is present in Šibenik with a successful 2021 is no modern tourism. When we finalize aluminum plant. We were an industrial city completion of Šibenik our infrastructure development project in the past and we can certainly become infrastructure in 2021, 99% of the citizens of Šibenik an important industrial center again, but development project will be connected to a centralized water this time a sustainable and environmental and sewerage systems. And all citizens are conscious one. already connected to a liquid gas system. ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: A DIVERSE REGION WITH TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL INTERVIEW WITH

Is Šibenik booming at the moment? our waste management as well as water So we want to industrialize our region as in Yes. And the first sign of positive growth and sewage systems. These are massive the past, but adapting it to the present time. comes from the construction sector which is underground investments that cannot be We will develop our industrial park along doing well here at the moment. seen and appreciated but they are essential. tourism, which is new for us. Any infrastructure development that is going What have been the advantages of Croatia to take place will help both tourism and How about the sector of agriculture? What’s joining the European Union (EU)? entrepreneurial growth. the potential here? We have definitely benefited from joining We can develop traditional agriculture the EU and we can already see some of You just mentioned growth of tourism and and are now trying to brand some of the results. Maybe it’s not reflecting in the business, meaning you are not betting on just our products such as pršut, a Dalmatian citizens’ pockets yet as we would have liked one sector, tourism. Does the county have the smoked ham. Drniški pršut already has the it, but there are a lot of things that are being potential to diversify its activities and develop European denomination and branding, and done with European funds that couldn’t a multi-sector economy? protection of food products by the EU does be done with our regional or even national We are expecting tourism to be the most help increase the value of your product. We budgets. I would say that perhaps 80% of important sector, but we can’t base our also want to brand our lamb, which is very today’s public investments in Croatia are development only on tourism; this would tasty because they eat grass by the seaside. being done with European funds, that’s a lot be very dangerous. In the past, during The production of wine, cheese and honey of money. We are a young European country the Yugoslavian times, we were the 3rd or should also be incentivized. We have a with a lot of infrastructure needs. 4th town in the country with the biggest Goran Pauk very specific mutton cheese, very strong in Šibenik-Knin County, for example, has industrial park. We had a lot of heavy Prefect the taste, but very good, typical from here signed over €175 million worth of contracts industry here. So, we can, and will develop and made according to old traditions. And with European funds. Not all of them our industrial potential again. The former Šibenik-Knin County of course, the wine industry has a lot of have been concluded yet, but they will factories of electrodes and ferroalloys, potential. The vineyards got a lot of subsidies Correct, around a quarter of the income hinterland of the county as attractive as its be carried out. We are among the top 20 for example, have been transformed and even more so they can produce aluminum and help after the war because we knew our generated by nautical tourism in Croatia coastline? Croatian counties that have managed to get today we have a huge factory producing for the car industry. wines could be competitive. comes from my county. We have about 4,000 When we talk about sustainable a considerable amount of European funds. aluminum here. Another investment, also from Slovenia, Now, our agriculture can’t be extensive. places for the boats and about 12 marinas development, it is important to disperse There was a big investment from Slovenia, happened a few months ago. Iskra, a globally We have to think of niche markets, specific including the old marina in Šibenik. the tourists and to avoid the problem that Could you give us a couple of examples of about €100 million so far, in this factory and recognized provider of intelligent industrial products with extremely high quality and some cities have nowadays. So in this sense, infrastructure developments that the county it has been a very successful investment solutions and cutting-edge electro-technical small production but yet being profitable. What about the development of Šibenik- we need to offer some opportunities and is going to carry out with European funds? example in a sector not directly related to products, bought a former military shipyard Knin County’s rural area for tourism? Is the encourage investments in the hinterland. We are currently investing and upgrading tourism. And they are planning on investing here in Šibenik. Please tell us more about all the construction We have about 500 hectares of touristic work we see in and around the city. zone in our county plan. A quarter or one Šibenik city has become a tourism destination third of these 500 hectares are already and has really taken off in the last two years. So FACTS being used but we still have a lot of free there is a lot of work being done in town. The space throughout the coast and the inland fortresses are being remodeled, a town beach for tourism development. With the help of is being built, a lot of little and relatively big European funds, we are prioritizing projects hotels are being constructed, etc. 2 inland, in the rural areas. By doing so we will

Another successful foreign investment in 5,670 km raise the accommodation offer in the rural total area Šibenik, D-Resort Šibenik, comes from the areas hoping to attract more tourists to the Turkish Doğuş Group. They invested €25 interior areas of the county and consequently million in this hotel. help the local communities grow. There is a +110,000 lot of potential in eco and agro-tourism, just The Dalmatian Coast is being served by three population like in parts of Istria. airports with international flights. Will there be a fourth one here in Šibenik? Tell us something unique about your county. Yes, we are trying to establish our own airport, My county, home of the city of Šibenik, is the but it might take some time as we do have two 285 only one in Croatia that has two UNESCO islands & islets airports close by, Split less than 50 km and Zadar monuments. Not many cities in the world not even 100 km. But we have the place for our has two UNESCO sites and this is an airport, a flat area near the city. We are looking for excellent accomplishment that will help the a private investor to perhaps develop this project. 12 growth of our tourism sector. People want to Šibenik-Knin County has an excellent marinas visit these special sites and they come from nautical tourism offer… all over, especially from the Far East. Tourism Šibenik: ŠIBENIK STEERS COURSE TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Careful development is helping to open up the historic city of Šibenik and its surrounding national parks to foreign tourism, and at the same Where the city is a stage time preserving the region’s cultural and natural treasures

ith a medieval center that is larger even Venetians - as well as a whole series of other alternative to Croatia’s Adriatic beaches. than Dubrovnik’s, the city of Šibenik, fortifications and Renaissance buildings. The region’s other national park, the Kornati Wunlike the other historic towns which But while major investments in new hotel archipelago of c.150 small islands, has line the Adriatic coast, is unique in having infrastructure have led to a sustained surge in become one of the Adriatic’s most sought-after been founded not by the Greeks, Romans or visitor numbers, authorities in the region are destinations for yachting, scuba diving and their Illyrian predecessors but by the Croats also taking preemptive steps to avert the risks other forms of nautical tourism. Meanwhile, themselves. of overcrowding in the city by developing the the islands of Zlarin and Prvić, just a short boat Today this attractive city of fortresses, festivals potential for tourism elsewhere. journey away from Šibenik, offer perhaps the and concerts, located a short drive to the north “We want to disperse tourists across our rural easiest chance for a secluded swim anywhere of Split, is emerging as one of Croatia’s fastest areas, which have high potential for ecotourism in the Adriatic. growing tourism destinations. Sitting on the and agritourism,” explains Goran Pauk, the “Our strategy from the start has been based beautiful bay of the river Krka, Šibenik is the prefect of Šibenik-Knin County. on sustainable development,” says Dino smallest city in the world to be home to two Already, the stunning waterfalls and Karadole, the director of the Šibenik Tourism UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the Cathedral swimming holes of the nearby Krka National Office. “We have learnt from the mistakes of of St James from the 15th and 16th centuries Park are welcoming increasing numbers others and are completely focused on being a and the St Nicholas Fortress built later by the of foreign visitors looking for a more active high-end, sustainable destination.” The breathtaking city of Šibenik sits on the central Croatian Adriatic Coast, in a picturesque bay where the beautiful Krka River enters the sea. A jewel of the Venetian empire that was one of Croatia’s most important human and renaissance centres. The world´s smallest city to boast two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The coast here is dotted with pristine islands and some of the best sand beaches on the Adriatic. Many national parks like Krka and Kornati offer guests an incredible natural experience.

And best of all, the city becomes a living stage in summer, filled with theatre and music events that cover a wide array of of styles from classical to electronic beats. With its own Michelin star restaurant and gourmet food events, foodies will not be disappointed.

VISIT ŠIBENIK, HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

www.sibenik-tourism.hr

Gastronomy

THE INCREDIBLE WINES OF DALMATIA It’s been said long ago that the entire history of Dalmatia is historically, economically & artistically tied to winemaking. Scientists estimate that wine GRK was produced in this area as early as 3,800 years ago by the Illyrians; later Korčula Island’s perfected by the Greeks and then carried on by the Romans. unbelievable prized white wine

It’s a wine with no vowels, grown on vines POŠIP that have no pollination and most people have never heard of Grk, but its story reads The super grape of like a legend. Brought by the Greeks, hence Korčula & Dalmatia the name “Grk”, this delicious white wine is produced against all odds and comes from Indigenous to the island of Korčula, the Pošip vines that cannot even replicate themselves, grape can now be found across all of Dalmatia; having only female parts. oday, this unbelievable legacy continues in the Pelješac Peninsula, the islands of Brač It is nurtured in special sandy soil on throughout the region, where small and Hvar, Pakleni, the Korlat region and terraces high above the Adriatic and in only Tproductions of highly artisanal wines the Biokovo slopes of Makarska. Although one tiny part of the island of Korčula in the and their descendants thrive in this unique historically considered an “old-school wine”, Bire Winery. climate. the Pošip grape is now considered to be one This is a wine so prized that it makes of the most prestigious super grapes standing champagne look common and due to the shoulder to shoulder with the likes of the very limited quantity of production, the DINGAČ Chardonnays, Pinots and Rieslings. wine is not exported, ensuring an exclusivity In 1967, Pošip was the first white wine in that wine connoisseurs across the globe Dalmatia & the Croatia to be bestowed a denomination of hanker after. Pelisjac’s Peninsula’s origin and has since won numerous awards and recognitions both domestically and best kept secret internationally. With an intense aroma and flavor – think figs and dried apricots – it’s a The Pelješac Peninsula is home to a variety full-bodied white wine with a good balance of of the Plavac Mali grape called Dingač. alcohols and acids. ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY Considered one of the most difficult wines to produce in the world, only farmers on donkeys can access the steep, abrupt hills that tower above the sea below. Danger Rich in Tradition, re is never far away in the form of venomous horned vipers which hide themselves in the Excited about Natu shrubbery and pose a threat to the grape BOŠKINAC GEGIĆ pickers in these vertical vineyards. This strong and majestic red wine is considered a Wine made from tradition and passion hidden Croatian treasure. The production of wine on the beautiful island of Pag has been nurtured for centuries. Gegić is a dry white wine produced from the variety of the same name. This is a gentle, aperitif wine with light floral and mineral aromas and a moderate alcohol. Hidden in one of the island’s vineyard, you can find the lovely Boškinac Winery, Hotel & Restaurant who produce Gegi . This ć Šibenik-Knin County is awash in experiences: camping on the coast, vineyard-boutique hotel is family-run, with an incredible past of father biking in the hinterland, and even sailing the breathtaking Kornati Islands. to son winemakers whose love for Gegi and other local wines can be Along with its two UNESCO World Heritage sites, St. James Cathedral ć and St. Nicholas Fortress, the region also abounds in architecture and tasted in their exquisite blends. Boškinac is one of the loveliest places culture. With organically farmed delicacies of its ancestors, high-end to stay and eat in all of Croatia, “It offers an oasis of peace, a wealth of restaurants and cafés, the region and its pleasures promise to excite. aromas, magnificent views and an atmosphere embraced by the magic of the island.”

