FROM MY CORNER           

Dear friends,  
It is a pleasure to confirm that Croatian tourism has in 2007 achieved its strategic and tactical goals.
In numbers we expect to achieve a growth rate of 7.54% in tourist arrivals and 5.70% in overnight stays, which puts us, at year's end, at a total of 11.2 million tourist arrivals and 56 million tourist overnight stays. The financial result is even more convincing. We expect a growth of as much as 10%.

At this moment we estimate that we will finish 2007 with total tourism revenues of 6.92 billion euro or, by the WTTC method, from 10.2 to 11 billion euro. Given the forecast growth of the actual volume of tourist turnover of at least 3% in arrivals and 2% in overnight stays and the forecast average price increase of 3%, we forecast an increase of about 5% in the value effect of tourism from 2007 to 2008, i.e. total revenues at the level of 7.27 billion euro.  

Three key trends

Our further efforts are directed to three key trends: the first is unexpended environment, i.e. preserving the environment; second, improving accommodation capacities; and third, a consistent and imaginative delivery in the area of the culture of experiences.

A preserved environment, or more precisely put, an "unexpended environment" remains Croatia's comparative advantage and is our greatest value. It is up to us to continue systematically to preserve it, transform it and enrich it as a competitive advantage. It is on the one hand affirming and confirmed by accepted global standards such as the "Blue Flag", and on the other, awareness is developed and supported by ecological and educational activities such as, for example, the Volim Hrvatsku (I Love Croatia) Campaign, that systematically encourages the population, from its youngest members on, to treat their environment with respect. 

Receptive optimum

As far as the upgrading of our current accommodation capacities is concerned, our strategic consideration for a Croatian tourism development cycle to the year 2012 is directed to changing the structure of accommodation capacity and having the current figure of 100 thousand beds grow to 100 thousand rooms, i.e. that the number be doubled. This kind of growth, with an increase in quality from the current average of 2 to 3 stars to the needed 3,4 to 5 stars, creates the climate and frame for real development. This will allow us to achieve an optimum in the actual volume of turnover to 11 million foreign visitors, 70 million overnight stays, 8 billion euro foreign tourist spending, i.e. a total according to the WTTC method of over 12 billion euro.

If we add 1 to 1.5 million domestic tourists to these figures, that would, given the demographic situation and the labour-capable capacity of the Croatian nation, be the desired tourism optimum, appropriate to quality tourism and in line with sustainable development.  

The culture of experiences

But it is the ever-growing awareness and organisational efforts of all of the elements of Croatian tourism in the area of delivering a culture of experiences that is greater cause for satisfaction than the above-cited figures. It is precisely in the production of events, based on Croatia's rich history and cultural heritage, that will provide for credible and authentic experiences and that is becoming crucial as a continuing generator of Croatian tourism and the overall evaluation of the country as a tourism destination in its entirety.

In the works is a new strategic marketing plan for Croatian tourism and the individual regions, i.e. counties, for the 2008 to 2012 period. It will be supported by the gradual establishment of a series of destination management companies (DCMs), i.e. operative companies for destination management.

All of this clearly demonstrates that we have opted for quality tourism, as opposed to mass tourism, because, as society of under 4.5 million inhabitants we lack the strength for mass tourism.  

A win-win situation

At the same time we are endeavouring to systematically and permanently raise the balance between price and quality to a higher level, at the same time realising the tenets of sustainable development and producing a balance of satisfaction between the foreign guest, the user of the service, and the host, the service provider.

We wish, then, to achieve a win-win situation in which both benefit. Through this kind of development, tailored to the measure of the needs of both the Croatian citizen and the foreign guest, we are trying to achieve that the domestic population finds itself in the function both of bettering their own standard of living and the preservation of the national identity.

A destination that intrigues – again and again

In our case that means that we have first used the potential provided by our own comparative advantages. Now we are turning to potentials that can, objectively, be valued in tourism, but that enter the race without an expressed initial comparative advantage.

We are, then, not static, but rather – dynamic, creative and proactive. Because the trends, needs, expectations and motivation for tourist travel are changing. Of this we are very much aware. But we see in it our great chance and an opportunity for a regionally diverse and preserved Croatian environment in tourism.

Our goal, finally, is clear – Croatia as an innovative and creative tourist destination. That endures and intrigues again and again! In the true sense of each of these words.

Yours sincerely, Dario Matosevic , Director of the  Croatian National Tourist Board, Stockholm

WELCOME TO CROATIA! 

Croatia has again this year, with its 1777 km of unique coastline, thousand islands and mild Mediterranean climate, thanks to its unique combination of a preserved natural environment, fascinating culture and eventful history, specific cuisine, proverbial hospitality and accessible prices, justified the title of one of the most desirable global and European destinations. And in doing so has confirmed in whole its central slogan: Croatia – the Mediterranean as it once was.

Its key strengths continue to be charming old towns and settlements in a setting of natural balance between the relaxed local rhythm and the arriving guests, balanced coastline development and an unexpended seashore, mystical islands and coves, national parks and nature reserves, an enthusiasm for the nurturing of old customs and for the preservation of the national identity. All of this fused in a natural harmony of characteristic wines, quality olive oil and out of the ordinary fish and meat delicacies, the evocative songs of the a cappella klapa groups and cheerful folklore.

In the frame of the Country Brand Index, a study carried out each year by the prestigious London-based consulting company Futurebrand, Croatia was declared first in the Rising Star category. The other two top-placed destinations are China and the United Arab Emirates.  

A paradise for the adventurous – and the famous

In doing so it has, while attracting a wide range of guests, developed and maintained, as a tourism journalist was inspired to write, an infrastructure that suits both adventurers and those guests seeking a certain degree of comfort.

By permanently improving the quality level of its reception facilities on the one and its transport infrastructure on the other hand, Croatia continues to consistently deliver experiences, sensations and satisfaction to even the most demanding. Proofs of this are the, now traditional, summertime arrivals of royal families celebrated foreign film stars, musicians and visual artists and the members of powerful business dynasties to the Adriatic coast.
Croatia is a large natural and historical stage for many unique festivals, exhibitions, concerts and gatherings such as the Dubrovnik Summer Games, Summer in Split, the Rab Fair, the Pula and Motovun film festivals and Varaždin's Špancirfest busker event.

From prestigious hotel brands to intimate family-run hotels

In the coming period from 2008 to 2012 we want Croatia to maintain its status of a peaceful, attractive, safe and pleasant destination that welcomes famous personalities and those who wish to enjoy their anonymity with equal care.

Through the permanent encouragement of renovation, the development of existing facilities and greenfield investment, especially in hotel resorts with prestigious global hotel brands, golf courses, nautical tourism ports and multifunctional sports arenas, but also of a range of intimate family-run hotels, new accommodation and accompanying facilities are gradually created and existing ones are at the same time enriched.

An appropriate emphasis is also put on creating the conditions to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated demand in camping tourism and the enthusiasm of tourist destinations in the country's interior.

Special state grants in the frame of the Under Ancient Roofs program encourage the construction of both deficient facilities and authentic facilities targeted to tourism. These measures, a proactive approach and the independent initiative or entrepreneurs and regional tourism bodies have seen a very attractive offer of typical local facilities making headway on the coastline and interior. Thanks to a preserved environment, peace and quiet and a fitting tourist offer, this is becoming a real hit among nature lovers in search of the outdoors and tranquillity.

7% more arrivals and 6% more overnight tourist stays in all commercial accommodation facilities have been recording in January to October of 2007 over the same period in 2006. Tourists accounted for 55 108 961 overnight stays, of which 89.1% by foreign tourists and 10.9% by domestic tourists, meaning that foreign tourist overnight stays are up by 5%, and those of domestic tourists by 8%.

In the breakdown of overnight stays the highest number was recorded by tourists from Germany (22%), Slovenia (11.5%), Italy (10.9%), the Czech Republic (8.9%), Austria (8.5%), the Netherlands (4.1%), Hungary (4%) for a total of 69.9%. Tourists coming from other countries recorded 30.1% of overnight stays.

Strategic goals in 2008

The strategic goals of Croatian tourism in 2008 are:

   The renovation, preservation and more complete valuation of Croatia's tourism potential
   Establishing a new identity for Croatian tourism and positioning Croatia as one of the leading tourist destination countries in the
   Mediterranean
   Quality tourism in harmony with sustainable development
   3% growth in total tourist arrivals
   2% growth in total tourist overnight stays

But the true value of Croatian tourism is in the diversity the country itself offers, and is best manifested through the tourism regions and there rich offer. That s why we are presenting each region on its own in all of its wealth and diversity - Zagreb and Central Croatia, Slavonia, Istria, the Kvarner, and Dalmatia.

CROATIA IN NUMBERS
 
Land and sea

Land surface area in km² 56,594
Territorial sea and internal waters area in km² 31,067
Length of the coastline, mainland, in km 1777.3
Length of the coastline, islands, in km 4,058
Islands, islets and rocks 1,185
National parks 8
Nature reserves 11 
Population (2005 estimate) 4,442,000
Population density per km² 78.5
Zagreb, capital (2001 census) 779,000  

Territorial administration

Counties 21
Cities 127
Municipalities 429
Settlements 6,751  

Capacities

Total number of hotels 551
Total number of beds in hotel accommodation 114,032
Total number of beds in guesthouses 421,000
Total number of small family-operated hotels 225
Total number of camps 235
Total number of camps in homesteads (up to 7 accommodation units) 278
Total accommodation capacity in camps 224,515 (of which 10,033 in homestead camps)
Total number of rural tourist homesteads 357
Total number of marinas 50
Total number of berths in marinas 15,973
Total number of charter fleet vessels stationed in Croatian marinas 3,459

Temperature

Croatia – Value for money destination

HOW TO GET TO CROATIA 

Excellent bus lines

Croatia is connected by regular international bus lines to Slovenia, Austria, France, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Slovakia and other European countries. A very extensive network of domestic bus lines provides travellers with very easy access to Croatia, i.e. Zagreb, Split and all other tourist destinations.  

