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INTRODUCING
Istria: Something on offer for All Tastes
This year, Istria, the most northern tourist region of the Croatian
Adriatic, will once again welcome its visitors with numerous novelties and
facilities. Closest to the Slovenian, Italian and Austrian markets, and a
frequent destination for visitors from Germany, France, Great Britain and
Scandinavia, as well as many European countries and others from all over the
world, this region offers a variety of programs, attracting visitors of all
tastes and affinities.
Those working in the Istrian tourist industry have realized for a long time
that year-round tourism can not only be based on sunshine and the sea.
Therefore, visitors can now enjoy an extremely rich culinary offer, 2,500
kilometres of bicycle trails, wine trails and the increasingly popular
olive-oil trails. Once dominated by accommodation in coastal destinations,
what is on offer in Istria is now enriched with accommodation in the inland.
Each year, the number of villas, vacation houses, bed&breakfast’s and other
forms of accommodation is on the rise. Particularly attractive are
agro-tourist accommodation facilities, where agriculture is the host’s
primary activity and tourism a supplementary activity. An increasing number
of tourists have chosen to vacation in the peace and quiet of the Istrian
inland, thus combining two pleasures – a stay in a picturesque rural
environment in close proximity to the sea and the atmosphere of Istrian
littoral towns such as Umag, Rovinj, Poreč, Pula, Vrsar. It should also be
noted that the National Park Brijuni (Brioni) is located in Istria, which is
made up of a group of islands that are famous for having hosted a number of
prominent heads of State from the entire world. They also offer breathtaking
natural surroundings and archaeological sites, and are ideal for a relaxing
vacation.
Istria is an attractive destination for all lovers of native cuisine,
excellent wine and olive oil. Istrian olive oil producers have received a
number of eminent international awards and recognitions. The rich culinary
offer frequently attracts visitors throughout the year, especially from
neighbouring countries.
This year, what is on offer in Istria has been greatly enriched by the
newly-built Monte Mulini hotel in Rovinj, which asides from Hotel Sol Koralj
in Umag is the only hotel of such a high category in Istria. There are
numerous other four and three-star hotels, which are attracting an
increasing number of new visitors due their quality of accommodation and
service and their versatile offer. Thanks to the Domus Bonus project, that
sets out to boost the quality of private accommodation in the local
community, this type of accommodation has reached an impressive level and
offers visitors a vacation in closer affinity with the way of life of the
local population.
For years, those working in the Istrian tourist industry have been
developing the promotion of Istrian tourism beyond the bounds of traditional
promotional activities, offering on-line promotion and reservations. In
addition to on-line booking options for companies in the region, an info and
sales tourist service will commence its activities at the beginning of the
summer, enabling visitors to obtain information or make bookings via phone
for the entire Istrian region. It should also be added that a great number
of cultural and traditional events add to the richness of what these Istrian
destinations offer, making the visitors’ stay even more interesting and
enjoyable.
Istrian County Tourist Board
www.istra.hr
Osijek: A Welcome in Style
There are many reasons why visitors are attracted to Osijek, from the beauty
of its architecture, its way of life, hospitability and cultural monuments
to the fascinating environment and wealth of things on offer in Slavonia and
Baranja. In recent times, visitors to Osijek can now also enjoy two new
tourist info-centres: one in the upper town and one in the well known and
astonishingly well preserved Osijek fortress Tvrđa, one of the most
significant old Croatian city centres, built in the 18th century. In
addition to information and promotional materials and a range of original
souvenirs, Tvrđa boasts a new info-spot run by the Osijek tourist guide
association, offering visitors guided tours of this fascinating site, and
one of the eight free wireless internet hotspots in Osijek.
The city’s fast lifestyle can also be seen from the number of visitors to
Osijek Zoo on the left bank of the River Drava, the numerous visitors to the
nearby nature reserve Kopački Rit and events that have been announced for
the upcoming season. For instance, from July 12th to July 26th, Osijek will
host the 32nd annual European Archery Championships, with over 2,000
competitors and guests. From August 31st to September 5th, a children’s
festival will be held, gathering around 2,000 children of all ages from
several countries under the slogan “I dream”. Through music, words and
performances, the children will build “The City of Dreams” and friendships,
which adults often forget. This year, Osijek will also be visited by a group
of around 200 bikers, guests of great interest who traditionally seek
high-quality hotel accommodation and secure shelter for their motorbikes.