www.dalmatiasibenik.hr ŠIBENIK PORT: MODERN & FUNCTIONAL INTERVIEW WITH

How does Šibenik Port Authority contribute to also getting funds from the Croatian Bank for the economic development of the city? Reconstruction and Development (HBOR). There are six ports in Croatia: Šibenik, Dubrovnik, Plo e, Split, Zadar and Rijeka How are the terminals being upgraded? that play a special role in the national There will be a new passenger quay and a economy. So Šibenik Port contributes not special building for those arriving from a only to the county’s development, but also to Schengen country. This is necessary since we the whole nation. are now part of the European Union and we Šibenik Port is important to the city need to comply with all their requirements. because of its two functions; as a cargo port There will also be a new building which and a passenger terminal. will host the port’s administration, customs Right now, the passenger terminal is extremely office, police station, those in charge of important because it connects, by ferry, all the nautical patrols, etc. The idea is to have all islands near Šibenik to the mainland and it is those agencies that cooperate and work for also a stop for many mini cruisers that travel the development of the port, and the city, along the Adriatic. There is also a berth for under one roof. You will need to go to only bigger cruisers (up to 240 meters of length) and one place for all those services. even bigger ships can anchor in our attractive channel. And since tourism is playing a vital Can you tell us about your ‘’green port’’ Cedo Petrina role in our economic development, it is crucial strategy? Director that our passenger terminal works properly. We want our cargo port to be a green one. The Unfortunately, the cargo terminal is a bit port has been handling imports of phosphates Šibenik Port Authority neglected at the moment, but due to the and potash and exports of fertilizers, timber growth and development that Šibenik has had and aluminum, but we will now ban all loads 1937. In addition to aluminum, the important the Croatian Adriatic coast with spectacular What role is innovation playing in the upgrading the same standards of those in Venice or recently, the government has agreed to help us containing ores. industry branches are connected with the sites very close to us. Krka National Park, for and improvements the port is going through? Barcelona, which are two important ports in revitalize its infrastructure. Our aim is to have I can already say that about 90% of the building and servicing of ships and steel example, is only 13 kilometers away. The We are just starting the renovation of the port the Mediterranean. a modern, functional and visually pleasing current cargo going through the port is construction. towns of Skradin, Primošten and Vodice are and we have learnt a lot by observing others. Soon, we can expect cruisers to be cargo port. We aspire to have a port that is in already ‘clean’ and doesn’t contain ores. One There is an aluminum factory about 1 all very close to our city and they are very After learning from their mistakes, we are now connected to the power from the city every sense on par with European standards. of the reasons for going ‘green’ is that the port to 2 kilometers from the port and all of the appealing to visitors. implementing better decisions. What we do generator and if you take a walk on our This renovation, which is a strain on our is quite close to the city center. aluminum they use in this factory as well as Šibenik is becoming more and more know is that we want it to be as sophisticated waterfront, you will find smart benches and budget, is starting next year. Then it will take in some factories in Bosnia and Slovenia, popular for cruise ships. As a matter of fact, as possible and would like our port to have solar trees that have Wi-Fi networks. us another year and a half to finish the work. Does aluminum still play an important role in go through our port. Viking Ocean Cruises announced earlier Also, digitalization is very important to us. We the city’s economy? this year that they will have 7 arrivals in our are connected to the CIMIS (Croatian Integrated How are the renovations being funded? Šibenik has a long industrial tradition in What other important cargo goes through city in 2021. FACTS Maritime Information System) network which The European Structural and Investment Funds manufacturing of aluminum products, steel Šibenik Port? And we don’t mind the size of the ship ensures port authorities, coast patrols, customs in cooperation with the Croatian Ministry of constructions and shipbuilding. Aluminum Wood, sugar, fertilizers, to name a few. But that docks in our port, all are welcome, even officers, captains and pilots are integrated the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure is funding processing is the most important economic due to our ‘green’ strategy we have changed the if they are small ones. and connected and we can track arrivals and way a few things are shipped. For example, the the works in the passenger terminal. We are and export activity, with a tradition since departures from the other ports and so on. fertilizers. In the past, it was an open-air cargo How do you intend to attract more cruisers to 2004 Apart from that we are also involved establishment of which could pollute the air, but now we use Šibenik Port? with a few smaller digitalization projects the ‘big bag system’ which means fertilizers are I believe we have a different approach to Šibenik Port Authority like Digilogs which will be able to give us transported in closed containers. cruiser guests: we focus more attention on feedback from our visitors, something very them. For instance, when they arrive, we 13 km important if we want to improve our services. You are situated close to important ports such welcome them with our traditional acapella away from Krka I’d like to point out that the government as the one in Zadar which has been completely singers and fritule, our local delicacy. National Park is fully supporting us with the initiatives in renovated. What is Šibenik Port’s competitive When tourists go to Dubrovnik, they are every way. advantage? there almost exclusively for the city. But when First of all, the Šibenik channel is a really they come to Šibenik, there is much more to 2 What would you like to see taking place next at berths with 10 m depth attractive entry into the city, especially for do so we can offer more to the agencies and the port? cruisers. We also have a quay that goes right tourists. Only one third of the tourists stay in The port’s management and the government into the city center which means that visitors the city center while the other two thirds go 510 m see the importance of connecting the port, by are able to go sightseeing right away. to the fantastic destinations around the city length of Vrulje Quay railway, to several parts of Croatia and even to Another important advantage is the in our county as there are plenty organized neighboring countries. This is something that location of our port, right in the middle of excursions on offer. we have to work on. Tourism

DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY: BEAUTY ABOUNDS

Southern Dalmatia is rich in opportunities for ecotourism and adventure, from the sparkling waters and forests of the Adriatic islands to the legendary wines and hospitality of the mainland.

or increasing numbers of visitors to Croatia every year, it is not just the fabled city of FDubrovnik that is their final destination but the spectacular islands, beaches and countryside of the region that surrounds it. Including such natural gems as the verdant island of Mljet and the secretive archipelago of Lastovo, Dubrovnik-Neretva County is fast becoming one of southern Europe’s most sought-after vacation spots for tourists in search of the rural life, hiking expeditions, adventure sports, authentic Dalmatian wines and cuisine, as well as sublime seaside holidays. In recent years, the island of Kor ula in particular has become a firm favourite for European families on vacation. With a slower pace of life than nearby Hvar, Korčula boasts countless sandy coves and beaches, pine- covered hills, charming Dalmatian villages, evocative folk traditions and one of the best Less known than Kor ula, the Konavle shoreline of the island of Mljet in particular preserved medieval walled cities in the region on the Dalmatian mainland is attracts walkers from across Europe. It is also Adriatic. Top this off with what are by common another one of the country’s leading wine- famous for its goat cheese and above all its consent the finest white wines in Croatia, and producing areas. To the south of Dubrovnik, honey – the name of the island is derived from it is easy to see why Fodor’s travel guide says and bordering both Bosnia & Herzegovina the Latin word for honey. Honey from Mlje that Kor ula is “quietly emerging as the most and Montenegro, Konavle suffered terrible was a delicacy and was served at the court of sophisticated and alluring island in the region.” damage during the war, but has been the Roman Emperors. attractively rebuilt with modern infrastructure Finally, to the west of Mljet and just and comfortable rural housing, transforming south of Korčula, lies one of southern the region into one of Dalmatia’s most Dalmatia’s least-known and most mysterious enticing destinations for agro-tourism. destinations: the archipelago of Lastovo. Meanwhile, to the far north of Dubrovnik- Sparsely populated and isolated, these Neretva County, the vineyard owners and islands are only now beginning to explore rural households of the Pelješac Peninsula their potential for ecotourism and adventure are attracting ever higher numbers of foreign sports. At the Dubrovnik-Neretva County visitors with fine red wines and authentic Tourist Board, director Vladimir Baki says Dalmatian hospitality. The peninsula is also that authorities aim to open up the islands one of Croatia’s most popular destinations for development while taking great pains to for windsurfing and scuba diving: divers here preserve their natural and cultural heritage. have the rare opportunity to explore the wreck Sustainability and responsibility will Growing Sustainably with Dubrovnik of a German torpedo boat that sank in these be the key to the future of tourism across waters in 1944. southern Dalmatia. As Baki says, “We still Dubrovnik was once home to the largest merchant fleet in Europe. Today, aware of the For tourists who are not divers but who also have room to grow, but we have to grow need to protect the local environment, the city is promoting a more intelligent use of have a thirst for activity and adventure, the sustainably. We want to spread development the port to make tourism in Dubrovnik sustainable. Its economic and social role for the hills, rivers and coastal bays of the Dubrovnik all over our county but we will always do this development of the city was, is and will always be undeniable. region are ideally suited to horse riding, hiking in a way that protects our national parks and and kayaking. The lush vegetation and sandy our natural environment.” www.portdubrovnik.hr DUBROVNIK PORT AUTHORITY DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY: AN EXTRAORDINARY DESTINATION INTERVIEW WITH