Expanding the roadways network

Croatia continues to intensively expand the existing network of modern roadways. The full profile of the 7.4 kilometre Kikovica-Oštrovica section of the Rijeka-Zagreb Motorway near Rijeka was recently opened. This is one of the most demanding sections of roadway in Croatia with 20% of its length made up of roadway structures – five viaducts and two underpasses. The Rijeka-Zagreb Motorway now has 110 kilometres of full profile with the remaining 36.5 kilometres to be opened for traffic by the end of 2008.

Construction worth 170 million euro has been launched on the Split beltway, the first step in completing the roadway link on the Trogir-Split-Omiš line, the section with the highest traffic density in Croatia with an average daily transit of 40,000 vehicles. 

Direct rail lines

Croatia networks via direct rail lines with Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Montenegro and with Switzerland. There are indirect lines connecting it to other European countries.  

Airports and low cost carriers

There are international airports in Croatia in the cities of Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Osijek, Zadar, Rijeka, Pula, while the airports on the islands of Brač and Lošinj are open only during the summer season.

There are sports airstrips in the Croatian cities of Zagreb, Čakovec, Slavonski Brod, Rijeka, Vrsar, Mali Lošinj, Sinj, Otočac, Čepin, Ivanić Grad, Koprivnica, Brač, Pula and Varaždin.

Croatia Airlines, the Croatian national air carrier links Croatia to many European cities. Besides by Croatia Airlines, flights are maintained with Croatia by another 35 air carriers such as British Airways, Germanwings and Lufthansa.

Low cost carriers have been flying to Croatia for several years. Germanwings leads the field by the number of flights it offers, linking Cologne with Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar, Stuttgart with Zagreb, Split and Zadar, and Berlin, Hamburg and Dortmund with Zagreb and Split.

Germany's Happag Lloyd Express flies from Rijeka to Cologne, Hanover, Stuttgart, Munich and Leipzig and from Dubrovnik to Hanover, Stuttgart and Munich.

Slovakia's Sky Europe has also oriented itself to the coastal cities, linking Bratislava and Prague with Split, Dubrovnik and Zadar, and flying from  Krakow to Split and Dubrovnik.

Norwegian Air Shuttle flies from Oslo to Rijeka, Split, Pula and Dubrovnik, and from Bergen, Trondheim and Stavanger for Dubrovnik.

Hungary's Wizz Air maintains lines from London, i.e. Luton to Zagreb and Split, and from Budapest to Split, while FlyGlobespan flies from Pula to Edinburgh, and Thomsonfly from Dubrovnik to London Gatwick, Luton and Manchester and from Pula to Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, London and Manchester.

England's Easyjet has lines from Rijeka to London and from London to Split.

 Smart Connect on flights from Croatia

Germanwings is the leading low cost carrier in Croatia and is the first of the low cost carriers that, back in 2004, introduced permanent flights to Zagreb and Split, later adding Dubrovnik and, in 2007, Zadar. Croatia is one of the rare European countries to which Germanwings flies from all of its main airports in Germany with an average flight occupancy rate of 90%. 315 thousand passengers were transported in the first 10 months of 2007, which is up 35% than in the same period in 2006. A new service called Smart Connect is being introduced for flights from Croatia in 2008, the only one of its kind among low cost carriers in Europe. With it Germanwings introduces as many as 141 more routes and 500 additional links a week. Using the service is very easy. Travellers can reserve tickets on the Internet for flights with flight switches in the same way as they have reserved flights up to now but with the added option of switch over available at the Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart and Berlin airports. 

As many as 67 inhabited islands linked by ship lines

Croatia is a maritime country. Its coastal cities are interconnected by ship lines and ferries. As many as 67 inhabited islands are linked to the mainland by ferry or ship lines. The frequency of ferry lines is increased during the summer months.

Local ferry lines link the mainland with the islands of Cres, Lošinj, Pag, Rab, Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi otok, Iž, Rava, Olib, Silba, Premuda, Ist, Molat, Brač, Šolta, Hvar, Vis, Pelješac, Korčula, Lastovo and Mljet.

Regular passenger and ferry lines sail from Italian (Venice, Trieste, Ancona, Pescara, Bari) and Croatian ports. Daily ferry lines link Rijeka and Split throughout the year. The line runs on to Dubrovnik three times a week. Ferries heading out of Rijeka for the southern coastline are a good option for drivers looking to avoid the beautiful but demanding ride along the coast. 

USEFUL LINKS:
www.jadrolinija.hr; www.croatiaairlines.com; www.splittours.hr ,www.hznet.hr; www.hrvatske-ceste.hr 

ANNOUNCING FOR 2008 – Novelties in reception facilities 

HOTELS 

Croatia – destination of quality accommodation

In 2007 there were 114,032 beds available in hotel accommodations, up 6% from the 2003 figure of 107,419 beds.

The number of beds in hotels with 4* and 5* ratings has increased by 160%, i.e. from 9,813 in 2003 to 25,470 in 2007 and the total number of hotels has grown from 435 to 551 hotels, i.e. an increase of 27%.

At the same time the number of hotels with 4* and 5* ratings has grown from the 33 in 2003 to 109 in 2007, i.e. by as much as 230%. That vividly demonstrates that Croatia is increasingly becoming a destination of quality accommodation with 4* and 5* ratings. this trend continues with the construction of new and the complete overhaul of existing hotels, that are, as a rule, enriched with wellness centres and congress halls. 

The Kempinski Hotel Adriatic in Savudrija

A new luxury and exclusive 5* hotel is being built in Savudrija near Umag – the Kempinski Hotel Adriatic, with the opening scheduled for the 2008 summer season. According to the announcements the hotel complex will feature 186 rooms and suites, a 300-capacity dance hall and a conference centre with a view of the sea. An 18-hole golf course and golf club will be available to guests, various restaurants and lounge and coffee bars, a private hotel beach, a marina and a luxurious spa centre. The hotel management has announced it will organise sailing regattas, golf tournaments and wellness seminars. Guests who wish to do so can be married at the hotel's chapel.

The exclusive Zona Monte Mulini resort

The Zona Monte Mulini tourist resort, right next to Rovinj and the ancient woods of Zlatni Rt park, will be completed in 2008. This exclusive resort with suites and hotel rooms with 4* and 5* ratings, thanks to its highly diversified content, is set to become the most prominent representative of Rovinj's experience-based tourism and top service standards.

Zona Monte Mulini will, when completed, consist of three completely new top quality hotels – the Park, the Monte Mulini and the Lone, and the Eden, renovated in 2006.

All of the facilities will be open year-round with a wide range of new content on offer, some of which will be completely new to Croatian tourism.  

Open – opening!

The 20 million euro Byder resort, conceived as a luxurious apartment resort with 52 apartments offering 250 beds and a wellness centre, is to be opened in Malinska on the island of Krk for Easter 2008.

The Hotel Bastion is the first hotel that will open in the historic core of the city of Zadar (on the Zadar peninsula) in the last twenty years.

The 4* Hotel Spongiola on the island of Krapanj is open, featuring a diving school with diving simulation in a closed pool.

The Solaris hotels have upgraded their offer with a wellness offer and an original Dalmatian village, a replica of a typical village of the Dalmatian Zagora region with an offer of authentic local Dalmatian cuisine and drinks and a rich day program of folklore and a cappella klapa melodies.
The 5* Hotel Atrium, the construction and development of which cost 18 million euro, was opened in mid-July of 2007 in the business centre of Split. 

The complete overhaul of two Dubrovnik and on Split hotel 

The Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik, in the opinion of the prestigious Sunday Times one of the most beautiful hotels in the Mediterranean, has embarked upon a 14 million euro complete overhaul, following the six million euro invested in early 2007 in the renovation of the old section of the Villa Odak. Instead of the current 108 rooms the hotel will feature 95 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, a completely revamped reception, bar, restaurant, indoor swimming pool, upgraded SPA and wellness facilities and second exclusive 150 square metre presidential suite. The opening is scheduled for May of 2008.

The Valamar tourism group has announced the transformation of the devastated Hotel Plakir, now the Valamar Lacroma Resort, into the largest congress hotel in Dubrovnik. The future 4* hotel will feature 400 rooms and a multifunctional hall with a capacity just under 1000 people and 7 smaller halls with a large exhibition area of a further 1000 square metres.

Split's Hotel Marjan is to be reconstructed by Christmas of 2008 with a capacity of 270 luxury rooms and suites, a congress hall, a wellness and spa centre, exclusive boutiques and restaurants and indoor and outdoor pools with a sculpture park.

Construction of a 27-hole golf course kicks off in Istria

The construction of the Marlera Golf LD kicks off in 2008 on a location between the Istrian towns of Medulin and Ližnjan, one of the most attractive and most luxurious resorts with a golf course in Europe, with 27 holes, a 5* hotel with 160 rooms, wellness and spa facilities, a casino and additional accommodation capacities.

The Marlera Golf LD is not only one of the largest greenfield investments in Croatian tourism, but is also a model example of the ecological awareness of the investor, who spent several years procuring the documentation necessary for the construction.