Osijek is more than capable of providing these visitors, who usually come in
smaller groups constantly throughout the year, with what they are looking
for.
All first-time visitors to Osijek, a city that can be reached from Zagreb in
two hours on the motorway, will be delighted by the promenade on the River
Drava, the most beautiful river-promenade in the country. Much to the
delight of Osijek’s natives and visitors, the Great dance orchestra has
recently, after a three-year break, once again begun playing for festive
occasions, greatly contributing to the atmosphere of the city.
Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board
www.tzosbarzup.hr
City of Osijek Tourist Board
www.tzosijek.hr
CROATIA IN THE WORLD
Conde Nast Traveler: Tourist Oscar Goes to Croatian
Islands
Readers of the Spanish edition of the Conde Nast Traveler magazine have now
confirmed what many tourists already know from experience. In the extremely
competitive category of the most beautiful island in the world, they have
given the award to the Croatian islands of the Adriatic. The recognition is
all the more impressive when one considers that the Greek archipelago,
Corsica, Puerto Rico and Mauritius were in the running.
Altogether, Croatia boasts 1,185 islands, around 50 of which are inhabited.
Out of the eight Croatian national parks, three are made up of islands:
Brijuni (Brioni), Kornati and Mljet, all of which are on account of their
extraordinary beauty and natural heritage under the highest level of
protection. Alongside the valuable natural and cultural heritage, the island
tradition and rich tourist offer is extremely interesting, making a stay on
the islands particularly attractive for tourists from all around the world,
which has, obviously, also been recognised by the readers of the Spanish
Conde Nast Traveler.
Croatian National Tourist Board
www.croatia.hr
Island of Šipan: Golden Palm for Best Travel
The Island of Šipan has received the Golden Palm award, given out by the Geo
Saison magazine, for best travel with children. Šipan received the award for
the tour entitled “The Adventure Island with Pirates on Šipan”, offered by
the tour-operator VAMOS ELTERN - KINO REISEN. The tour includes numerous
interesting activities such as sightseeing and star-gazing.
Geo Saison is a travel-magazine with a circulation of 289,000. This is the
17th year that it is giving out the Golden Palm awards for the most
original, beautiful and innovative travel-arrangements. The Golden Palm is
awarded by a jury comprising 11 members – tourism specialists and
journalists. Their task is to evaluate tours that present a specific region
in a special or innovative way. Šipan’s success is all the more noteworthy
considering that 250 different tours were part of the competition.
The Island of Šipan is located to the northwest of Dubrovnik, and is the
largest and richest site of all the Elaphite islands.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board
www.visitdubrovnik.hr
City of Dubrovnik Tourist Board
www.tzdubrovnik.hr
Mali Lošinj: In the Select Company of Europe’s Most
Beautiful Destinations
Mali Lošinj, the famous tourist destination on the Island of Lošinj, known
as the “island of vitality”, is the Croatian candidate for the “Golden
Flower of Europe” award. At the general assembly of the European Flower and
Landscape Association in Dusseldorf, 24 of the most beautiful European
cities and towns were chosen for the competition, and Mali Lošinj is one of
them. Entering the race with 23 other European tourist destinations – which
is in itself testimony to Lošinj being an extraordinarily attractive
destination – means that Lošinj will be paid a visit by an international
jury on June 23rd and 24th.
Croatian destinations have received the award before. In 2007, Biograd
received silver among 11 cities, and Primošten received gold among 12
European destinations. Last year, Novi Vinodolski was awarded with the
“Silver Flower of Europe” in the town category, and Split, the host of the
final award ceremony, received silver among the cities. Croatia became a
member of the European Flower and Landscape Association, which has its
headquarters in Brussels, in 2003. The association aims at developing
landscaping and sustainable development in towns and cities. This year’s
winners will be officially pronounced at the final ceremony in Cardiff, UK,
from September 23rd to September 25th.
Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Torist Board
www.kvarner.hr
Town of Mali Lošinj Tourism Office
www.tz-malilosinj.hr
A Culinary Competition: Eight Medals for Croatian
Chefs
Croatian chefs, members of the Association of chefs of Mediterranean and
European regions, and members of the Split-Dalmatia County Chamber of
Commerce, have recently taken part in one of the world’s biggest
competitions for professional chefs, the 2009 Istanbul Gastronomy Festival,
and returned with eight medals.