How much is tourism contributing to the in various markets in order not to depend Since joining the European Union, a lot of young county’s GDP nowadays? on just one. Our main market is Europe, people has left the country and businesses are We don’t have an exact figure, but I would which is important for us, but we are also complaining about the lack of workforce. Is say about 40 to 50% including indirect paying attention to the US, the Far East - this also happening here in Dubrovnik-Neretva contributions which are also very important. mainly Japan, Korea and China, and finally county? The impact of tourism in our economy is Australia. Unfortunately, we also have this kind of undeniable. Dubrovnik-Neretva is no longer a problem, it is happening all over Croatia. destination just for sun and sea holidays, But I personally think that this exodus will Is there still room for further growth? even though we still have many visitors that diminish as the years go by because these Yes, but we have to be very careful how we come for that. We don’t want to lose this people will soon realize it is not that easy to grow, it has to be sustainably. We should segment as it still brings a lot of money for us start a business or get a qualified job when focus on, first of all, new hotels especially and it is well-developed and successful, but you are a foreigner so some people will come around Dubrovnik since there’s not much we need to create new products and services back to Croatia as it is better to be at home, if room in the city. This would also help to to bring all types of visitors and throughout you have a not so qualified job which is the spread development all over the county. the year. These new markets, especially the instance in most cases. Also, in our county, We need to control future developments Asian market, want more than just sea and as tourism develops and becomes more because we have to respect the areas around sun. important new opportunities are coming both Mljet and Lastovo national parks since up for small entrepreneurs and owners of they are protected areas. American Airlines will soon start direct flights Vladimir Baki , Director apartments that can be rented to tourists. from Philadelphia to Dubrovnik. How is the Dubrovnik-Neretva What sort of hotels would you like to see being sector welcoming this new destination that is Obviously there are more jobs during the high Hotels, both very respected brands, that How do you see the development of agro- built? going to be connected to your city? County Tourist Board season. How can you make the workforce stay are interested in our region. Of course it tourism and gastronomy tourism in Croatia Our strategy is to improve the quality of our We are extremely happy with it. The if there are no jobs during the off season? would be great to have more international and especially in Dubrovnik-Neretva County? tourism and aim for the high-end tourist so negotiations, carried out between Dubrovnik because, as far as I’ve been informed, the Some of those employed just for the brands here but I also think that the It’s true that more and more people are we would prefer four and five-star hotels. Airport plus local partners and American bookings have been very good. And I am sure summer are students, so there is no problem Croatian brands have high standards and traveling to experience local food or the way And this is happening, more high-end hotels Airlines, started many years ago when they that next year American Airlines will probably with them as they go back to school when an excellent product so I also want them the local people live in villages. We already are being built in our county than in any noticed that the number of American tourists extend the period they will offer this direct during the low season months. But to make operating here too. have that here in our county, especially other part of the country. We are also seeing was increasing every year. These tourists were flight and eventually this direct flight will be sure that the others, who are not students, wine tasting. We also have a good example a higher occupancy and average rates, which flying to Europe first and then transferring available all year round. stay here we need to pay them more and of rural tourism here: Konavle, which is not is great for the sector. to Dubrovnik. They realized that there was At the moment, we are supporting this a lot of companies have been doing so for far from Dubrovnik Airport. This area was room for a direct flight, the numbers justified direct flight by doing an extensive campaign the past few years. So increasing salaries is FACTS destroyed during the war, but totally rebuilt What are the tourist board’s priorities? this direct link, so they decided to establish it. in the US so people get familiar not only a way to make sure they stay; if they make with the support of the Croatian government First of all, we need to promote ourselves And I am sure it’s going to be very successful with Dubrovnik but also with the possibility more money when they are working, when afterwards. Today the houses there are quite of flying here directly without having to they are not, they have enough that they modern and comfortable, there are swimming transit in another European city. don’t have to go somewhere else. I think it pools, small galleries, shops, etc so great place is the duty of the private employers to take 40 to 50% for rural and agro-tourism. Pelješac Peninsula What is the tourist board doing to make sure good care of their employees giving them tourism contribution to is another good example, especially for wine that your tourist season is longer? bonuses and incentives to make them stay county’s GDP tasting. We have many areas to be developed This is our focus, to extend it from March with them. regarding agro-tourism: Neretva Valley, Plo e, to November. And to achieve that we are 70th Opuzen and Metkovi . talking and cooperating with all stakeholders You mentioned that you’d like to see more Dubrovnik Summer Gastronomy is also becoming part of the in the sector. First with the hotels, which four and five-star hotels in the county. Festival this year tourism experience in Dubrovnik. Michelin should be open all year round and not just Isn’t Dubrovnik a well-established tourism has awarded 5 Croatian restaurants with the summer months. We are joining our destination that it should be attracting more stars last year recognizing that we already marketing efforts and communication, international brands? 2 have excellent quality and internationally especially on social media, with hotels and I agree with you that we need more national parks in recognized cuisine. tourism entrepreneurs, especially during the strong brands here. We have Hilton in the county off-season period. We need to promote the Dubrovnik city and Sheraton in Župa What is unique about your region? city and county as a winter destination too. Dubrova ka, about 5 km from Dubrovnik 2020 Its history and the traditions we have kept And we are also trying to cooperate with the city center. Other big hotel companies are Dubrovnik candidacy since the days of the Dubrovnik Republic. other regions in Dalmatia as far as promotion in negotiations for future developments for the European We feel very proud of what our ancestors in the winter months; if we cooperate, and not and brand them under their names. And Capital of Culture established here. And the beauty of the city compete among ourselves, we will have better there are also two important Croatian of Dubrovnik which is one of the best kept results. hotel chains, Valamar and Adriatic Luxury and preserved medieval cities. SUPETAR: THE GATEWAY TO BRAČ INTERVIEW WITH

Can you give us a brief introduction on the allocation of grants to new parents; as It also involves the use of smart cameras Supetar? a matter of fact, we are one of the ten top which monitors the usual traffic jam spots. Supetar is the center of the island of Brač. towns with the largest grant allocations This is very useful if for instance, a guest In winter we receive around 10 to 12 ferries in Croatia. These grants provide relief to from Bol has to go to Supetar and doesn’t from Split, and during summer more than new parents while their children are in know the current traffic situation. 15, one arriving almost every hour. This kindergarten. We also decreased enrollment The broadcasts will be on a website or the connection to the mainland gives us a fees and some parents even have free app so that guests can decide when to travel competitive advantage compared to other childcare. We especially care for children to Supetar. Moreover, the app can give an islands as it is a short trip. The quality of with special needs, not only in kindergarten optimal time for traveling to the Supetar life in our town is appealing not only to our but also in school. port according to the current traffic and year-round inhabitants, but to new tourists We give incentives to keep our students ferries’ timetables. as well. in high school so that they don’t migrate to Regardless of the generalized feeling that Split, which became a trend recently. This What does Supetar offer to guests that they many Croatians are leaving the country, year, we also provided free schoolbooks won’t find anywhere else? Supetar is one of the 10 towns in Croatia and materials for our students. We are also What’s unique about Supetar is that it’s the where the population has grown. Each among the top 10 towns in Croatia with the gateway to Brač. Once you are here you have year, we have more children enrolled in highest number of scholarships. the whole island to explore. kindergarten and elementary school which We are also the number one town with Ivana Markovi And the island of Brač is definitely is why our main efforts are focused on increased employment and part of that is ć different. To start with, this Dalmatian school education and the development because we provide a lot of incentives for Mayor island has a very special gastronomy and of pre-schools. These projects take a large new entrepreneurs and artisans. even though we have a lot of fish dishes like part of our funding, and the purpose is to City of Supetar most of the islands, what differentiates us is provide both the parents and children a Has this population growth affected the price the fact that our gastronomy is dominated better quality of life. of housing in Supetar? to solve. And we are trying hard to resolve by lamb products. We have a huge sheep Indeed, it’s one of our biggest problems. The this issue in a creative way. industry; there are over 30,000 sheep on What incentives are provided to young people housing issue started about two years ago due the island which is almost the double of its and more people are visiting us in pre and Where do your tourists mostly come from? to keep them living on the island? to the touristic boom in Split. Anyone who Please share with us your Smart City strategy. inhabitants. postseason. The majority of our guests come from Croatia A year ago, we came up with a program for has an empty place, apartment or house, I believe we are one of the first towns on the Brač may not be considered to be as We have about 7,000 beds available for and then Germany, France, Croatia and the children and youngsters called “Happy- prefers to rent it only during summertime. island to implement it. Our first assignment sexy as Hvar, it doesn’t have the same sort tourists - 2,500 in hotels and the rest in small, Scandinavian countries. It really has been children, Happy-town” which is effective They make more money by doing that, so consisted in developing an app which helps of clientele at the moment. However, our family-owned accommodations. In the last changing in the last 10 years, because in the as soon as the child is born. We increased this issue is definitely a challenge we are yet guests reach the ferry easier. strategy now is to attract high-end tourists. 5 years we have seen an increase in villas past, almost all our guests came from Germany. Also, for the last 20 years the island has been with pools in rural areas, which has become developing towards sustainability and we’re the most appealing type of accommodation. How important is the development of reaching our goals. sustainability on the island? Very important. We’ve created a project called How are you branding Supetar and Brač to set “The Children of the Sea” to deal with waste the town and island apart? FACTS management. We have over 80,000 people For our current branding strategy, which visiting Supetar each year and they produce is up and running until 2022, we created a a lot of garbage, especially plastic - a global slogan “Unlock your Experience”. We invite problem right now. Our program addresses tourists to explore our outdoors, sites, cuisine 86,000 the issue of garbage, plastic and recycling and all of the events that make Supetar and tourists a year and proposes and promotes that we don’t use Brač special. We promise people not just a plastic anymore. The first stage was to address high-quality of life, but also a lot of exciting the issue through promotional tools and make experiences. We give our guests lots of it visible. Second stage, was our discussions choices and they can come and choose 7,000 with hotels and restaurant owners and other whatever they prefer. And Supetar is only the beds available for tourists businesses and try to encourage them to stop beginning; from this city one can explore using plastic as much as possible. the rest of the island. The whole idea of this project is that we 1 continue to have a beautiful sea. Our sea is How many tourists come to Supetar nowadays? Smart City sustainable clean and amazing. And we need to teach Ten years ago, we had around 40,000 program the younger generations to start thinking registered tourists in Supetar. Last year we about these important issues. We need to had 82,000. The good thing is that more “Think globally and act locally.” Tourism

SUPETAR: PARADISE IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK TROGIR: A TREASURE ON THE ADRIATIC With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Supetar is the largest Trogir is situated on a small island between the Croatian mainland and settlement and the gateway to the rest of the beautiful island of Brač. the island of Čiovo just 27 kilometers from the City of Split.

lthough the perfect base to uncover the While Supetar is close to the mainland of dip in the crystal-clear sea and drink a cocktail he best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic see. Also, not to miss are the Kamerlengo rest of the delights of the largest island Croatia, it still feels like a million miles from in one of its numerous beach bars. complex not only in the Adriatic, but Fortress, there is a spectacular view of city Ain Dalmatia, many find it unnecessary to the hustle and bustle of daily life. For a change of scenery, just 30 minutes stroll Tin all of Central Europe is Trogir, so it and surrounding area from the largest and venture beyond Supetar and its surrounding After a delightful amble around Supetar’s from Supetar takes you to the fairytale village of comes as no surprise that tourism is the most oldest tower; Saint Mark’s Tower, located villages as this region offers even the most harbor and its medieval streets lined with cafés Mirca, with its trails through picturesque olive important economic factor for the city and in the Northeastern part of the islet; and the demanding and discerning tourist everything and boutiques, a visit to Church of Our Lady of gloves and quaint rural architecture. the region where tourists visit the town all historic old center of the city. they could desire and more – spectacular the Annunciation and the Ivan Rendić Gallery, For history buffs a visit to Škrip, the oldest year long. In the summer numerous concerts and shows beaches, dazzling waters, fine gastronomy, the island’s famous sculptor, should be on the settlement on the island, is a must. The Trogir was designated a UNESCO World take place in Trogir making it a living city for all cultural events and high-end accommodation. cards. Not for nothing is Supetar the cultural Island of Brač Museum, located in the 16th Heritage Site in 1997. There are multiple who visit. This ancient and magnificent little city Year-round regular ferry and catamaran capital of Brač. For foodies and wine lovers, century Radojković Tower is one of the most churches, palaces, towers and a fortress to of the past demands an audience to perform for. services from Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar the 6-kilometer Dolčevita gastro trail through visited museums in Croatia and displays investigate. Built in the Romanesque and Its cobbled streets call out to the world travelers into Supetar, and the close proximity to the incredible countryside near Supetar is a incredible exhibits from the area’s numerous Baroque style, it is home to several amazing to stop by and stay for a while, long enough to the mainland, make Brač one of the most must. Or for a slower pace of life, choose one of archaeological finds which only adds to the historic monuments, number one being the rejuvenate guests before moving on to other accessible islands in the Croatian Adriatic. Supetar’s pine-backed beaches for a refreshing region´s incredible offer for guests. Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, which is a must destinations on their bucket list.

THE COLORS OF TROGIR Ever since the Greek era, Trogir has been visited by artists, writers, culturists, bohemians and wondering travelers. Each of them drawn by the multiple colors of the city and its fascinating history. Even today, guests find endless inspiration and beauty from the UNESCO monuments and surrounding sea.