CAMPS 

Croatia has 235 camps and 278 homestead camps. The total accommodation capacity is 225,515 persons, of which 10,033 is in homestead camps (small camps with up to 7 accommodation units). Camps, which make up 24.3% of the total accommodation capacity in Croatia, recorded somewhat over 13 million 250 thousand overnight stays in 2007, up 3% from 2006. Croatia is also the European cradle of nudist camps. There are a total of 11, 6 in Istria, and 3 in the Kvarner area and 2 in Dalmatia.  

Award winning camps

There are 10 camps in Croatia with top European awards. According to the ADAC camping guide for 2007 the Zaton Holiday Village is the first camp in Croatia to be included in the top category and bears the ADAC Superplatz 2007 designation. The respected German camping club DCC (Deutscher Camping-Club) conferred its top commendation to the Lanterna camp in Poreč and proclaimed it the best camp in Croatia in the 2007 season. The Kampeer & Caravan Kampionen monthly magazine and camping guide declared the Istraturist camp Park Umag to be the camp of the year for 2007. The Kovačine camp received the Alan Rogers Rented Accommodation Award in 2006. The Bijela Uvala camp is the recipient of the Alan Rogers Active Holiday Award for 2006.

The Park Umag, Stella Maris, Finida, Kanegra (Umag), Poljana (Lošinj) and Nevio (Orebić) camps are recipients of the ADAC-Campingplatz-Auszeichnung yellow plaque.

French tour operator Camping Cheque proclaimed the Slapić camp in Mrežnički Brig near Duga Resa one of the best in Europe in a field of 600 camps.  

Emphasis on safety and the quality of the offer

The trend in the further development of camping in Croatia is reflected in an increased and constant investment into quality at the camps – from parcelling the camps, new sanitary facilities following European criteria to the construction of pools (in the past few years as many as 23 camps have installed pools). There is a more intensive offer of accommodation rental in camps, especially of mobile homes, bungalows, apartments and villas with a noticeable improvement in the level of hospitality and retail services in the camps and guest safety considerations. Practically every large camp features organised animation and content oriented to children. And as camping outside of camp grounds is not permitted in Croatia, and in respect of the latest camping trends, amendments are in the works to the Ordinance on the classification, minimal conditions and categorisation of camp accommodation facilities, i.e. a new kind of camp – the rest area camp – is being introduced. These are accommodation facilities alongside public roadways that offer camping services for overnight or short stays. Until the construction of these facilities are constructed a brochure will be in use, in the production phase, with a list of camps and mini camps by region offering the services required by campers. 

Best campsites of Croatia – a new project of the Croatian Camping Federation

The Croatian Camping Federation is releasing a new brochure of the leading campgrounds in Croatia for 2008. It lists carefully selected camps that meet one of the following criteria: (1) official Croatian category rating of 4*, (2) an average grading above 7.5, and no grading under 7 from the Dutch ANWB Guide, (3) individual gradings for the three top criteria (sanitary facilities, camp site and supply) of at least three stars (with a possible correction of one lower mark if the average for the fourth and fifth criteria, sport and animation, is above 3.5) from the German ANDAC Guide. These criteria are met by the following camps:

Istria Region: BI Village, Bijela uvala, Finida, Istra, Kanegra, Koversada, Lanterna, Mareda, Orsera, Park Umag, Polari, Pineta, Sirena, Solaris, Portosole, Stella Maris, Stora, Ulika, Valalta, Valdaliso, Veštar, Valkanela and Zelena laguna

Kvarner and the Highlands Region: Bunculuka, Kovačine, Pila and Poljana

Dalmatian Region: Adriatic (Mokalo), Adriatic (Primošten), Antony boy, Glavna plaža, Nevio, Rio, Ponta, Šimuni, Vira, Vrila and Zaton

The Croatian Interior: Slapić

All of these camps are situated in particularly attractive locations, in the natural shade of Mediterranean vegetation and on the seaside, with the exception of Slapić, which is located along the Mrežnica River. 

Top Camping Pool

Ten Croatian camps have joined forces in the Top Camping Pool and recorded 2,800,000 overnight stays in the first ten months of 2007. They expect total revenues of 30 million euros. The greatest growth in the number of overnight stays was recorded at the Hvar island camp Vira, also the first camp in Croatia to this year receive ADAC's highest recognition of quality, the red plaque. Its overnight stay index was 542, followed by camp Nevio in Orebić, which recorded a growth of 35 percent, and the Park Umag camp in third place with a growth of 10 percent. By the number of overnight stays the leader is the Park Umag with 431,000 recorded overnight stays and the Zaton camp with 385,000 overnight stays. The greatest number of guests, almost 50 percent, come to Croatian camps from German speaking areas, followed by the Dutch, Italians and Slovenes. The Top Camping Pool has also released the first issue of the Top Camping News, distributed to all the editorial boards of European camping magazines, camping institutions, ministries, chambers of commerce, camping associations and consumer representatives. Four workshops are to be organised in 2008 as well as participation at two tourism fairs, in Munich and Vincenza. The group foresees an intensive advertising campaign in specialised camping publications and the upgrading of their Internet activities.  

USEFUL LINKS:
www.camping.hr; www.istraturist.com; www.omh.hr

SMALL FAMILY OPERATED HOTELS

 The small family operated hotel – a part of the new image of Croatian tourism

Small family operated hotels, of which there are 225 in Croatia with 7,000 rooms available, employ about 2,500 people, and are a part of the new image of Croatian tourism, uniting all of the qualities of Croatian tourism. Of the total number of family operated hotels almost 90 percent of them have opened their doors in the past ten years, and 70 percent over the past five years thanks to the Grant for Success subsidy program.

That small family operated hotels are becoming an ever more important branch of the offer of town centres is demonstrated by the fact that there are now some fifteen in the capital of Zagreb alone. 70 percent of these hotels are open year-round and have been the ones to extend the tourist season. Family operated hotels are gradually becoming one of the most sought after tourism products in Croatia. Over the coming three years tourism experts plan to open 300 new small family operated hotels, board and lodging facilities and renovated traditional homes that could, thanks to their authenticity and distinct character, find their place in European tourism. 

As many as a thousand new hotels over the coming seven years

Over the coming seven years a total of 1,000 new hotels are expected to open their doors. Most of the new facilities with feature a 4 star rating. This vividly proves that Croatia has caught the pace in this niche too, especially now that in light of a new more "humane" tourism it is increasingly the imperative that, along with top notch food and lodging, the guest is in the centre of the host's attention, i.e. that the host is entirely dedicated to the guest. The total value of these investments comes to at least a billion euro. 

Eno-Gastro Cluster

Small hoteliers are currently launching an Eno-Gastro Cluster  that aims to link small hotelier with local producers of quality foods and wines. Both stand to benefit from the collaboration, and especially the guest who will be able to enjoy local specialities of a diverse cuisine – from Slavonian specialities, to those from the Zagorje region, Međimurje, Podravina and the lighter cuisine of Istria and Dalmatia.

The project will be implemented in four phases. The first starts with a study of the existing eno-gastro offer from each small hotelier and looking into possibilities to expand their menu in cooperation with small local producers. The next phase involves educating chefs and waiters in the preparation and serving of meals, then there is the certification of the foodstuffs and putting them on the menu. Attention will be given to emphasising standards, for example, whether the food is of organic origin, i.e. produced in ecological conditions. The final step is branding the restaurants that will evaluate the selection of authentic dishes, the quantity of locally produced foodstuffs, the selection of domestic wines and the overall atmosphere. It will all be accompanied by a new Authentic Products Exchange on the web portal of the National Association of Small and Family Operated Hotels.

UPCOMING IN 2008 – News in selective forms of tourism 

NAUTICAL TOURISM 

Croatian nautical tourism ports

Croatian nautical tourism ports offer a total of 15,973 in-sea berths and 5,187 places on land. The number of in-sea berths in nautical tourism ports has increased by 8% from 2003 to 2006. A total of 13,794 vessels used permanent berths in these ports in 2006, up 3.8% from 2005.

The number of vessels in transit was four percent higher than the previous year. In the first eight months of 2007 the number of overnight stays in nautical tourism ports is up 93% from the same period in 2003.  

Over 240 regattas on the Croatian side of the Adriatic

Over 240 regattas were held on the Croatian side of the Adriatic in 2007, especially in the central Dalmatian area, the scene of the largest and best known regattas, that have over time come to be prestigious sporting events, such as the Split Mrduja. Besides the Mrduja there is the Easter regatta in Vodice, the Kornati Cup and Business Cup in Murter and the regatta organised by the Latinsko idro Association of Murter, which aims to promote tradition, the former way of life and sailing and the construction of wooden gajeta, leuta, kajića and bracera vessels. Regattas have become a true maritime movement, i.e. a way of life that includes the construction of small vessels and their overhaul, nautical and sailing fairs, the sale of boat and other equipment, maintenance service and the demand for professionals such as skippers and ship's chefs.

The orientation of Croatian marinas to the mega yacht market segment

With the increased number of mega yachts sailing into its marinas the ACI Company, Croatia's nautical system, is gradually turning towards this market segment. The term mega yacht includes vessels from 30 to 150 metres in length, worth from 10 to 300 million euro depending on their equipment packages.

ACI offers 5,700 in-sea berths in its 21 marinas, with 3,744 vessels on permanent berthing. And although it increased its service prices by 13% in the 2006/2007 season, there are long waiting lists at most of its marinas of as many as 50 vessels for permanent berthing. During the construction of most of our marinas, including those of the ACI group, 20 or more years ago, berths were designed for an average vessel length of eight metres. Today the average length of the vessels in out marinas is over 12 metres.