The competition gathered around 2,000 professional chefs from Turkey,
Azerbaijan, the Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, Great Britain, Canada, Cyprus,
the USA, SAR and many more. There were awards in 40 different categories,
and the Croatian team competed in eight, winning a medal in every one. It
is, therefore, no surprise that they prompted great interest in Dalmatian
cuisine and its original specialties, representing Croatia as a destination
with delicious and healthy Mediterranean cuisine.
Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
www.dalmatia.hr
www.dalmatinskikuhar.hr
EVENTS
The Golden Pen: Dubrovnik – Host of the Best
Journalists
From May 28th to May 31st, tourism journalists from around the world who
have penned prominent reports about Croatia and its tourist offer will enjoy
a warm welcome to Dubrovnik and a rich and interesting program. Therefore,
all finalists in the Golden Pen competition, organized by the Croatian
National Tourist Board, can already be considered winners as they will all
receive a valuable gift: a stay in the City of Dubrovnik and its
surroundings! The journalists have been chosen by a special jury of the
Croatian Tourist Board.
This is the fifth year in a row that the Golden Pen has been awarded, in two
categories: best print feature and the best TV and radio feature. Before the
official proclamation of the winners, the journalists will enjoy a tour of
the Dubrovnik region. On the first day, they will take a tour of the City of
Dubrovnik, proclaimed as the most beautiful city in the world by many
international surveys. The tour will be followed by a boat-trip to the
nearby Elaphite Islands, an on-board Mediterranean lunch and a tour of the
Island of Šipan and the castle Skočibuh. In the evening, a cocktail party
and dinner will be held at the Rector’s Palace (Knežev Dvor) and an
award-ceremony at the art gallery. At the ceremony, the two winners will be
announced in the company of Croatia’s most prominent tourism
representatives. The winners will receive the grand “Golden pen” statue, and
all others will receive smaller statues and acknowledgement plaquettes. The
next day, all journalists will go on a tour of the historic sights of the
town Ston, with its great city defence walls, the second-greatest in the
world, right after the Great Wall of China. There, they will enjoy lunch at
a prominent restaurant, and take a tour of the “Sun Gardens” tourist resort.
Dinner will be organized in Konavle, in the hinterland of Dubrovnik. For the
final day, a tour of the famous tourist destination of Cavtat will be
organized for those journalists whose flight schedule allows for this.
The eventful stay in Dubrovnik, which will surely be fondly remembered by
all participants, will have additional value for them since Croatia is the
homeland of the pen, the symbol of this profession. It is in the Croatian
capital of Zagreb that the inventor Slavoljub Penkala invented the
mechanical pencil in 1906 and the pen in 1907. It is after this inventor
that the mechanical pencil got its name, and this is precisely why the
Croatian National Tourist Board chose the “Golden Pen” as the title for the
award honouring the best print and TV/radio features about Croatia.
Croatian National Tourist Board
www.croatia.hr
ACTIVITIES AND OFFERING
Zagreb: A Year Rich in Concerts
This year, Croatia’s Capital, Zagreb, has turned into a European music
metropolis, playing host to numerous concerts given by some of the most
prominent national and international musicians. The spectacular series was
opened at the end of April by Beyonce, who performed in Zagreb as part of
her world tour. In a category of its own, the London Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by the charismatic Valery Gergiev, will perform on May 11th,
making Zagreb once again the venue of a first-class musical experience.
Shortly after that, on May 21st, Zagreb will host one of the biggest bands
of our time, Depeche Mode. This will be the band’s third concert in Zagreb.
Seeing as tickets for their two concerts were sold out in a matter of hours,
the biggest spectacle will surely be the two concerts of the legendary Irish
band U2, scheduled for August 9th and 10th, as part of their world tour.
In October, the huge Italian star Eros Ramazzotti will be coming to Zagreb,
also as part of his world tour.
For all fans of Jose Carreras, a good reason to visit Zagreb in December is
the great Spanish tenor’s concert, to be held on December 19th. The concert
will surely contribute greatly to the Christmas atmosphere in Zagreb, which
has been attracting more and more visitors every year.
A series of great musicians holding concerts in Zagreb continues. On June
13th and 14th, music legends Patti Smith and David Byrne will perform, on
June 16th Slipknot will hold a concert, and on June 20th the extremely
popular Limp Bizkit will perform on Šalata in its original line-up.
According to early announcements, Massive Attack, Sinead O’Connor and Tom
Jones could soon come to Zagreb as well. Numerous world-famous performers of
classical music have also confirmed their arrival.