WWW.VISITTROGIR.HR TOURIST BOARD SPLIT: THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE SPLIT INTERVIEW WITH

How would you describe Split, the second army had its offices. We will reconstruct this Our labor force is very competitive in biggest city in the country? military base and develop in it a space for comparison to other countries in Eastern Split is not only a popular touristic IT, creative and sustainable industries and Europe, this is another advantage. 90 destination in the Adriatic, but also a major where start-ups will be totally supported. percent of Croatians speak English. We transport center for the Dalmatia region, Slowly, but very effectively, we are going also have a skilled labor force that has been with a diverse industrial and economic base. to develop Split into a center for economic working in big industries such as shipyards It’s also home of University of Split, one of growth in the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea. for the last 20 years. We have a great Faculty the top ten Eastern European universities. By the way, one of the first tenants of this of Economics that is preparing its students It was very highly-ranked by both Times new development will be Rimac Automobili, for more skilled jobs too. Higher Education and Thompson Reuters. a famous electric car manufacturer, like In July we will finish the renovation of The 22,000 students of our university are Tesla, who won the last Geneva auto show our airport. Last year we had 3.2 million our economic power. These young people award for best electric supercar. passengers and with the new airport, we and their skills are going to be the base of our expect this number to raise. We also expect economic growth. What are Split’s unique advantages as a place the number of passengers by ferry to grow. to set up business? We are also becoming important in the How do you plan to keep them all in Split and First, Split is in a very good geographical cruise ship business. avoid a brain drain in the city? position. I would say even better than And finally, we are the center of the Split- As we are in the first years of our full EU Dubrovnik because we have a couple of well- Dalmatia region. membership, it is normal to have the usual known islands right next to us that Americans Andro Krstulovi Opara immigration to other European countries. are very familiar with: Hvar, an upscale Mayor Tourism is growing in Split. What is being But recently we started noticing that tourism destination and Bra . These islands done to make sure it is a sustainable growth? those who left are returning. So, to avoid allowed us to develop a more sophisticated City of Split We don’t have the problem that Venice or Croatia: the future Marriott Hotel which How are the people in Split participating in new departures, we are now planning the tourism in the area. Dubrovnik do with overtourism. Tourism will have 27 floors. The skyscraper will be at the changes the city is going through? development of our technological and Then our population, 400,000 people, our large population we can have a diversified started here practically in the last 15 years so the entrance gate of this whole area, which We currently have an exhibition of young innovation center which will start to be built which allows us to develop different economy with different sectors such as our main issues in the sector are related to is part of our rehabilitation project. people who think outside the box and I at the end of the year. It will be situated at industries. Smaller cities can’t usually financial services, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure as it has not been developed encourage that. We gave them the chance the entrance of the city where the Yugoslav develop many sectors. In Split, because of etc. enough. We need more hotel rooms, but to give us their input and to express their the construction of new hotels needs to ideas for the future of the city center. I be sustainable. We also need to be careful FACTS asked them to think about solutions and with the functionality of the town center as tell us what they are. I encouraged them to many private homes are now being rented freely create and overcome all obstacles in to tourists. their thinking and open their minds. I gave 17 them an opportunity to say what they think, What is your priority regarding infrastructure centuries old to provide solutions to the city problems development? and their input will become part of my The reconstruction of our traffic system; political goals. I want to live in a city where from the port to the northern part of our 2nd everything functions. peninsula, which links to the airport and largest city in Croatia highway. This year, we are also planning How do you define your ethos? to introduce our existing railway line as a I believe in openness and cooperation mini-metro. We also want to link our airport between generations. The younger to the ferry port in the next five years. We 3.2 million generations are the future of the city. need to open a new entrance to the city air passengers from the highway. More than 100 hectares Your final message to our audience? of brownfield land is being reshaped and Come to Split. It is a small city, but it offers a redeveloped with a new ferry port, new bus 5 million lot more than many larger cities in Europe. station, new train station. This is the biggest sea passengers We are very creative and are becoming very project that is underway at the moment and competitive. It’s worth investing into our our priority. city because we offer good opportunities. It’s worth coming to live in our city because And we noticed that the city is also being 7 NBA players the quality of life is exceptional here. refurbished… come from Split We are quite an open and safe city. Our When you enter the city, you can see the dynamic and young people guarantee the construction of the biggest skyscraper in development of Split in the future. ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: SO UNIQUE, SO BEAUTIFUL! INTERVIEW WITH

How is the Šibenik-Knin County Tourism But it hasn’t always been like this. In some of it within the municipalities and cities’ Board facing the issue of sustainable tourism parts of the country, tourism has always been administrations. But then we signed an development? the main crucial economic activity, but not agreement with all stakeholders to develop We are definitely seeing an increase in tourist in all of the counties. It is new for us as the cycling tourism in Šibenik-Knin County. arrivals as well as in the numbers of overnight development of this sector was more recent, We defined the cycling paths and tours; we stays and with this increase comes the especially in the city of Šibenik. started the process of marking the routes; responsibility of making sure that this growth But I can say now, with full confidence, we increased the standards of signalization, is sustainable. We have decided on different that Šibenik is a beautiful ‘tourist pearl’ and etc. We currently have 85 routes, with a measures to avoid the typical problems of that our county is the one with the biggest total of 2,400 kilometers which 65% are well mass tourism and one of them is that a large potential for development with two national marked and signalized. We have created number of activities and projects that we have parks, two UNESCO World Heritage sites, specific brochures and websites related to implemented are based not on the coast, a unique natural and cultural heritage, cycling and we are also intensively engaging but in rural areas which are still relatively exceptional gastronomy and an amazing in marketing activities to promote it. A lot of underdeveloped in terms of tourism and with marine environment. attention has been given to this project and it plenty of room to grow. I am sure that tourism will play an even has paid off because we can already say that We’ve noticed that the trends are changing. more important role in our socio-economic cycling tourism in the country has helped Nowadays, there has been more and more life from now on. improve our tourism product and is also interest in rural accommodations because helping to prolong the tourist season. visitors no longer wish to spend their time What are you doing in order to extend the Željana Šiki The second project, which is very in crowded places, especially in summer season beyond the summer months? Director, Šibenik-Knin important for us, is called “Like Home”. months. They are looking for quieter places Making sure that the season is longer than It consists in identifying, classifying where they can have quality time with their the summer months is one of our main goals. County Tourist Board and labelling private accommodations families during their holidays. And in order to achieve this goal, for the according to the hospitality and services development of gastro tourism in Šibenik- What makes Šibenik-Knin a unique destination? past few years, we have been implementing Now, our ultimate goal is to be a year- provided. We want to create a ‘club’ with Knin County. It has been a great challenge for Šibenik-Knin County is truly unique, What role does tourism play in the economy different measures, organizing all sort of round tourism destination. However, in the best ones, the ones that standout among me, but also a great joy to work on this project. beautiful and special. If you want to enjoy of Šibenik-Knin County? projects and festivals and hosting several order to achieve that we will have to face a all the private family accommodations We are currently in the final stages of this true natural beauty, be overwhelmed It plays a very significant role at the moment. It’s events. This has not always been easy and whole other set of challenges. But we have available. The ultimate goal of this project creating the strategy to best develop by cultural and historical sites that are not only the main economic activity in Šibenik- has required a lot of work and patience. already started working towards this goal and project is to improve the quality of private our gastro tourism and the next step will be hundreds of years old right next to an Knin County, but also the driving force of our But we have been successful so far if you to guarantee visitors throughout the year, accommodations and make the tourists the branding of our regional restaurants. exciting coast or feel propelled to explore economic development influencing other compare how long our season was a few we have initiated an intensive promotion really feel “at home” at their hosts’ places. the secret and remote areas, you have come activities and sectors. Today, it is a complex years ago to what it is today; last season, for of our county as a tourist destination in key In return, those that make to the ‘club’ will to the right place. industry that is affecting, either directly and example, has been stretched significantly markets for us. Also, we have been not only get additional promotion, be given special Our two national parks; two UNESCO indirectly, the majority of citizens in the region. but there is still room for improvement. present at the most important tourism and positioning on our web sites, be mentioned FACTS World Heritage sites; numerous islands and travel exhibitions and fairs, but also attended in our brochures and fairs, etc. Recently we islets; cultural, historical and archeological presentations and workshops and we have have even created niche divisions of this sites; fantastic landscapes; exciting towns done a lot of promotional initiatives online project: “Like Home Bike-Friendly”, “Like along the coast or inland will give you and offline. Home City”, “Like Home Rural” and “Like 2 endless possibilities for a great holiday. You We have been continuously improving Home Luxury”. I think we should focus and stunning national parks will enjoy the sea breeze, walking in forests, our tourist offer too, and this helps extending pay special attention to this last segment, hiking in the mountains, visiting vineyards, the season. A better product results in longer luxury, because it can really help raise the olive groves, or exploring the canyons of stays of our guests. quality of our tourist offer. Krka and ikola rivers. The goal of the third project I would 600 Šibenik Riviera is also called a nautical Could you cite specific initiatives and actions like to mention is to develop and improve archaeological sites heaven. Our archipelago consists of 249 taken to make the season last longer? tourism in rural parts of our county. In order islands, islets, cays and reefs that stretches There have been some key projects that have to do so we need to identify, classify and then over 665 square kilometers. And our mild helped us extend the season. All of these standardize those involved with rural tourism. 230 Mediterranean climate makes our region projects aim at improving our tourist offer. We want to connect all small producers of cultural monuments an ideal place for a holiday during the The first project I like to mention, local products such as olives, pršut (ham), whole of year. which I initiated, is the development of wine, honey and agricultural tourism entities And last, but not least, our rich gastronomy cycling tourism in Šibenik-Knin County. with those engaged in something that can with well-known great dishes like “peka”, a Until 2016, cycling tourism was not really contribute to development of rural tourism 11 baked dish with meat and vegetables; our developed and only sporadically something in the county. medieval fortifications “pršut”, a ham that is a Dalmatian delicacy; would be done to promote it. There was The last project I would like to mention, cheese from “mišina”, and our grilled fish no active management or organization which is also very relevant, is related to the and fish stews, to name a few. DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY: A DIVERSITY OF EXCEPTIONALLY RICH LANDSCAPES INTERVIEW WITH

What have been the benefits of Croatia would arrive all the way to Dubrovnik and the development of our main sectors. So any joining the European Union (EU)? we are working hard to solve this problem investment on infrastructure development The EU membership has benefitted because we are somewhat more isolated than will benefit our citizens as well as visitors. Croatia in many ways, in particular the we would like from the rest of the country. ability to access EU funds and develop One of the biggest projects taking place Croatia has one of the highest ratios of its some of the less developed regions in the at the moment is the building of the tourism contribution to its own GDP and country so there is a smaller gap between Pelješac Bridge, which is going to help the economy in all of Europe. How do you assess the more developed and underdeveloped free movement of goods and people without the possibility of diversifying the economy ones. The European funds are also helping having to cross the border and customs of Dubrovnik-Neretva County so it is not immensely infrastructure developments twice. Neum, which belongs to Bosnia & dependent on just one single sector? which are very much needed. Herzegovina, divides our county in two Tourism is the main economic activity in parts and once the bridge is completed, we our region and we’re very happy that it is. During our interviews with Mayor Franković won’t have to cross through our neighbor However, we are aware that it’s not healthy he told us that accessing the region, the most anymore. to rely only on one sector, so we are looking southern one in Croatia, has been an issue Also, some major works are being done, to diversify our economy. We have already due to the lack of highways. Is connectivity some are already completed such as identified a few other sectors that can be one of your major concerns too? Dubrovnik Airport, which is going to developed. We are the southernmost Croatian county, obviously help connectivity. I think we We have great potential in agriculture, located in south Dalmatia and we have plenty should also increase sea connectivity to Nikola Dobroslavi especially in the Neretva Valley. Here we of old medieval towns, cultural heritage, other destinations, in particular with Italy. Prefect have wineries, some of the best in Croatia, because the growth of cruise ship passenger What is your take on this issue? famous cities such as Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik-Neretva County producing amazing red and white wines. tourism, which we do appreciate, could We need to increase them and there are Kor ula which have a lot to offer. However, These projects are very important for the There is a lot of potential in maritime potentially be a problem. We need to find some opportunities for investments in it is not that easy to arrive here, and we do development of tourism, but which ones will related activities (the blue economy) such a balance and limit the number of tourists hotels. We commissioned a study to find have an access problem due to the lack of most benefit your residents? residents to get as quickly as possible from as farm fishing. As a matter of fact, this coming from the cruise ships. If there are too out how much room for growth we still modern infrastructure, especially highways. Our citizens are our number one priority point A to point B and be fully connected region is very active and successful in many of them, no one has a good experience have and what the limitations are. There’s The main problem that we need to solve is and all of these projects are very important with the rest of the country. But these farming oysters and seashells. And we can in the city, especially those staying at hotels still enough room to grow in the sector by the access by road. We need a highway that for them, not just for tourists. We want the projects will also benefit our tourists and also develop shipbuilding especially on and private accommodations in Dubrovnik. building four and five-star hotels; that is the island of Kor ula where there is a long what we need as we have to focus on the shipbuilding tradition. Mayor Franković also talked to us about the high-end tourism. Obviously, we’d like to maintain tourism number of beds that are offered in Dubrovnik. And in order to get high-end tourists, as the strongest and most significant we are also developing several projects economic pillar of our economy, but we also such as golf courses on Srd- and Ston, the see the importance of having to diversify and reconstruction of Hotel Belvedere which develop other sectors. FACTS was destroyed during the war, etc.