The ACI management has announced its plans to expand the marinas in Opatija and Ičići, currently offering 290 berths. The expansion, i.e. lengthening of the breakwater and the instalment of floating breakwaters would allow for the docking of some 60 mega yachts from 30 to 50 metres in length. Opatija is looking to develop elite tourism, and this type of guest for the most part arrives aboard a mega yacht. Plans for the redevelopment of the ACI marina in Split is also in the works, and some others subsequently that have also hosted mega yachts, such as Dubrovnik, Skradin, Korčula and Rovinj. A heliodrom is to be built in the marina in Ičići, above all because of the proximity of the airstrip on Grobničko polje and the airport on the island of Krk.

Further plans for investment relate to construction on the extension of breakwaters and the reconstruction of the pier at the ACI marina Pomer and the replacement of the piers at the ACI marina Trogir. Large-scale investments are also to be made at the ACI marina in Split where the construction of a new reception building and office space is planned and landscaping work. At the ACI marina in Korčula work is finishing up on the reconstruction of the apartment building within the marina. The reconstruction and revamping of the building will give the ACI marina in Korčula exclusive suites and a multifunctional building in the heart of Korčula. 

Upcoming construction of the first mega yacht marina

The Prgin Nautical Centre (NCP) and the US-based Island Global Yachting Company, one of the world's largest developers and managers of luxury marinas, have officially promoted the Hotel Šibenik and Mandalina Megayacht Marina project, the first specialised marina in Croatia for mega yachts from 40 to 60 metres in length, also able to handle 80 to 100 metre yachts, worth over 80 million euro. Besides this luxury marina there will also be another 400-berth marina built for smaller vessels. On the peninsula the marina is to be situated on a shopping zone is to be developed with restaurants, a wellness centre, several outdoor and indoor pools, underground parking lots and sports facilities, with a dock for smaller cruisers. Nearby is a overhaul shipyard at which the NCP already services mega yachts.  

The Punat and Novigrad marinas under renovation

The Marina Punat, Croatia's oldest marina, has announced a renovation of a part of its nautical facilities for the coming season.

The Marina Novigrad, situated in the municipal port of Novigrad, on of the most protected on the Adriatic, will be renovated by the start of the 2008 summer season and will feature 365 berths. 

Water and electricity for sailors at Šibenik harbour in 2008

By the start of the 2008 nautical season sailors who intend to moor their vessels on the Šibenik waterfront will be provided with access to electric power and water. The waterfront will not feature the typical water and electric power receptacle closet. In response to the demands of conservations special closets will be installed at 39 metres intervals that are designed to fit into the appearance of the existing waterfront. Special closets of stainless steel are to be installed, painted in the colour of stone, and topped with a stone plate.  

A significant increase in the capacity of the charter fleet

In 2004 there were 2,435 charter fleet vessels stationed in Croatian marinas, up to 3,459 in 2007, an increase of as much as 42%.

Cruises

In the period from January to September of 2007 there were 496 cruises operated by foreign ships in Croatian waters. 546,380 passengers were on these cruises, spending an average of 1.6 days in our country. Most of the foreign vessel cruises were realised in Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Dubrovnik leads the field with 440 visits, followed by Korčula with 91, Zadar with 74, Split with 69 and Pula with 54 visits.

In relation to the same period in 2006 the number of cruises is up by 6.7%, and the number of tourists visiting Croatia in this way by 14.6%. The total number of days these passengers stayed in Croatia is up 15.8% from the same period last year.

It is estimated that the total revenue from cruise trips in Croatia is about 32 million euro, and that over the coming ten years the total direct and indirect revenue from international cruises could reach 200 million euro.  

USEFUL LINKS:
www.aci-club.hr; www.sibenik-tourism.hr/nautic/cro.html; www.igymarinas.com

Diving tourism 

Three new barometric chambers in Zadar, Dubrovnik and Crikvenica

Along with those in Zagreb, Split and Pula, new barometric chambers, exceptionally important in treating decompression sickness, were opened in late 2007 in Zadar and Dubrovnik, with another one on the way for late March of 2008 in Crikvenica. Among the over 70 thousand dives made each year there are on the average 30 requests for barometric chamber assistance, and estimates say that number will grow in the future. The Zadar barometric chamber can treat six patients at a time and its advantage is that it has a antechamber. If the health of a patient is threatened during treatment a doctor can enter the antechamber in which pressure is equalised with that of the chamber and provide assistance. The barometric chamber is now installed in a special container on a tractor-trailer and can be mobilised when necessary. An international centre of submarine archaeology for the entire Mediterranean area has already been set up in Zadar, and the establishment of a study of diving techniques is in the works. 

Curiosities – 1,500 undiscovered caves and submarine pits and 15,000 shipwrecks

Thanks to the exceptional clarity and wealth of the submarine world, caves, underwater pits and rocks, diving tourism in the Adriatic is seeing a real boom. As far as shipwrecks go the Adriatic Sea is one of the richest seas in the world. It is presumed that there are at least a further 1,500 caves and submarine pits yet to be discovered in the Adriatic Sea. There are as many as fifteen thousand sunken ships on its bottom – ships that ran aground, submarines, airplanes, torpedo boats. Meeting with a shipwreck is a unique experience. Each ship has a fascinating story, each story is a monument to someone's courage or tragedy. Over the past ten years diving tourism has recorded growth of from 15 to 20 percent. The number of professional diving centres has kept pace and they are situated on the most attractive locations on the Adriatic. There are several hundred registered and licensed diving centres, most of which are in Istria, the Kvarner and in central Dalmatia.  

Legal regulations

As far as legal regulations are concerned the current regulations say that diving is permitted in Croatia to those bearing valid authorisation. A diving permit costs 100 kuna for 365 days and an individual Approval for Independent Submarine Activity costs from 2,400 kuna for 365 days. If you wish to do your tourist diving in registered diving centres then the individual permit in not required. In special zones diving is not permitted even with the individual permit. These are zones under the special protection of the Ministry of Culture where diving is possible only in the company of a diving leaders from an authorised diving centre.  

CONGRESS TOURISM 

The best congress and incentive destination

At the CONFEX international congress and incentive exchange held in London in early 2007 Croatia was proclaimed the best congress and incentive destination in a strong field, ahead of Turkey and Portugal.

Croatian congress tourism has some 300 congress halls and about 40 thousand seats in them. Over 4 thousand expert gatherings are stage every year with 350 thousand participants.

The average price of one congress day in Zagreb I estimated to be 380 euro.

Over 90 percent of expert meetings in Croatia are held in hotels and last on the average three days.

Among the ten best known and highest quality Croatian congress capacities are the halls in the hotels Croatia - Cavtat, Westin and Sheraton - Zagreb, Hypo centar - Zagreb, Dubrovnik Palace - Dubrovnik, Le Meridien Lav - Split, The Regent Esplanade - Zagreb, Antunović - Zagreb, Neptun - Istra, Brijuni and the Ambasador - Opatija. 

Congress office now also in Rijeka

At the tourist board of the city of Rijeka a congress office has been established following the model of other international destinations. Its basic function is to coordinate promotions and create congress offers, i.e. concrete support to municipal initiatives when presenting nominations to host various congresses and other forms of domestic and international events. Rijeka already has congress capacity for over 1,500 participants in 6 hotels and domestic hotels are intensively investing in improving the congress offer by renovating and expanding existing capacities. The city has already hosted numerous congresses, symposiums and conventions and in 2008 will host the participants of the 9th World Bioethics Congress, being held in Europe for the first time.  

Congress centres in Dubrovnik and Split soon

The Valamar tourism group has announced for the 2008 season the conversion of the devastated hotel Plakir, now the Valamar Lacroma Resort, into the largest congress hotel in Dubrovnik. A new congress centre is expected in 2008 at the hotel Aurora on the island of Mali Lošinj, and by Christmas of 2008 at the renovated Hotel Marjan in Split.  

USEFUL LINKS:
www.croatia.hr/Hrvatski/TurizamPlus/KongresniCentri;  

RURAL TOURISM  

Croatia's rural areas have over the past few years recorded a visible development in special types of rural area tourism – from the production of local and traditional products, the protection and preservation of the environment and cultural heritage, traditional garb, folk customs to the how recognisable Croatia's rural areas are and the creation of rural tourist destinations. A growth has also been recorded in the number of tourist rural homesteads, of which there are 357 in Croatia. 

The leading role of Istrian rural tourism

The advantages of Croatian rural tourism are in fact its key characteristics – a peaceful surroundings, the lack of noise, a preserved environment, communication with the hosts, home grown food and getting acquainted with village activities. Rural homesteads situated in areas attractive for tourism offering original products or farmstead services and where every member of the household is involved. Tourism on rural homesteads offers an additional source of income for homesteads that earn revenue from agricultural activity. The average filling of capacity in all forms of rural tourism is 111 days. The average stay is 9 days. The greatest occupancy is recorded by rural vacation villas with 134 days a year.

For now Istria has the leading role in Croatian rural tourism initiated by natural geographic, transport and cultural advantages, but all by the proactive initiative of the local community and individual financial institutions. The process that has been launched is being carried out by plan and is constantly improving and is a signpost for the development of rural tourism in other Croatian regions.