Tourism and the blue economy, if not How does the Prefect work in collaboration sustainable, can damage your natural with the municipalities regarding the county’s resources. What is the county’s policy 1 economic development? regarding sustainability? national park, Mljet We create the county’s development strategy Croatia, on a national level, has very strict based on studies we carry out, and then policies with regards to environmental we work together with the municipalities protection and we, at our county, are within the county to implement it. We also making sure that our development is done 1 follow the national development strategy. in a responsible way following the directives nature park, Lastovo given by the central government. We’re Each part of the Adriatic has its uniqueness. ensuring that we maintain our economic What’s unique about the Dubrovnik-Neretva 2 growth in a sustainable manner because we 1,781 km County? need to protect our greatest treasures such total area The cleanliness of our sea is one of the as our national and natural parks. unique things about our county. Also, One of the major measures taken to have a our cultural and historical heritage is sustainable tourism growth was Mayor Mato very distinct. We have one of the most Frankovi ’s decision to reduce the number 130,000 preserved areas in terms of both history and of cruise ships docking in Dubrovnik at population environment in Europe, that’s what makes the same time. We vehemently support this this region special. TROGIR: BEST-PRESERVED ROMANESQUE GOTHIC COMPLEX IN CENTRAL EUROPE INTERVIEW WITH

Can you give us a brief introduction on Trogir so many people and the traffic collapses. We and what kind of a destination the city is? are currently working on a study about traffic Trogir and its surroundings are in a very management and how to receive this type of pleasant micro-region, an ideal place to live guests, the ones that come just for the day. We with a mild climate, right next to the sea would like to develop and arrange different and several islands close by. There are also tourist routes to avoid all of the tourists going majestic mountains that provide a backdrop on the same trip and place at the same time. to the city and our excellent food which is Also, the opening of a brand-new bridge prepared with natural produce from areas connecting iovo with the mainland also outside Trogir. Despite having just 13,000 helped alleviate the traffic. The construction people, it offers everything for a peaceful of the bridge and the road infrastructure will family life. At the same time, yet close enough relieve traffic congestion in the center of to Split, a much bigger city. Trogir, as well as provide better connections In the past, Trogir provided residence to with Split’s airport and nearby motorways. We many renowned artists, the masters of stone are 20 kilometers west from the city of Split, carving as well as to many people who simply so we are also served by this close airport. chose the city as their favorite place to live. People have been living in Trogir for the past What projects are underway to help with this? 2,300 years. We announced the architectural and Ante Bili Trogir is also a protected historical complex urbanistic application for regulating this Mayor and it’s the most preserved Romanesque town whole zone of the old town nucleus from in this part of Europe. The town is full of Soline Port to the new bridge where we are City of Trogir cultural heritage and architecture that is planning on building a new bus station and a must-see. Its show-stopping sights are St. information center for tourists. The idea of its urban living. We are also hoping it will for a few years, since no work can be done various happenings and events taking place What is the new branding strategy for Trogir Lawrence’s Cathedral, a Roman Catholic is that all tourists come to the information stretch the season. during the summer, so we are left with 7 or such as workshops about growing vegetables, going to be like? triple-naved basilica and Kamerlengo Tower, center to register and it can be used as a When it comes to the infrastructure, we 8 months of active work a year. The project old ways of gardening, etc. The fact that in Trogir there is an urban center a monumental castle and tower. starting point for them. have a problem with sewage in the old town, will cost around €7 million. We also just restored the football court where people live in the old town and that We are planning on organizing the whole because in winter we have 1,000 inhabitants where 200 to 300 children come every day to our main square is a place for children to play What are you doing to manage ‘over-tourism’? area with a green market and parking areas but in the summer the number of people in Are there any other structural and development play football; this really brings life to our city. games. What is unique about Trogir is the fact We’ve been experiencing mass tourism more which are currently fine, but we want them to the town rises to 9,000. So, we are currently projects going on? that it is still a city for the people and in the and more and we need to address this issue. be even better. waiting on permits for our main project: a We have a project called “Trogirska kamena middle of the town and the waterfront you When cruise ships come to Split and suddenly We are also working on the town re- complete reconstruction of the water supply enciklopedija“, The Stone Encyclopedia of still find the city government, the courthouse, FACTS 10, 15 or 20 tourist buses come to Trogir at the branding. We would like to present it to the and sewage network in order to increase the Trogir, that includes complex restoration of the land registry, the school, etc. We are same time on a single day, that is a problem public in the summer. We want to show all capacities. We are expecting this project to documentation and of valuable historical really trying to keep life inside the town; we for us. We don’t have the infrastructure for the unique spots of Trogir and the continuity begin this winter and it will probably last and individually protected cultural sites in don’t want the old town nucleus to become a the old town centre like the Kamerlengo destination only for tourists. We were the first Castle and St. Mark’s Tower. We have 3rd city on the coast that started a project to re- already received the funds from the century founded by the brand the city. Our goal is to capitalize on our European Union, around €700,000 euros, Greeks tourist potential by accentuating the authentic and we expect it to be ready around April historical, cultural and living values of the 2020. After that we will apply for a complete 2,300 city, while preserving it from hyper tourism as renovation of the nucleus of our town as well years of urban community a short-term and damaging trend. The main as north and the south town gates. goal is to attract the so called “cultural” tourists Moreover, we already started on the and visitors with a higher purchasing power, reconstruction of the Garagnin Park next 2 who will be able to spend longer time in the to the bus station which is currently under yacht marinas with fastest city and spend more money during their stay. protection of the Ministry of Culture. Just the growing sailing port Trogir will benefit from this change, as right documentation for this project costs around now it is under a lot of pressure from tourists €200,000 euros, and the whole project 1997 flocking to the city center for one-day tours. about €5 million. I believe this is a beautiful historic center of Trogir project, because the center of the town has a included in UNESCO World What is your final message to our readers? few thousand square meters and this is not Heritage Site list Just come to Trogir and experience this common in many destinations. The park incredible town, which is on UNESCO’s won’t be a regular park, but a theme one with World Heritage list, for yourself. Infrastructure PORT INVESTMENTS POSITION CROATIA FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE As the number of cruise ship visitors rises and freight traffic surges, the ports of Dalmatia are making significant investments in passenger and cargo terminals at the same time as protecting the environment.

trategically located at the crossroads of Sited at a new location in Gaženica, 3.5 manage the 5.4 million tourists it receives vehicles thanks to the EU Adrigreen project. importance as a key international node in a south-eastern Europe, and one of the kilometers away from the city center and just every year. The port is also investing “The growth of our port has to be based on the European transport corridor which connects Sworld’s fastest growing destinations for 5 kilometers from the international airport, significantly in advanced data technologies principles of sustainable development,” says Blaž Croatia to Italy, Bosnia & Herzegovina, cruise ships, Croatia is increasingly reliant the facility provides cruise passengers with an to reduce congestion and improve efficiency. Pezo, General Manager of the Port Authority. Hungary and other countries in south-eastern on the performance of its seaports for future attractive and efficient alternative to busier “We want to be able to handle rising passenger Sustainability is also a priority at the fast- Europe. The port intends to grow freight economic growth. ports in the region such as Venice. Robert and cargo volumes without disrupting port growing Port of Šibenik, which like the Port volumes from around 3 million tons a year to To cope with rising cargo traffic and Škifić, the director of Zadar Port Authority, users or residents,” explains Vice Mihanović, of Dubrovnik is located close to a historical as much as 8 million tons in the future. Already increasing passenger flows, ports all along says the construction of the terminal will lead the Director of Split Port Authority. “Our aim town center. The port has recently begun the largest port in the country by surface area, the Dalmatian coast are now investing to a 40% rise in international traffic in the next is to become a smart and sustainable port.” developing a green-based expansion strategy that increase would help Ploče leapfrog Rijeka in expanding their capacity, at the same few years, with more than 240,000 passengers In the Port of Dubrovnik, which this year and has made major changes to procedures to become Croatia’s largest port by freight time as protecting the region’s invaluable a year expected by 2022. At the same time, will handle an estimated 810,000 cruise ship for handling cargo such as fertilizers, timber volume. Recent years have witnessed the environmental resources. the port is also planning to invest in a new passengers, authorities have imposed a daily and aluminum. “About 90% of the cargo opening of a succession of major terminals for In one of the most far-reaching of recent container terminal and to develop Zadar into cap of 8,000 visitors to tackle overcrowding. currently going through the port is now containers, dry bulk and oil storage. “With our developments, earlier this year authorities a major regional hub for maritime freight. The port is also increasingly focused on its ‘clean’ and does not contain ores,” says Cedo new facilities and services, we will position our in the city of Zadar in the north of Dalmatia Meanwhile, in Split, the busiest passenger environmental performance, in particular on Petrina, Director of Šibenik Port Authority. port as a very important player in the region,” opened a new international passenger terminal port in Croatia, authorities are preparing to reducing pollution and greenhouse emissions: “We want our cargo port to be a green one.” says Tomislav Batur, Executive Director of that was constructed in less than three years. construct a new terminal to help the port this year it will acquire its first electrical Meanwhile, the Port of Ploče is growing in Ploče Port Authority.

A REGIONAL LOGISTICS HUB Port of Ploče is Croatia’s largest port by operational PORT OF EXCELLENCE surface and oversees uninterrupted traffic while using navigational safety and following the ISPS guidelines. Port of Šibenik is ready to receive international cruise ships and its location at the center of the Croatian Adriatic makes Šibenik a unique cruising destination offering visitors UNESCO The Port of Ploče Authority grants concessions, supervises Heritage Sites, nature, culture, restaurants, shopping and much more all within easy reach. operations and is responsible for the management of the free Port of Šibenik, efficiently providing visitors with the ultimate customer-friendly experience. zone. The port is an ideal gateway to the Croatia hinterland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the region.

PORT OF PLOČE AUTHORITY

www.ppa.hr www.portauthority-sibenik.hr KRKA NATIONAL PARK: SERVING SCIENCE, CULTURE, EDUCATION & RECREATION INTERVIEW WITH

Could you brief us on Krka National Park, one and restored watermills where old crafts are of the main tourist attractions in Šibenik-Knin presented. Viewpoints are open where guests County? can admire the waterfalls Manojlovac slap, Krka National Park is a unique protected Brljan and Biluši a buk. The ancient traces area, covering 109 km2 of the most beautiful of human life along the Krka are still visible section of the Krka River, and the lower today. For example, the prehistoric locality course of the ikola River. The park Ozid-ana pe ina cave is open to visitors, as are encompasses one or more preserved or the remnants of Burnum – a Roman military insignificantly altered ecosystems. With its camp and amphitheatre. The archaeological submerged estuary, the Krka is about 72.5 km collection unearthed from the Burnum site long, springing below the foothills of Mt. have been carefully restored and are on Dinara. With its seven travertine falls and a display in the archaeological collection of total elevation drop of 224 metres, the Krka is the Krka Eco Campus in Puljane, which is a natural phenomenon of karst. Particularly currently undergoing construction and will impressive is Skradinski Buk, the longest soon be an interpretation, education and travertine barrier on the Krka River and one volunteer centre. The Krka also contains of Croatia’s most best-known beauties. a wealth of sacral heritage, and visitors are Krka National Park is a special experience welcome to view the monastery on Visovac for different groups of visitors, providing a Island and the Krka Monastery. The still Nella Slavica true encounter with nature in all seasons. visible ruins of Early Croatian fortresses, Director The park is open year-round, so it is possible dating back to the Middle Ages, breathe to get to know the Krka in all its lush a breath of history, telling the tale of the Krka National Park colours and entrancing sounds, on foot or by ongoing battles to control the river crossings. bicycle, by boat or bus. The park offers 22 Šibenik was the world’s first city to be lit up For all visitors wanting to get to know the What makes Krka National Park unique? and Burnum archaeological site continue to numerous workshops intended for children educational walking trails covering 47 km, by alternating current, and the remnants Krka in a more personal manner, the Krka The combination of exceptional natural be developed. The emphasis continues to be of all ages, the local population, and visitors, while 14 marked bicycle routes offer 470 km of the Krka hydropower plant are found at Cultural Summer event offers numerous features and a wealth of cultural and historical on taking an educational approach, through all aimed at raising awareness. of road, trekking and mountain bike trails. Skradinski Buk, where an exhibit has been musical and film evenings, a drama heritage make Krka different from all other The most visited waterfalls on the Krka are installed. For the youngest guests, an exhibit programme, workshops and recreations, protected areas. How do you describe the Krka Park’s Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap, with a vast about forest ecosystems is on display at the preserving the traditions and heritage of the FACTS environmental strategy? network of wooden boardwalks and bridges, Visovac House Kuželj at Stinice. area. What is the management’s current priorities? Education, as one of the main pillars upon The protection of the natural heritage is which the sustainable management of the fundamental mission of the Public Krka National Park lies, is strongly present Institute of Krka National Park. The park in all the activities carried out in the park. can boast of having an impressive level 1,354,802 This includes protection, infrastructural of biodiversity, numerous taxa, habitats, visitors investments and visitor management. In endemic species, subterranean phenomena terms of the diversity of the educational 2 and a wealth of cultural and historical 109 km programmes offered, the engagement of staff heritage. The fundamental document size of the park and response of attendees, Krka National guiding the management structures in the Park is a leading example of the educational conservation of nature and the cultural and role of protected areas.

historical heritage is the Management Plan, 5 Lectures and educational workshops are a document that envisages the adoption of medieval fortresses held at numerous sites throughout the park, 10-year action plans. Each year, annual and our expert staff also pay many visits to programmes are drafted that supplement 7 schools and preschools throughout Šibenik- the fundamental guidelines and lay down waterfalls Knin County. specific actions. In addition to promoting environmental In the future, we will continue with projects production, the educational programme of aimed primarily at protecting the unique 47 km Krka National Park is also aimed at preventing educational walking trails area along the Krka River, and protecting pollution, by organising clean-up campaigns the natural, cultural and historical heritage and by removing landfills in natural areas, in the park. Projects to research and monitor 470 km and focusing on raising awareness among plant and animal species, and projects bicycle trails the local community, especially concerning on the research and conservation of the the adequate disposal of waste, and the medieval fortresses, Krka hydropower plant importance of recycling. Transport

FERRY OPERATORS SET COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

Dalmatian shipyards such as Brodosplit are building on a long and proud tradition of shipbuilding in Croatia, producing high-quality specialty vessels and carving out a niche in today’s global marketplace.

ith a coastline along the Adriatic ferry lines which carry millions of passengers the country in the early 1960s, the company measuring almost 1,800 kilometers, every year. These services are not limited to has grown continuously year after year and Wand more than 1,200 islands, domestic routes only: every summer, giant is now one of the world’s largest 10 ferry Croatia’s shipping lines play a critical role in car ferries from the Italian ports of Bari and companies. Last year, Jadrolinija transported connecting coastal communities and opening Ancona transport thousands of foot passengers more than 12 million passengers on a fleet of up the country to international tourism. and vehicles from Italy and beyond across the 51 ships, including state-of-the-art high-speed Despite the rise of air transport, to this day, Adriatic and into Croatia. catamarans with the capacity to carry more nearly all residents and tourists travelling While shipping services were initially pro- than 400 passengers in comfort and style. to and from the islands need to go by boat. vided by dozens of small local companies, the As tourist numbers to Croatia hit new While increasing numbers of visitors are years following the World War I and the col- records and high season extends into the now chartering yachts for sailing holidays in lapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire saw the shoulder months, shipping companies are Croatia’s crystal-clear waters, the vast majority consolidation of these coastal shipping com- increasing the frequency of sailings and hiring of tourists to celebrated islands such as Hvar panies into a handful of nationwide operators. more people to deal with rising demand, as and Korčula continue to arrive by ferry. In 1947, state-owned shipping company well as modernizing their ships and investing Nearly 200 years after the first leisure Jadrolinija was established in the port of in larger and faster vessels. “We are doing ships began serving historic cities such as Rijeka in the north of the country, ushering everything we can to assure our services Dubrovnik, today Croatia’s islands and coastal in a new era in Croatian maritime transport. provide pleasure and safety for our passengers,” towns are linked by a vast network of regular After introducing the first modern ferries into Jadrolinija CEO David Sopta says. ZADAR REGION: CLEAR GOALS PROVIDE VISION FOR DEVELOPMENT INTERVIEW WITH