New ordinance

Croatian Farmer, Ruralis, the consortium for agro tourism and rural tourism in Istria County and the member's club Selo (Village), the national association for the development of rural tourism have just created a proposal of an ordinance on offering hospitality services in rural homesteads following the model of European countries with developed rural tourism. The aim of the ordinance is to introduce simple and easily implemented standards in this increasingly intensive activity in Croatian tourism, for which a strong future is foreseen especially in Croatia as a result of a pragmatic linking of tourism and agriculture. It is the fruit of efforts to create a high level of European standards in this type of tourism.  

The support of the Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transportation and Development

The Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transportation and Development has supported the development of special types of rural tourism by way of a number of grant offers, among others for projects developing thematic tourist routes and the creation of original Croatian souvenirs. 

USEFUL LINKS:
www.istra-istria.hr; www.hrvatski-farmer.hr;

CULTURAL TOURISM  

Croatia is unique, not only because of its crystal clean and blue sea, but also because of the real treasure that lies in the diverse layers of a rich heritage of culture. From prehistory to the present, many kinds of monuments are scattered across the land, each of which has unselfishly left its historical mark.

If you choose the coast as the starting point of your journey you will have a chance to see the direct influence and legacy of the Mediterranean culture, numerous antiquity period monuments, monuments from the Roman period and the early Middle Ages, Romanesque sacral heritage and a number of preserved typical Mediterranean urban centres.

Some are registered on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, places like Diocletian's Palace in Split, which the Roman Emperor Diocletian had built near the settlement of his birth, Aspalathos in Dalmatia.

The City of Trogir is the best-preserved medieval urban centre not only on the Adriatic but also in all of Central Europe.

The City of Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic, a city of unique culture and political history, won its independence after the 14th century when the Republic of Dubrovnik was developed, known far and wide by the greatest navy in the Mediterranean. The people of Dubrovnik preserved their independence then through trade and diplomatic relations, but also by their powerful defensive walls (25m high, 2 kilometres long) and fortifications, now the city's greatest attractions.

The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, that apse of which is luxuriously decorated withy figural motifs, and that is along with the mosaic of San Vitale in Ravenna among the most exceptional examples of mosaic art in Europe, and is without a doubt an imposing example of sacral buildings from the 6th century.

Not to be missed is the Renaissance period Cathedral of St. James (Sveti Jakov) in Šibenik, as is the Arena in Pula, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe.

The pages of UNESCO's world heritage are just the start of a stunning and inspired journey through Croatia. Also interesting is the Church of the Holy Cross (Svetog Križa) in the town of Nin, known far and wide as the smallest cathedral in the world.

On the town of Zadar, also one of the ancient jewels that as on several occasions in its history been attacked and razed, reconstructed and again attacked, each period has left architectural characteristics of which tourist guides rightly point out: "There are only a few places in the world were various influences meld in so small an area". 

The turbulent history of continental Croatia

As a part of the Central European cultural domain, sprawling continental Croatia should certainly be the next point on your tour. It stands out with numerous prehistoric archaeological sites of global significance, old towns, fortifications and castles from the late medieval period, cultural monuments and architecture dating from the baroque period, that offer a fascinating portrayal of the time and life as it once was in this region. The most characteristic monuments of the Hrvatsko Zagorje region are without a doubt its many castles.

To those with an adventurist bent we recommend visiting the fortifications that defended western Europe from the Ottoman incursions. Experience the many events that have been preserved from oblivion in old customs passed on as a legacy onto the new generations.

A paradise for archaeology buffs

For archaeology buffs Croatia is a really discovery on account of three not to be missed sites. By far the most important is the fossil finds at Krapina where the most extensive and best collection of Neanderthal man has been collected, known to science as Homo sapiens neanderthalensis, and discovered in 1899.

There is then the Vučedol Neolithic Culture near Vukovar, and Salona, the largest complex of antiquity monuments and a metropolis of the Roman province of Dalmatia.

When art moves to the coast it is a sure sign that the summer season has kicked off – dramatic arts festivals abound, theatre events, classical and traditional music. It is hard to imagine a single day passing on the coast without some kind of event. Spring and autumn is the time when events are staged in continental Croatia. From the Alternative Film Festival held at Veliki tabor Castle, the World Festival of Animated Film in Zagreb, the Špancirfest busker event and the Baroque Evenings in Varaždin to, for example, Autumn in Vinkovci. 

USEFUL LINKS:
www.kulturniturizam.croatia.hr; www.croatica.net/hr/portal/unesco/

ADVENTURE TOURISM  

Cycling

Two-wheeled enthusiasts are making progress slowly, but they experience the Croatian outdoors, especially the scents of meadows and the freshness of waterfalls, bird's singing or the wonderful flavour of spring water with all their senses. Village lanes, forest roads and trails through fields and vineyards lead to places off the itinerary of customary tourist tours. In national parks and nature reserves there are marked and detailed cycling routes. Plitvice Lakes National Park has some of the most attractive cycling trails you can find in Europe. All areas are open to cyclists. They do not demand great exertion and offer an unbelievable diversity of landscapes – the valleys and hills of sunny Istria, trails running through woody Gorski kotar, the green hillocks of the Hrvatsko zagorje region, the plains of Slavonia or Turopolje. You can also cycle on the islands, that are less green in  the summer, but are surrounded by a magical blue. On your cycling adventure you should visit the island national parks on Mljet and the Brijuni islands and the larger islands – Krk, Cres, Rab, Pag, Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi otok, Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula. Wherever in Croatia you come across mountains or hills you will find excellent terrain for mountain biking. If you are looking for more demanding ascents and adrenaline descents a good choice is Mount Učka, the mountains of Gorski kotar, the Žumberak highlands or the trials running through Vinodol at Velika Kapela, from the Lika region to Mount Velebit in upland areas between the Dalmatian rivers and on the mainland side of Mount Biokovo.  

Kayaking

The clear and warm, green waters of Croatian rivers are of interest to all kayaking buffs. They spring at the foothills of mountains and run through canyons, flowing over travertine barriers in the spray of a curtain created by waterfalls. They enchant by their beauty and not their danger. If you are not an expert you can always circumvent high falls and dangerous rapids on the shore. A high water level in the spring provides for a top-notch wild water experience, while summer tours are ideal for beginners. Kayaking excursions on the Kupa, Gacka and Zrmanja rivers are organised from all larger tourist designations every day. Rowing in a kayak you will discover what even many locals have never seen. And while kayaking has a long tradition in Croatia and the rivers are truly stunning, it is not a massive sport. Spring and early summer is the ideal time for kayaking adventures on the Dobra, Mrežnica, Una, Kupa, Korana, Cetina, Krupa and Zrmanja rivers. 

Rafting

Rafting as a method of waterborne transport has a long tradition in Croatia. True modern adventure rafting started on wild waters in the late 1980s, revealing the stunning beauty of Croatian rivers, known up to then only to a few adventurers, kayaking enthusiasts and fishers. Not even the first pioneers of commercial river travel and those well acquainted with Croatian waterways expected this level of popularity of rafting on rivers that rarely have strong rapids and large waves. Thanks to them thousands of people have seen close up the unforgettable magic of the rivers, the green banks, steep canyons and clear depths. Rivers in the interior of the country are surrounded by dense woods and mountains, while those closer to the seas have green banks and deep rocky canyons, but they share a green colour and transparency to their bottoms. 

Hiking and alpinism

Although Croatian mountains are not exceptionally high, without peaks exceeding 2000m above sea level, they are very interesting to hikers. The Dinaric Alps, most of which is situated within Croatia, is known around the world as a region of typical karst terrain. The basic characteristic of karst, a relief equally rich above and below the earth's surface, makes hiking and alpinism in Croatia special. Hiking in karst terrain has much in common with climbing high mountains. Sharp karst formations, the dominance of naked rock, the lack of water, the sparse vegetation, harsh climate and very sparse inhabitation demand of hikers and alpinists the close to the same kind of effort need for much higher mountains. But the Dinaric Alps offer plenty of diversity too. To the north, in Gorski kotar for example, they are lower and gentler, while the southern area, especially the Dalmatian peaks, is taller and more barren. The mountains between the Sava and Drava rivers are very different from this. They are much more ancient massifs, of gentler configuration, relatively low-lying and rich in water and vegetation, and are as such ideal for hillside walks and a more leisurely hiking. 

Paragliding, hang gliding and ballooning

Flying by paraglider, hang glider or balloon over diverse landscapes in favourable weather is attracting a growing number of fliers in Croatia. Mountains along the coast and sun like Učka and Biokovo create first class flying conditions – and the islands are right up there too. Those who come to enjoy flying are not confined to just one location. The mountains that run along the length of the coast are as if created just for cross country flights – many ours airborne with a view of the coast, sea and islands – a real wind-powered adventure!  

Adventure races

There are some ten adventure races organised in Croatia each year of various durations and level of difficulty, from easy and short one to exceedingly demanding multi-day events. Athletes and amateurs, prepared for extreme undertakings, discover the wilderness and beauty of alpine and forested areas, rivers, islands and the sea. The diversity and wealth of the landscape offers race organisers inexhaustible options when plotting out adventure routes.  

USEFUL LINKS:
www.croatia.hr; www.adventure-sport.net

WELLNESS AND HEALTH TOURISM 

Although wellness tourism has only recently been developed in Croatia, it is now recording speedy growth thanks to intensive investment. About 4.2% of tourists visiting Croatia cite health as one of the main reasons for coming. A significant number of hotels both on the coast and in the interior are now making efforts to enrich their content with these facilities. 

The largest wellness centre in Croatia at the moment is at the Solaris hotel resort in Šibenik. It consists of six pools, two are heated to 28 degrees Celsius and feature seawater. The indoor freshwater pools have submarine massage and are heated to 30 degrees Celsius, and offer massages using underwater geysers, counter-current swimming and waterfalls. 

Opatija is returning to its roots

Opatija in particular, a well-known health resort in the past, is by way of wellness coming back to the roots that saw it entered into every European tourist map as one of the top destinations. In 1957 the Thalassotherapy was founded, a leader of modern science and Opatija health tourism, developing into an elite medical and research institution, a prestigious diagnostic cardiology centre and a respected institution for the rehabilitation of cardiac and rheumatoid-physiatrist patients. Following modern trends and the needs of the market it has turned to wellness, introducing a 2,500 square metre Thalasso-wellness centre.

The centre brings an integral wellness offer to one spot – from a twenty five metre pool with all of the water effects, two Jacuzzis, a fitness area were you can work out under the supervision of a physiotherapist, saunas, massages (classic, anti-cellulite, foot reflexology massages, de-stress, four-hand, hot stone) to various cosmetic treatments. Thanks to an expert medical personnel and highly educated experts it offers a very high quality product.

The Liburnia Riviera Hotels Company recently invested over two million dollars into a new over 1,200 square metre wellness centre at the Hotel  Ambasador.

The first SPA Wellness academy in Croatia was opened in Lovran where education is provided for staff in this tourist product segment. 

Investment boom

One of the largest complexes of indoor pools and wellness facilities is in the final phases of construction in Krapinske toplice. The wellness at Krapinske toplice is much more than pools, saunas and massages. A stunning surroundings, the rolling hills of the Zagorje region with traditional content, the houses of Zagorje (hiža), castles and a preserved environment add to the offer.

The Sunce hoteli Group, with 12 hotels on the Adriatic in its portfolio, has announced its will be collaborating with Krapina-Zagorje County to build the most luxurious and best equipped health tourism centre in Europe at Stubičke toplice, worth 109 million euro and with 1180 beds with 5 and 4 star ratings. The intention is to offer at one location a very wide range of services – from the truly ill who require rehabilitation to those with a bent for sports or relaxation.

Modern wellness facilities are expected in 2008 in Dubrovnik's former Plakir hotel, now the Valamar Lacroma Resort, at the completely revamped hotel Marjan in Split, and at the Aurora on the island of Mali Lošinj. 

USEFUL LINKS:
www.solaris.hr; www.thalassotherapia-opatija.hr; www.istraturist.com

RELIGIOUS TOURISM 

The Catholic Church in Croatia recently expressed its willingness to get more actively involved in 2008 in religious tourism, one of the oldest forms of tourism.

That has already been confirmed by Bishop of the Poreč-Pula diocese, responsible before the Croatian Bishop's Conference for religious tourism, emphasising that it represents a significant, underdeveloped opportunity.

The well-known Croatian religious destinations are Marija Bistrica, Sinj, Solin and Trsat.

A recent debate on religious tourism proposed a one-week Bible reading as a kind of team building, explaining why many tourists are already vacationing in monasteries. 

FAMILY TREASURY 

THE ISLANDS 

Croatia is truly a land of a thousand islands, many of which are inhabited. There are 1185 islands, islets and rocks scattered along the 1777 km of Adriatic coastline. Each one is special and has its own story and fate.

We begin the tale of the isles with the Brijuni islands. These 14 islands are situated on a seven-kilometre stretch of sea between Pula and Rovinj. Nature has created a small paradise on this small space – a true harmony of flora and fauna, historical monuments and comfortable hotels.

Golden-green Krk is both island and mainland. It is an island by its idyllic nature, the bridge that connects it to the coast almost makes it part of the mainland.

Cres and Lošinj. One island or two? In ancient times they were separated by a canal dug by the Romans. but are now again connected by a bridge.

Standing out among the 1185 islands and rocks scattered along the Adriatic coast, made of hard and sharp rock and a handful of earth, is Susak, one of the few nature has created out of sand. It is in fact 20 million cubic metres of sand that give the wine produced on Susak its unique flavour.

The next Kvarner area island is Rab. With its wealth of Mediterranean vegetation and sandy beaches the local council proclaimed it a swimming area and health resort back in 1889.

Pag is and island across which mythical olive groves stretch, rich in sea salt and famed for its lace and cheese, an internationally celebrated delicacy.

Silba, the island of the shipwrights and captains with its docks is a true sanctuary for sailors from the wild wind.

The island of Ugljan is the "suburbs" and the garden of Zadar and got its name from its developed production of oil. The nearby island of Pašman has grown together with Ugljan. They are like twins, the only difference being that Pašman is somewhat more settled.

Iž is known by what it has and by what it lacks – a verdant Mediterranean vegetation and no cars.

On Dugi otok you can relax in a 114 square kilometre nature reserve. According to legends the Kornati islands, a labyrinth of straits and islets, were created by a quantity of rock God had left over after creating the world. God threw them into the waters, looked at them, and concluded that there was no need to touch them up.

The 18 square kilometres of Murter stand out among the islands by there picturesque quality. Murter is an island of fishers, olive groves and shipwrights.

The island of Prvić is located near the tourist pearl of Vodice, an oasis of Mediterranean flora and fauna.

The island of Zlarin is situated to the southwest of Šibenik. In the fifteenth century it was famed for the coral and sea sponges extracted from the sea bottom.

Žirje is the furthest inhabited island of the Šibenik archipelago with excellent fishing areas and numerous coves for sailors.

The island of Brač is the tallest and the third largest island in the Adriatic Sea.

To the south of Brač is Hvar, the longest island in the Adriatic Sea. It is an island of vineyards, olive groves and lavender. Hvar is without a doubt and exceptional island. It is characterised by pleasant winter and summer resorts, a moderate climate and lush subtropical vegetation.

The Pakleni islands are a particularly interesting group of islands with pebble and sandy beaches, mostly nudist, and a rocky seabed perfect for submarine fishing.

Far from the mainland and mainland problems is the island of Vis and its many palm trees.

The island of Biševo covers 6 square kilometres, with many caves carved into its sheer shores.

Although it is a peninsula, Pelješac gives the impression of being an island. It is separated from Korčula by a narrow straits.

It is said of Korčula that it is the island with the most legends and monuments, and is, along with Lokrum and Mljet, the most wooded island in Croatia.

Far out in the open seas is the island of Lastovo, with a surface area of 50 square kilometres, an indented pebbled shoreline, sandy beaches and several other islands to its western and eastern sides.

Alongside Pelješac is green Mljet, stretching over 100 square kilometres.

Because of its dense pine woods, karst caves and two picturesque lakes linked to the sea and its pebbled and sandy beaches and fishing areas rich in fish and lobster, the western side of the island has the status of a national park.

GASTRO – ENO CORNER 

Croatian cuisine is diverse and is known for its many regional cuisines. It draws its modern roots from the Proto-Slavic past and the antiquity. The differences in the selection of foodstuffs and the method of their preparation are most obvious when we compare the continental and coastal regions. Typical of continental cuisine are early Proto-Slavic roots and newer contacts with well-known schools of gastronomy – Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish cuisine. The coastal region is characterised by the influence of Greeks, Romans and Illyrians and later Mediterranean cuisines – Italian and French. 

The first Croatian cookbook

A rich literary oeuvre bears witness to a high level and tradition of culinary culture in Croatia, such as the text of the Latin-Croatian dictionary of 1740, which preceded a similar French dictionary, the writings of well known Croatian Renaissance authors, right up to the work penned in 1813 by Ivan Bierling, containing  recipes for the preparation of 554 various dishes, considered to be the first Croatian cookbook.

Many traditional Croatian festivities are directly related to food, regardless of whether it has to do with hard work (harvest or the threshing of grain, grape harvest or the christening of wine, the completion of a house), the faith (for the most part Catholic holidays – Christmas, Easter, pilgrimages, feast days of local patron saints) or at key moments in ones life (christening, weddings, birthdays, name days, vigils).

A special dish for each holiday

Some festivities are of a public nature, like the Dionysian day of Saint Martin, celebrated on vine growing estates, wine cellars and restaurants, while others are celebrated only in the family (marriage, christening, Christmas, New Years, Easter, etc.). Each holiday is characterised by a certain meal. A goulash of pork and potatoes is eaten at pilgrimages and fairs, cod is prepared for Christmas Eve and Good Friday, pork is eaten on New Year's, doughnuts are inseparable with Carnival events, while a similar sweet is prepared in the south, the fritula. Cooked ham and boiled eggs with greens are served on Easter with a dessert of traditional cake (pinca for example). Kulen is enjoyed at harvest, goose on Saint Martin's, while turkey, other poultry and cabbage rolls are served for Christmas. A number of dishes are served at weddings with cakes and various kinds of cookies such as breskvice (peaches), medvjeđe šape (bear claws), paprenjaci (gingerbread) and fritule (a type of doughnut).

For many a favoured meal at any occasion is lamb and suckling pig roast on a spit, barbecued fish, squid prepared in various ways, barbecued meat, dry-cured ham and sheep's cheese, smoked cooked ham and fresh cheese with sour cream, the paprika-spiced spicy fish pakrikaš and veal. 

A wide assortment of quality wines

Croatia is deservedly proud of its wide assortment of quality wines (there are 700 types of wine with registered appellation of geographic origin), brandies (rakija), fruit juices, beers and mineral waters. In the south people as a rule drink bevanda (full-bodied red wine with water) with meals, while the northwestern areas prefer the gemišt (dry, aromatic white wines mixed with mineral water).