What role do you play as the Prefect of Zadar What about infrastructure and planning for Ancona and all of this congestion resulted in County? the region, what project would you like to a project that moved the city port. The main As a government official, as the county prefect, mention? point of the story is that the city port moved to I often compare myself to a clown doing a This year, we are going to make changes to the other part of the city, on the edge of the city. juggling act. One of the balls that I’m juggling the spatial plan. As you know, the spatial plan At that precise time, the building of the highway is the economy, the second one is social defines the space and all economic activities was also underway, so the infrastructure there is politics, and the third one is sustainability and that will happen in said specific area, including almost perfect. We have an airport five minutes environmental protection. As you may already the building of new tourist resorts, industrial away from the port of Gaženica, a highway that know, our economy relies mainly on tourism complexes, etc. Using the spatial plan, any is right next to the airport and goes straight to and the key to tourism is environmental future business venture is planned into the the city port. The railway system is also at the protection and studying tourism’s impact on study so we can see how it could potentially port, so the future of this region, of this county, the ecology of our region. A clean environment, impact the environment. Croatia is a coveted besides tourism, lies in transportation and community, sea and plenty of clean water is and interesting destination and country and providing services. our brand. We must be proud of that brand and part of that is because more than 50% of the protect it. country’s territory is covered with forests. Our How would you like to see the city evolve? county has five national parks and three nature During the Ancient Rome period, Zadar was the What are you most important on-going parks in its surroundings. Also, when it comes intersection between the East and the West, and projects in the region? to renewable energy, our county is also doing Božidar Longin the North and the South. The Pannonian Plain At this very moment, our county’s biggest extremely well. If we continue to care about was always the granary and Zadar played a huge infrastructural projects involve drainage the environment, I think we will continue to Prefect part as an intersection there. I envision Zadar as and wastewater management. We can perform well in the tourism sector. a logistics center and a transport hub again and to Trieste that transport about 150 trucks, a airport is surrounded by almost 1,000 hectares proudly say that we have invested over €200 Zadar County we are well on the way to make this a reality. We percentage of these trucks will stop here and of flat surface that is state-owned. You can’t find million in these projects because we want What projects have already been implemented just finished building a new passenger terminal drive directly there, because of the almost- that anywhere else in Croatia or in Central environmental protection to be our legacy. in order to prevent the city center from achieve. Before, the old port was in the city on the Mediterranean, which is now one of perfect infrastructure and because we are Europe. If you want to invest anywhere in the We are currently undergoing studies to overcrowding? center and during the summer you could the best in Europe. We have a good operator, right in the middle of the Adriatic coast. The Mediterranean, especially in Croatia, you have determine the maximum number of tourists A good example is Port Gaženica which barely walk through the city, let alone catch a Global Ports Holding, one of the biggest whole of Middle Europe is gravitating towards to invest in state-owned land because of the that our region can support without negatively wasn’t built over night. It was something that ferry (you had to wait for hours in line). There operators in the world and a concessionaire for us precisely because of our perfect highway complicated land register. affecting the environment. generations of Zadar’s citizens worked to was an international ferry that departed for international passenger traffic and we have also network and of course the fact that the airport is signed contracts to become a home port. This five minutes away. Also, one small detail about How does your county differ from the rest of year, about 150 cruise ships will dock in Zadar the airport that is really important is that the Croatia? for a day, and next year we will be a home port. We have ten developed business zones around Seven days ago, we signed a tri-party agreement our airport that vary in size, from 50 to 400 between two ministries and the airport. The FACTS hectares of land, where you can develop airport will go through a reconstruction; we will transport, manufacturing etc. We also have ten extend the landing strip by 700 meters so even destinations for tourism investments, which are the biggest planes can land, and by that I mean 5 also state-owned. We offer hotels, campsites, intercontinental flights. We’ll also be adding a national park mansions and a whole resort with a marina. new airport apron because we need one more in the region They also vary in size, from 20 to 100 hectares in order to become a home port. We will also be of land. If you are serious about investing, the expanding the airport building itself, so a whole state will offer you this land. We can offer you reconstruction of the airport is under way, which +€200 million a whole business zone right by the landing strip will cost over 60 million euros. We managed to in water management if you want to invest in air cargo transport. We get a building permit for that project. projects will do everything and help you with acquiring I have to add that Gaženica is also a fishing documentation; we offer all the help you need. port. Our county is famous for fishing – 50% +50% We went up seven places on FINA (Financial of the total catch in Croatia comes from right of Croatia is covered Agency - which is the leading Croatian here; over 50% of the white fish catch and in forests provider of financial services) scale in just one over 70% of tuna farming is done here. One year. Our county was devastated in the war; part of Gaženica is a fish port, the middle 70% of the territory was under siege, including part is the passenger port, and the third part +50% the entrance to the city of Zadar. I gave up five is a soon-to-be cargo port. We are building a of national fishing years of my life and served in the military and it RORO ramp which is going to be finished in catch is from Zadar wasn’t easy rebuilding, but today, we are at the about seven months and we’re going to get an top; we are one of the most successful counties. additional 12 hectares of land. Of the ferries Zadar County is open to investments. Tourism SPLIT: WHERE HISTORY MIXES WITH CULTURE GATEWAY TO THE ADRIATIC INTERVIEW WITH The largest city in the Dalmatian region, the cultured and prosperous town of Split has been a favorite of sophisticated travelers ever since the Emperor Sea & sun tourism is not enough anymore. So when you add all that to our excellent Diocletian first moved here from Rome almost two thousand years ago. People want experiences. What does Split have gastronomic and oenological offering, we to offer beyond its beautiful beaches? really are a city that gives our guests and Last year, the Split Tourism Office together visitors not only a unique experience, but also with the Faculty of Economics worked value for money. together on a marketing strategy for the city oday, Diocletian’s massive palace continues choosing to drop by the less well-known but and identified four strategic pillars for Split’s Not many people know about Croatian wine. to dominate Split’s old town. Inside the equally beautiful island of Bra , home to perhaps tourism offer: culture, gastronomy and What sort of initiative are being developed to Tsprawling walls of this vast complex, where Croatia’s most famous beach and to countless oenology, sports and special new products promote it? residents made their homes after the Roman secluded coves and quiet Mediterranean towns - aimed at the ‘new type’ of tourist. We have been organizing several wine festivals Empire crumbled, visitors from all corners all just 45 minutes away from Split by boat. Split is a UNESCO World Heritage site and events at very special and authentic places of the globe delight in a vibrant and living To manage the surge in tourist volumes that which gives us an advantage as all the UNESCO such as the Diocletian Palace. This coming May community of shops, restaurants, galleries and has accompanied the rising global fame of these sites are more visible in the global tourist map. we are hosting a festival where people will have the street performers. Add to the mix a thriving and other islands, Split has embarked on a series Being in Split is like being in a palace since the chance to taste some of our best wines which will cultural scene, celebrated cuisine and wines and of major investments in hotel and transport city is in the Palace of Diocletian, and this is a be presented directly by each wine-maker. And world-class sports facilities, and it is little wonder infrastructure. On the city’s skyline, the building unique experience. Culture abounds here and we do similar initiatives with olive oil producers. that Split has become of Europe’s most popular which will soon be the highest in Croatia is already we offer many cultural events such as film and Gastronomy and oenology is becoming a very choices for a city break. taking shape – the 27-floor Dalmatia Tower, which music festivals not to mention our numerous important part of our tourism strategy. Alijana Vukši At the same time, Split has also become the will house a Courtyard by Marriott hotel. museums and historic monuments. We also work in collaboration with some gateway to visiting a destination that is a more This June, the city’s international airport will We are also a city of sports and we like to restaurants and on some important and Director recent addition to the world tourism map – the Whether they are chartering a private yacht or unveil a €60 million terminal that will increase its say that “Split is the most ‘sporty’ town in relevant dates for our city, we invite all of the Split Tourist Board islands of the Adriatic Sea. Just a short walk from using public ferry services, nearly all travelers to capacity to 3.5 million passengers a year. Further into the world”. We hold the record for Olympic restaurateurs to participate in “gastro-tours”. Diocletian’s Palace, every summer the city’s the islands of Dalmatia will at some stage pass the future, a metro line will link the airport directly medals per capita and when you walk along The idea is to offer visitors typical menus at bustling ferry port sends hundreds of thousands through Split. Most international tourists coming to a new rail station and the ferry port, transforming Split Riva Promenade, you will find stars discounted prices. We call these events “From public organisations. That is why they are of passengers on their way to some of the most to the city will head on to the stunning island Split’s transport system and strengthening the city’s engraved with names of our Olympians and the garden to the table” and we use typical so important and successful, because they pristine beaches and most welcoming island of Hvar, favoured by celebrities, party-goers and status as the undisputed hub for tourism across their stories. These sportsmen and women are products from the region. All of our top chefs have the support of both parts and show that communities in the entire Mediterranean. nature-lovers alike. Increasing numbers are also Dalmatia and the Adriatic Sea. our best tourism ambassadors. participate in these events and present their if we work together, we can get things done. We offer many walking tours with audio dishes to the visitors. The idea is that typical We also want to show that working together guides. One of our latest products is an audio and authentic food from the region is cooked is better, make us stronger so that is why it is guide to be used while you go jogging or with a modern twist. important to join forces. GROWTH COUPLED running; it is becoming increasingly popular. In 2013 we started hosting an outdoor Are these special events aimed at tourist or locals? Many cities are now preferring to use the WITH EXCELLENCE electronic music festival, Ultra Europe, which These events are a way to integrate locals regional approach when promoting themselves. has helped us to be known worldwide. This with visitors, private entrepreneurs with Is this something Split is doing too? In 2018, Split Airport welcomed several-day event attracts nationals from over Correct, and this year, for the first time, three million passengers. And 140 countries. So Split is a town of big events. at the ITB in Berlin, we promoted the this year the airport will expand We go from one event to another month after whole region of Split and not only the FACTS to welcome even more, with month. In January we ran the tenders for the city. We thought it was important to new schedules to facilitate flights events and over 380 applicants this year. include surrounding islands and cities in during the summer season and our promotional activities so that we can a fast ferry for runs between the all benefit from standing together as a +3 million airport and Split City Port. tourist arrivals destination. We want people to use Split as a hub to see the whole region. Adding a brand-new terminal, four times bigger than the What are your priorities at the moment? previous one, guarantees more AD 305 Our goal is to develop not only responsible year Diocletian’s Palace capacity for flights and increased tourism, but sustainable tourism. Also, we quality service to guests. was built want our high season to be longer. The longer it is, the better it will be for our citizens and consequently they will be happier. And if 178 m the locals and residents are satisfied they will The Marjan hill height welcome the tourists and the tourists will enjoy their stay here and also be satisfied with www.split-airport.hr their experience in Split. ZADAR REGION: SAY YES! TO EVERYTHING INTERVIEW WITH

What is the role of the Zadar Region Tourist harmony and where lovely coastal resorts Board? provide excellent conditions for both an active There are three levels of tourism promotion in the vacation and a relaxed family holiday. Whether country: national, regional and local. We, as the its culture, history, antiquities and museums, regional office, are responsible for the promotion or outdoor adventure like hiking, biking, strategy and its implementation, for the brand snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and rafting, we and product development as well as standards. have it all – and all of these very close to the City of Zadar. How does Zadar Region stand out from other But, in order to accomplish that we need Croatian regions? even more service-providers in these areas as We try to focus on the best we have to offer. interest and demand are both increasing. The Zadar Region has a truly amazing geographical position, located in the center of How are you trying to attract tourists outside the East Adriatic and surrounded by stunning the summer months? nature of great variety. The long and indented We need to identify even more unique coast is of surreal beauty and splendid peaks products and services that Zadar can offer to of the imposing mountains are just some of international tourists. the views here in the Zadar Region. National It is important to trigger the creativity in the parks, nature parks, islands, reserves, woods, people, this is our aim: to inspire young people Mihaela Kadija fields, groves, bays, coves and beaches are all to have the courage to create a business plan Managing Director integral part of the great Zadar nature story. and go for it. We also need dialog between the public and private sector and both working Zadar Region Tourist Board One of the issues we discussed with other together towards the same goal: creating tourism offices was the importance of extending memorable experiences in our region. How about the Zadar Region? What is the uniqueness of the region? There have been great infrastructural invest- Investments into our airport and hotels are the summer season. What is your view on this? It is a place with stunning a natural envi- We are a small region, but very diverse and ments recently, like the one in our port. We are also crucial for further development of the Indeed this is an important issue. That is why How would you describe the city of Zadar? ronment and astonishing beauty! Whether this is how we stand out and want to promote looking forward to seeing its positive impact in region. we promote intensively all our assets, not just As the center of the region and the former you focus on the imposing peaks of Velebit ourselves. We can offer sun and beach during the economy especially in the tourism sector, but “sun & beach” segment although this is our capital of Dalmatia. The 3,000-year old city Mountain, the scenic splendor of the the summer, but we have other activities such as also in other related sectors such as agriculture Is the U.S. market important for you? strongest product. But we want potential guests, of Zadar is the starting point for many visitors. Adriatic coastline or the charming intimacy hiking, kayaking, rafting for the rest of the year. and transport. With this important investment in We have recently been to the New York as well as those visiting in the summer months, It is a proud city with a rich and interesting of the scattered islands, it always leaves you Our gastronomy is authentic and our port, we are hoping to become a homeport Travel Show to promote Zadar Region as we to know that we have a lot to offer. tradition and amazing cultural heritage, as awe-struck. And this beautiful nature makes Mediterranean, and so are the people. It is the for international cruisers. had noticed that there had been an increase Zadar Region is the place where natural well as unique contemporary installations like Zadar Region a playground for all sorts of local community that gives that special touch of interest in Croatia. Just a few days before and cultural heritage coexists in perfect The Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. activities. to every visit; we are still not overwhelmed with this show, the Lonely Planet had included us tourism. Here you can still see and feel how FACTS in the top 10 cities to visit so this also helped people live and enjoy the same space as our to raise our profile in the US. The New York guests. I think this is very important and I hope Times published its ‘The 52 places to go in we can maintain it this way. 2019’ list and Zadar was at number 11. So 1,300 km the public was really interested in what we You mentioned hiking as something special in the of coastline had to show. The experiences here in Zadar Zadar Region. Is this a niche that you can excel in? Region, whether cultural, gastronomical or We have a national park and three nature parks outdoors, are very compatible to U.S. travelers (protected environment) in the region so there 100+ needs and expectations of a Mediterranean are great opportunities for hiking. Therefore, we islands, isles and rocks destination and culture. are currently carrying out a project to educate visitors how to behave and prepare themselves 150 km Your final message? properly for nature, what they can and should of hiking paths at Our national parks, nature parks, islands, do to enjoy the beautiful environment. Paklenica National Park reserves, woods, fields, groves, bays, coves There are a lot of things we want to do to and beaches form the great nature story that make the parks more attractive for all age- captures the heart and intrigues the mind

groups, for example, label kid-friendly trails. # 11 of our visitors. So be sure to come and see at the The New York Times for yourself what inspires thousands and What sort of investments would you like to see ‘The 52 places to go in thousands of visitors to always come back in to improve the tourism sector here in the Zadar 2019’ list search for new experiences in the friendly and Region? familiar setting of the Zadar Region! DUBROVNIK: THE LEADING AIRPORT IN DALMATIA INTERVIEW WITH