UNESCO 

Sites in Croatia on the UNESCO list of world heritage:

Diocletian's Palace and medieval Split (1979) – The imperial palace is one of the most significant works of late antiquity architecture not only by the level of preservation of certain original sections, but also by a series of original architectural forms that presage the new early Christian, Byzantine and early medieval art. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages using material from the antiquity period mausoleum. A Romanesque church from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, medieval fortifications and Gothic and baroque palaces within the Roman walls create a harmonious whole.

The old city core of  Dubrovnik (1979) – The Pearl of the Adriatic became a major Mediterranean power after the 13th century. This planned. late medieval city on the southern part of the Croatian shores of the eastern Adriatic, with its historical core located under Mount Srđ, has preserved through the centuries to this day the character of a unique entity outlined by the city walls and holds a significant place in the history of municipal construction. Although it suffered heavy damage during the earthquake of 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its Gothic, Renaissance and baroque period churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. After once again suffering heavy damage during the Homeland War of independence, Dubrovnik has again been restored with help from UNESCO programs.

Plitvice Lakes National Park (1979) – The Plitvice Lakes have their beauty to thank to the unsurpassable beauty of travertine and the plants that help create it. The accumulation of travertine walls on the river bed has created a string of the 16 lakes that make up the Plitvice system, a unique natural architectural phenomenon surrounded by dense woods that are home to bears, wolves and many other rare animal and plant species.

The early Christian complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč (1997) – The cathedral complex in Poreč is called the Euphrasiana after Bishop Euphrasius who completely revamped the cathedral in the mid 6th century, adorning it with its now famous mosaics. Before Euphrasius' architectural intervention there were at least two phases of early Christian edifices on the same site. Christianity came to Poreč as early as in the 4th century and the basilica, atrium, baptismal font and episcopal palace are exceptional examples of religious architecture, while the basilica itself beautifully bonds elements of classicism and the Byzantine style. The apse is richly adorned with figural mosaics and is one of the most important examples of its kind in Europe.

The historical core of Trogir (1997) - Trogir is an exceptional example of a city's continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement originates from the Hellenic period onto which a succession of rulers added various exceptional public and residential buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented with exceptional Renaissance and baroque edifices. The most significant building is the cathedral in Trogir and its western portal, the masterpiece of master craftsman Radovan – the most valuable example of Romanesque-Gothic art in Croatia.

St. James (Sveti Jakov) Cathedral in Šibenik (2000) – St. James Cathedral, built between 1431 and 1535 is a witness to key changes in the field of monumental art between northern Italy, Dalmatia and Tuscany in the 15th and 16th centuries. Three architects - Francesco di Giacomo, Juraj Dalmatinac and Nikola Firentinac – developed a structure built entirely of stone, using a unique technique in the construction of the cathedral's cupola. The result is a harmony of stone, the method of construction and an absolute harmony inside the cathedral.  

Papuk Nature Reserve a geopark under UNESCO protection from September of 2007!

In September of 2007 the Coordinating Committee of European Geoparks, at a congress held in the Scottish town of Ullapool, decided to accept the Papuk Nature Reserve to the family of UNESCO-protected geoparks that encompassed 31 geoparks in Europe and a further 51 around the world.

This makes Papuk the first protected area in Croatia that enjoys the status. Although it is difficult to give a enumeration all of the geological characteristics and diversity that sets Papuk aside from the other highlands of continental Croatia, among the most significant localities is Rupnica near Voćin with its 70 million year old volcanic rock step formations the likes of which can only be seen in three other places in the world: in New Zealand, Yellowstone in the USA and in Slovakia. New, until now hidden natural wonders are revealed every day in these hills built of stone that has an age range of 350 million years. At the bottom of the Suhodolka pit, which stretches to a depth of 100 metres to clear and ice cold water, new underground crustaceans have been discovered. Scientists had already been surprised at the discovery of the Uviraljka pit of which it was discovered that it is for many one of the largest wintering shelter for many species in Croatia. 

Sites on the accession list

Croatia has submitted an accession list of cultural and natural sites to the World Heritage Centre. Among the cultural sites there is the episcopal complex in Zadar, the Croatian limes in Varaždin, the Fortress in Osijek, the expansion of Diocletian's Palace and the historical core of Split, Stari Grad Field, Lubenice on the island of Cres, the burg of Castle Veliki Tabor, the historical urban complex of the town of Ston with Mali Ston, Motovun, the hermitage in Blaca, the vineyards of Primošten and the town of Korčula.

Among the natural sites that have been submitted are Sjeverni (Northern) Velebit and Kornati National Park and Telaščica, and Lonjsko polje in the category of cultural and natural sites. The Lacework in Croatia project has also been nominated for a UNESCO-proclaimed masterpiece of oral and non-material human heritage. 

CROATIA – THE HOMELAND OF MARCO POLO 

Marco Polo (1254 – 1324), the famed explorer and travel writer of Europe's late medieval period, was born in Korčula, a city in which the Polo family has lived in unbroken succession from the 13th century almost to the present. As a young boy from Korčula he departs for Venice. He later left with his father Nikola and uncle Matej as a young man on the journey to China.

After a long, arduous and dangerous four-year trip he arrived in 1275 in Khanbalik, the capital of China (Cathay), where Marco Polo remained until 1291. At the time China was ruled by the Mongols, and Marco toured many regions in the service of Kublai Khan, allowing him to get to known first hand a world of which Europe then knew almost nothing of.

With his exceptional gift of observation and evaluation, and an unusually good memory. After returning from China in 1295 and his capture at a sea battle off Korčula in 12998, Marco Polo relates the experiences and knowledge he gained in what was at the time the best-selling book after the Bible, Il Millione (A Million Miracles).

He was the first man in Europe to give an integral portrayal of the nature of those distant regions, the societies of many Asian lands, regions and cities and the customs of various peoples. He was the first European to describe the Pacific Ocean, two and a half centuries before the conquistadores did so and the first to report to Europe of Tibet and Japan. That is why people coming to Korčula all want to catch a glimpse of the house this man was born in.

NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES 

There are currently 8 national parks in Croatia: Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak and Sjeverni (Northern) Velebit. They were visited by over 2 million tourists in the first three quarters of 2007, 1.7 of which were foreign tourists. The highest number of visits was recorded in the best-known Croatian national park, Plitvice Lakes, in whose beauty over 873,000 visitors revelled in the first nine months of 2007. The next by number of visitors is Krka National Park with 666,000 visits and Brijuni National Park with over 162,000 visits. Also among the most visited is Paklenica National Park.  

From Brijuni to the Plitvice Lakes

The Brijuni islands are made up of 14 islands and islets with a total surface area of 36.3 square kilometres. Thanks to its very indented shoreline, its history and its diverse flora and fauna, the Brijuni islands have been referred to as an earthly paradise.

Kornati National Park has a total surface area of about 220 km² and consists of 89 islands, islets and rocks. Only ¼ of that area is land while the remained consists of the marine ecosystem.

Krka got its name from the Krka River, a part of the park. This national park is located in central Dalmatia, only a few kilometres to the northeast of the town of Šibenik.

Paklenica is an area of unusual meeting between mountain and sea, rich in natural beech, black pine and winding pine forests.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a forested and highland region that features 16 large and small lakes of crystal aquamarine colour. It is fed by many creeks and streams and is joined by frothing cascades and chattering waterfalls.

Risnjak National Park is located in the Gorski kotar highlands, and the core of the park is made up of the massif of Mount Risnjak, with a peak at 1,528 metres above sea level. To enjoy the beauty of Risnjak one needs a special sense of the charm of natural phenomenon. Sjeverni Velebit National Park has a diversity  of karst phenomenon, plant and animal life, and that is only a part of this natural complex.

From Biokovo to Kopački rit

The nature reserves in Croatia are: Biokovo Nature Reserve, Kopački rit Nature Reserve,  Lonjsko polje Nature Reserve, Medvednica Nature Reserve,  Papuk Nature Reserve,  Telašćica Nature Reserve, Velebit Nature Reserve, Lake Vransko Nature Reserve, Učka Nature Reserve,  Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Reserve and the Lastovo islands Nature Reserve.

Biokovo was proclaimed a nature reserve because of the exceptionally value of its pant and animal species, its geomorphology and natural beauty, and stretches over 19,550 hectares.

Kopački rit is an area that sees significant change to its appearance throughout the year, depending to the intensity of flooding, mostly originating from the Danube, and much less from the Drava River. Lonjsko polje is the largest protected swampland area not only in Croatia but also in the entire Danube River basin.

The woods of Medvednica descend almost to the very core of Zagreb. Besides peace and greenery this mountain abounds in diverse animal life.

The particularity of Papuk is an important segment of the biological and landscape value of the region of Slavonia. The variety of geological phenomenon, the preserved vegetation and the habitats of a number of animal species makes its a real treasure.

Telašćica Nature Reserve has three basic natural phenomenon – Telašćica Bay at the Adriatic Sea's largest and safest natural harbour, cliffs that rise 200 metres above sea level and drop to a depth of 90 metres below the surface, and the salt water Lake Mir with its medicinal qualities.

Velebit Nature Reserve is the most significant hub of endemic flora and mainland fauna in Croatia.

Vransko Lake Nature Reserve (situated in Dalmatia) is the site of the largest lake in Croatia.

Učka Nature Reserve is characterised above all by an exceptional variety on a relatively small area.

Žumberak Nature Reserve covers an area of about 350 square kilometres, and its chief goal is to preserve and promote the natural beauty of the region.

The Lastovo islands include all 44 islands, islets and rocks that make up the Municipality of Lastovo. The largest islands in the group are Lastovo and Sušac. This area is one of the best-preserved maritime areas in the Adriatic.

NEW – IN FOCUS! 

Croatian Tourism Museum opens

The Croatian Tourism Museum was opened in Opatija's Villa Angiolina, built in 1845, in November of 2007. That year is considered to be the one on which tourism in Opatija was launched, while the first large hotel in Opatija, the Kvarner, was built in 1884. Opatija was declared a climatic health resort by a 1889 Imperial decree from the Austrian emperor. In those years Opatija was a popular upbeat gathering spot for the most powerful and prominent figures in Europe. Along with many exhibits the museum features a stunning 1886 porcelain coffee serving set with motifs of Opatija and a number of documents detailing the stays of famous personages at the sanatorium,, such as Romanian queen Carmen Silva (1843 – 1916) who provided funds for the construction of the Opatija promenade after her husband – the king of Romania – became lost during a walk in the environs of Opatija.  

A new version of the cell phone tourist guide

Ever since the Split-based IT company Gideon Multimedia presented its new version of the mobiEXPLORE cell phone based tourist guide in July of 2007, featuring audio guides to over 160 Croatian destinations, over three hundred thousand tourists have accessed the guide to inform themselves of the tourist offer, local customs and points of interest, to reserve a table at a restaurant, a room in a hotel or any of the many other contents the guide offers.

In a short period of time MobiEXPLORE has received its first recognitions, a gold medal at the ARCA 2007 international innovation exhibition, and has been included among the prominent applications on the Nokia web site as an "application that sets entirely new levels of expression, efficiency and interactivity for mobile tourist guides."

Through interactive maps of Croatia, its regions and cities it offers information on various aspects of the tourist offer by way of text, photos and interactive maps of cities and regions: culture, history, points of interest, active vacationing, accommodation, cuisine on offer, entertainment, news, useful tips, a mini dictionary for quick access, local customs, events and more.

MobiEXPLORE Croatia is entirely free of charge to users and is also available at the Internet address www.mobiexplore.com. 

The Mobile Guide Project – a tourist guide now on your cell phone

This is another unique and innovative Croatian project based on using your cell phone by purchasing a coupon at a museum and buying a predefined number and follow simple instructions in several languages that go on after you leave the museum in explaining the points of interest in a city or other location. The project has been included in EUREKA, the European system for innovator support. The project currently covers the museums of the city of Zagreb, the Meštrović Gallery in Split, Trakošćan Castle, Fort Klis and the Mimara Museum in Zagreb. The project has announced that a complete nautical guide of the entire Croatian coast is nearing completion. Find more detail at www.mobileguide.com.hr 

Decoding Zagreb – a new culture and tourism destination project

The project will contribute to a wealthier tourist offer in the Croatian metropolis. Conceived as a special thematic exploration in an enigmatic tourist package with instructions and plenty of information on the points of interest in the city of Zagreb. Using these the curious tourist will be able to discover the attractions of the city on their own, without the help of an expert guide, or try an original approach with a guide, as an active participant in the life of the city.

New casinos

After the successful launch of its first two casinos in Croatia, in Zagreb in 2004 and in Rijeka in 2006, the Austrian company Wettpunkt, daughter company of FGS Inter – Corpo Holding Group, has announced it will open a casino in Dubrovnik in 2008 and in Zadar and Split in 2009.

Wettpunkt is set to invest 15 million euro in Croatia in just the coming year, and further rise in investment into Croatia is for seen for 2009 (www.wettpunkt.hr). 

A new hotel in the historical building of Rijeka's Torpedo factory

Rijeka City Hall has decided to approve plans by the Pećine Company to build a hotel, business and commercial complex and public garage on the premises of the former Rikard Benčić Factory opposite the central rail station in Rijeka. The investment is estimated at about 22 million euro. The construction of the project is expected to coincide with the construction of a Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in the same building, which should give the hotel a special charm. It should be pointed out that the project will feature two subterranean garages, one for hotel guests and the other, under the Museum, open to the public.

OUR CHOICE – RECOMMENDED EVENTS: 

JANUARY

VIROEXPO, an international commercial and trade fair, Virovitica

St. Vincent's Feast, Beli Manastir (22 January) 

FEBRUARY

International Carnival, Čakovec

Virovitica Children's Carnival, Virovitica

Dora – Croatian song contest for Eurosong

Rijeka International Carnival

Kvarner Expo, a seller's exhibition of souvenirs, the Hotel Kvarner, Opatija (19-22 March)

The Winter Carnival, Makarska

Pearl of the Sea event, Makarska

2008 Zadar Carnival 

MARCH

Klapa Intrade – Easter concert on Narodni trg Square, Zadar 

APRIL

Frog Night, Lokve (26 April)

"Follow the Cross" Eastern Procession, Jelsa

Croatia Boat Show, Split   

MAY

Poreč revisits the 17th century

From gladiator's battles in the Arena of Pula to antiquity period fashion

Crossbows of Rab – performance (9 May)

1001 Delicacies, Split (May/June)

Hail Summer, Makarska

Hvar Days of Theatre, Hvar

International Festival of Radio Drama, Hvar

Vladimir Krpan, piano, Beethoven, Zadar

Zadar Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Chikara Iwamura (Japan) with soloist Marco Graziani, violin, Zadar

UrbanFestival 2008 – an open-air multimedia event in Zagreb

The 43rd FLORAART International Garden Exhibition, Zagreb

The 25th Week of Contemporary Dance, Zagreb  

JUNE

Chivalric Tourney, Gornja Stubica

The 36th Poreč Choir Event

Astrofest Višnjan with the astronomical wine of the year

Liburnia Jazz Festival (4-6 July)

The Greetings from Opatija Happening – An Austrian Imperial Postcard (13-15 June)

Changing of the Split Town Guard (every day) – from June to September

Summer of Culture in Supetar (June, July, August)

Summer of Culture in Omiš (June, July, August)

Summer of Culture in Makarska (June, July, August)

The Golden Tuna – Chef's Cup 2008, Zadar

Old-timer Rally, Zadar

Klapa performances at St. Donat's Church, Zadar

The 14th Summer of Theatre in Zadar – Grand Opening

Cest is d´best, an international busker festival, Zagreb 

JULY

Summer is Slatina, Slatina

Tabor Film Festival, Veliki Tabor

Zlatni lav, Umag

Pleasant Evenings of Music, Grožnjan

Summer of Culture in Kastav, the 17th international summer festival of culture

Evenings of Music in Osor, a festival of classical music

Evenings of Music in Lubenice (July and August)

The Rab Fair (25 – 27 July)

Mandrač, an international competition of painters, Volosko (26 – 27 July)

Summer Evenings in Vinodol

Summer Evenings in Rijeka

Summer of Culture in Trogir (July and August)

Ethno Ambient Salona 2008, Solin

Pop Music Festival, Split

Diocletian's Night, Split

Summer in Split, Split

Summer of Culture in Bol (July and August)

Summer of Culture on Vis (July and August)

Days of Wine, Hvar

Dubrovnik Summer Games, Dubrovnik

The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Dubrovnik

Chivalric Festival, Korčula

The 48th Evening of Music in St. Donat's (July – August)

The 14th Zadar Summer of Theatre (July – August)

The 3rd Garden Festival (4-6 July 2008), Zadar

Night of the Full Moon (18 July or 16 August), Zadar

3rd Sea Organ Festival Mitra Zonata (July), Zadar

Zadar of Dreams 12th Festival of Contemporary Theatre (August), Zadar

42nd international folklore review, Zagreb  

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER

Špancirfest, Varaždin

Summer in the town of the Zrinski's, Čakovec

Rokovo, Virovitica

A Week of Kajkavian Culture, Krapina

The Fišijada (Fish Paprika Stew Fair), Beli Manastir

Rovinj's Grisia, an open air gallery.

Svetvinčenat – centre of dance and summer salsa

Ružica Vinodola, Novi Vinodolski (8 – 16 August)

Days of Wine on the island of Krk - Vrbnik 2008 (the last weekend in August)

An evening of Dalmatian Chansons in Šibenik (18-19 August 2008)

International Children's Festival, Šibenik. The only one of its kind in the world!  

A Fair in Medieval Šibenik (21-23 September)

Pirates Battle, Omiš

New Film Festival, Split

Julian Rachlin & Friends, Dubrovnik

Summer of Culture in Orebić, Orebić

Summer in Cavtat, Cavtat 

OCTOBER

Revisiting old times, Pitomača

Autumn in Slatina, Slatina

Ethno Fair, Bilje

The Mrduja Regatta, Split 

Zagorje – Orchard of Old Fruits – an exhibition of old varieties of fruit

Nebo 2008, the 7th Zagreb Festival of World Music, Zagreb 

NOVEMBER

Kačić's Meetings, an international meeting of writers and poets, Makarska

Chansonfest 2008, an international festival of chansons, Zagreb

St. Martin's in Zagreb

DECEMBER

Advent in Čakovec

Spinning Bee in Crkvarac, Orahovica

Advent in Opatija

THE CITY OF OPATIJA – A MUSEUM OF CENTRAL EUROPEAN

New Year's Underwater Fishing Cup, Mali Lošinj  (28 – 30.12.2008)

 USEFUL LINKS:

www.urbanfestival.hr; www.floraart.net; www.danceweekfestival.com

www.kraljeviulice.com; www.msf.hr; www.nebofestzagreb.com