The Port of Split is Croatia’s largest passenger port as How important is the airport to make the city Last year, we inaugurated the new passenger well as one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean. more accessible for tourists? terminal, an additional 28,000 square meters, Tourism is the main industry in our region that according to the International Air The Port of Split Authority is planning to develop even though other sectors, like agriculture, Transport Association (IATA) standards is itself as a Smart Port in order to increase its manufacturing and shipping, are also relevant. quite good. Nowadays the main works are on effectiveness, security and sustainability and to prepare It represents 70% of our GDP. Dubrovnik has the airside surfaces; a complete reconstruction the port for the changing global environment. a connectivity issue as it is separated from of the runway, taxiways, aprons, lighting the rest of Croatia. In order to go to the rest and navigation system. We hope that by the The Port of Split Authority is currently preparing to of the country – our capital Zagreb or our beginning of this summer season our airside issue an international public concession tender for Port of Split Authority neighboring city Split, we need to cross both works will be completed, and we will be new international passenger terminal. www.portsplit.hr Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Adriatic Sea. able to receive more passengers. Last year we Therefore, the airport is extremely important handled about 2.5 million passengers. because it is a way to arrive in the city without We are also erecting a new fuel storage, and having to cross borders. Today, about 65 to building a terminal for business aviation and 70% of the tourist coming here arrive by air. private jets. A lot of wealthy people come here Our high season starts in the beginning of in the summer by private jets as they have April and lasts until the end of October, so we their yachts in the Adriatic Sea. Every year we have a seven-month season, and that is when have a higher demand for this service, a place most of the tourist arrive. to park the private jets. FranoFrano LuetiLueti DirectorDirector Mayor Mato Franković told us that about €300 This summer there will be long-haul flights million were invested in the airport. Can you direct to the United States… DubrovnikDubrovnik Airport Airport Authority expand on that? The direct flights to the US will be very Croatia joined the European Union in important for us. According to the statistics, Is Dubrovnik airport competitive? 2013 and since then we have had access to UK visitors are at the top followed by the We are a very contemporary airport because European funding. We applied to get funds for Americans and we don’t even have direct we must meet the standards of the carriers that the reconstruction of the airport; got resources flights to the US at the moment. There have are coming here, most of them from Western to develop our project, the Dubrovnik Airport been some negotiations with carriers from and Northern Europe. We’ve adapted all our Development Plan; and today it is a work in the US and we will start direct service after 27 technology to render the services according progress. years. The service will provided by American to their requests. Our standards are the same We started the development five years ago Airlines and will connect Dubrovnik to as in any European airport and according to and expect it to be completed by the end of this Philadelphia because Philadelphia is one of International Civil Aviation Organization year. The total investment is approximately the main hubs on the East coast of the US. (ICAO) and IATA rules. €225 million which is being financed with We will start with three flights a week from European funds (76%) and by ourselves the beginning of June and they will last until (24%). We got the loan from the European mid-September. According to American FACTS Investment Bank (EIB) and the Croatian Airlines, booking sales are going very well so Bank for Reconstruction and Development. maybe next year they might increase to daily The project aims at making our facilities flights. It’s excellent news for our region and +2,5 million more modern and increasing our capacity. Croatia. passengers in 2018

400 permanent employees 200 seasonal employees

3,300 m x 45 m runway CITY OF ZADAR: IN THE HEART OF THE ADRIATIC INTERVIEW WITH

Zadar is the oldest continuously inhabited example, is a small town of about 5,000 Croatian city… people in Zadar county and it was historically The city has a very interesting history as it’s important as a royal city; it was the seat of the more than 3,000 years old and has always Princes of Dalmatia. So very unique, and like been a center of culture and business. It used no other in the region. to be the capital city of Dalmatia until World But unfortunately, Zadar is still not very War II when the city was bombed and almost well known, and we have to change that. 85% of the old town was destroyed. After that, When I was in New York earlier this year I the old communist administration took over talked to many Americans and they all knew Zadar and developed it to become the city Croatia and they all think of it as an exotic where officers of the former Yugoslavian army place in the Mediterranean. They’ve heard lived. Unfortunately, at that time they also about Dubrovnik, Kor ula, Split, and even took the central administration of Dalmatia to Beliš e but not Zadar, Šibenik nor Nin. This Split, the current Dalmatian capital. needs to change because these three cities are But the city has always been a culture center very important in the Dalmatia. in Croatia, and this is a priority for the city’s Zadar has a cultural tradition like no other administration: to make sure that it remains city in Dalmatia and we also have the most a cultural center where the old culture is beautiful sunsets and the Sea Organ which combined and mixed with modern culture. is an architectural sound art object and an Mario Paleka We also have a new and different approach to experimental musical instrument, which Director modern art and architecture. plays music by way of sea waves and tubes Zadar has been known for being the arts city located underneath a set of large marble steps. Zadar Tourist Board and worldwide chains to Zadar. It seems like is why “Feel Zadar” (#feelzadar) was the Something unique to Zadar? in Croatia with lot of artists living here. Even Dogus Group was interested in the Maraska perfect choice for our promotion campaign Our Millennium Jump, when more than though Zadar is not that big, just about 90,000 What about the local cuisine in Zadar? summer season we also have festivals and Hotel and make it a Hyatt Hotel, but this is title. 3,000 people jump into the water, right at the people live here at the moment, it has always Our soil is very rich and fertile so the produce exhibitions. As an example, we have one still uncertain. We are lucky cause we have a large area, center of the city, at the same time. been famous as a cultural and artsy city. you get here is of very good quality. of the oldest music festivals in our country, There is certainly a lot of support from with a lot of good quality produce, food and Glazbene Ve eri u Sv. Donatu - Musical the city’s administration to improve and wine, and then we have history, culture, The airport is also increasing its capacity. Dalmatia is a very diversified region with very What makes Zadar special and stand out from Evenings in St. Donatus. This festival takes boost the tourism sector in Zadar and they festivals, typical Dalmatian sights, places to Zadar is becoming a more popular different cities… the other Dalmatian cities? place in a church that is about 1,200 years will support any project that will make it go out so there is a lot on offer to tourists so destination. Each year there are more direct Yes, there are several cities and they are quite We have the sun, a pristine clean sea, several old and this year it will be the 59th edition. stronger. It is clear that without investment they can really feel the Zadar experience. international flights to the city. But we need unique and different from each other: Zadar, islands, inlands, national parks, so our offer in the sector there will be no progress. And And we are also trying to increase our season to improve our infrastructure and make Split, Dubrovnik, Šibenik, Nin… Nin, for is very rich and varied. And throughout the Where do your tourists come from? we do need to increase the number of beds so our offer includes activities and things to progress in the number of beds we offer to Tourism in Zadar started in the 1960s when a on offer and they need to be for the high-end do from March until the end of October. be able to handle more flights into the city. couple of houses were made into hotels. Back market; Americans tend to want at least a Also, we would like the city to be a homeport then we had tourists from Germany, Austria, 4-star accommodation. for the cruise ships and we have the capacity Slovenia, Poland, the Czech Republic, to expand on that, something that other cities Slovakia and today our main markets are Some parts of Dalmatia cannot increase their like Split and Dubrovnik cannot do. still the traditional ones I just mentioned, accommodation offer simply because there is FACTS but we are also getting Scandinavians and no land to expand. Is this an issue in Zadar? So Zadar has room to expand its tourism offer. Americans tourists. Croatia is becoming a No, that is not an issue in Zadar. We Another advantage the city offers? more and more popular destination in the could expand and that is why we need the Its young population. I think we are lucky United States and I think that we will soon international chains to come here because the +3,000 that we have a very young team in the City get more American visitors. We used to local hotel owners don’t have the capacity. We years old of Zadar and they have been able to tap into receive a lot of Russians too but not so many need a congress hall that could take at least EU funds for the development of tourism nowadays. 1,000 people and then build new hotels. here. I believe we should try a big project We are in a very good geographical next, with the EU funds, a congress or event

Is Zadar looking into tapping into MICE tourism position, right in the middle of the Croatian 90,000 hall, like a modern opera house that would too? coast, just about over two hours from Zagreb population boost our MICE tourism. It would also help We need to work on this. Unfortunately, we airport, so this is also an attractive advantage us to have more cultural events that would don’t have hotels that are big enough for this for investors to come to Zadar. take place outside the summer months. kind of tourism as conferences require four- # 1 or five-star accommodation. At this moment, Tourism is not only about sun and sand sunset in Croatia What should we miss here in Zadar? we only have one 5-star hotel in the area. We anymore. It is about experiences... The Church of St. Donatus and the Sea would like to attract famous international We want our tourists to feel the city so that Organ. ZADAR CITY: GROWING RESPONSIBLY INTERVIEW WITH

What is the importance of tourism for the Tourist destinations need to fulfill tourists’ city? demands. However, tourists shouldn’t be Tourism accounts for about 15% of viewed as simply guests, but rather as investors the city’s total revenues and it plays an who not only contribute to the development DALMATIA extremely important role in the overall of the tourism sector, but also to the rest of economic development of the city because the economy through their spending. of its contribution to positive foreign trade The growing number of tourist overnight Sustainability is Responsibility through the export of services. It also stays can have certain negative consequences contributes significantly to the development for both tourism and nature itself. Natural of almost all the other activities such as trade, resources, water and energy are used, construction, food industry, agriculture and and therefore sustainable development transport. and environmental conservation needs to It is important to point out that the city be promoted. Resilient tourism requires of Zadar has achieved enormous growth in responsible behavior and preservation of tourist traffic over the past 10 years, both in natural resources and beauty. terms of the number of visitor arrivals and the Good examples of sustainable tourism in number of nights, tourist traffic in the city of the area of the city include numerous and Zadar has grown on average more than 10% increasingly popular sports events and the BrankoFrano Lueti Duki per year. organization, SRC Višnjik, which promotes a healthy lifestyle and less use of cars. This MayorDirector How important is sustainability for Zadar? is also supported by a well-organized urban Sustainable development is extremely transport system and a city bicycle system. CityDubrovnik of Zadar Airport important for the entire community and for The City of Zadar itself has green areas, tourism. Destinations that ensure sustainable promenades, city parks, parks and coastal areas whether that be coastal or inland Croatia. development are increasingly recognized and that are protected. The City is responsible Tourism can and must become an export praised. For tourism to be sustainable, everyone, for the disposal of waste and the recycling of category and we have to find a way to use from the local community, population, tourists, materials. local products and services in the hotel and to the travel agents and agencies that bring Croatia should seriously think about the catering services, because there is a threat that tourists here, need to be included in the project “Croatia-Florida of Europe” and wherever tourism has export characteristics, it PRODUCED BY ELITE REPORTS development of the destination. An increasing come up with a unique strategy in the world becomes an import category in our country. number of tourists are concerned about issues market and present itself as a unique product, Looking only at Zadar and Zadar’s hinterland, Melinda Snider such as health, the natural beauty of the while retaining all the diversity, beauty and there is an incredible potential in food Managing Director & Editor destination and security. peculiarities of each of its individual locations, production as well as high-quality fishing and Alenka Krznarić marine resources which all have the potential Regional Director & Contributing Editor to incorporate tourism plans into tourism in Mauro Perillo FACTS the full sense. Production & Project Development Director Currently, in Zadar, due to a significant Antonio Caparrós increase in tourist traffic, there is a lack of Art Director accommodation. The city administration Mark Beresford Writer +71,000 is working on creating prerequisites for potential investors to invest in such projects. Sue Brophy population Writer But it is important to stress that it must work Carol Marco in synergy with local service providers. The Writer 3rd quality and purchasing power of guests must city by size on the Croatian Anaid Chaudhry also be monitored. Adriatic coast Project Coordinator With smart planning, a development- Georgina Wheston operational strategy and using the knowledge Project Coordinator 15% of our experts from Zadar University, I am Héctor Martínez tourism contribution sure that Zadar can have an exceptionally Web Designer to Zadar’s GDP good tourism industry. We also need to involve the younger generation through In collaboration with education and business. There are many activities that need to be done, but I do not www.elitereports.net doubt that we can achieve this.

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