Apart from enjoying the performances of world-famous artists in the newly
built Zagreb Arena, Maksimir Stadium, the Sport Stadium and other city
venues, visitors will be able to relish in the warm welcome given by the
City of Zagreb, its cultural and historical sites and tourist attractions as
well as its unique atmosphere, which has made Zagreb an increasingly popular
city-break destination.
City of Zagreb Tourist Board
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
International Children's Festival: Šibenik – a True
Friend of Children
This year, the Šibenik International Children’s Festival will be held from
June 20th to July 4th. Šibenik, a city that built its first theatre hall
almost 140 years ago (in 1870), has always been known as a great friend of
children, and has been host to the International Children’s Festival since
1958. The festival is a multimedia cultural event, gathering a great number
of children from all over the world every year. It is made up of three main
activities: an annual overview of select ensembles from both Croatia and
abroad, a creative and educational workshop and a symposium on artistic
creativity and education in aesthetics. The visual arts program at the
festival is particularly valuable. During the festival the streets of
Šibenik, the oldest Croatian city with its rich history and unique
architecture, will turn into a huge stage for the children’s artistic
creations. Adults, however, can also enjoy the unique atmosphere of Šibenik,
a city that has time and time again proven itself to be a true friend of
children.
Turistička zajednica Šibensko - kninske županije
www.sibenikregion.com
Turistička zajednica grada Šibenika
www.sibenik-tourism.hr
Međunardoni dječji festival
www.mdf-si.org
Valamar: Web for the Youngest
Seacrab Maro will welcome the youngest visitors who, just like their
parents, will visit the web pages of the tourist company Valamar in search
of the ideal tourist destination. Those who have already mastered the first
steps of searching on the internet, and among the youngest there is quite a
few of them, can go directly to www.maro-valamar.com with content in
Croatian, English, German, Italian and Slovenian. This web page, hosted by
Maro, Valamar’s mascot for the children’s program, has a wide range of
informative and educational content – colouring-in, memory games, a
labyrinth, e-postcards, wallpapers, screensavers and content educating
children about flora and fauna, safe travelling and protecting the
environment. Seacrab Maro also teaches children how to prepare their first
simple meals, and invites them and their parents to visit Valamar’s tourist
facilities in Poreč, Rabac, Krk and Dubrovnik. Aware of the importance of
continuous communication with visitors, Valamar launched its own internet
blog in 2007 and Valamar TV in 2008.
Istria County Tourist Board
www.istra.hr
www.valamar.com
www.maro-valamar.com
Rakovica: In the company of Winnetou!
Winnetou has returned to Croatia! Those of you having trouble seeing the
connection between the legendary Indian chief and the central European
country, need to go back almost half a century when 12 films of this popular
series were shot in Croatia. All fans of Winnetou will be more than glad to
hear, therefore, that in October, the INDIAN RESERVE WINNETOULAND will open
its doors in a valley 10 kilometres away from Rakovica and in close
proximity to the Plitvice Lakes. The reserve will feature around 20 Indian
tents – wigwams, decorated with scalps and skins, an Indian fireplace with a
central totem and a horse coral, an Indian village, a medicine man’s tent, a
herd of ponies and a stage. Winnetouland also features activities such as
gold leaching, horseshoe and lasso throwing, shooting with bows and arrows,
film projections and many more.
Winnetouland is a new Croatian tourist brand launched and developed by
Hajduk Mrdalj, a native of Vienna originally from Dalmatia, in cooperation
with Marin Lerga and many others. This national project is of great
importance considering that Winnetou is still being broadcast in many
countries. Statistically, it is the most viewed film of all time. There are
200 fan clubs just in Germany.
Winnetou, the legendary character created by Karla May, has enjoyed great
popularity in Croatia, especially after the novels were turned into a movie
by a German production team, in collaboration with the national Jadran film
productions. The movie was shot on Mountain Velebit, in the beautiful
environment of the national parks Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes and the River
Krka and in other locations in Lika. Hundreds of local residents
participated as extras and staff.
For all those attracted to the Indian way of life, this will be a great
opportunity to see it up-close, try shooting with a bow and arrow, throwing
horseshoes and the lasso or horseback riding. Visitors can also view props
used during filming.
Winnetou fans will also be interested to know that an exhibition and
info-centre dedicated to this legendary hero were opened in April. The
memorial is located at the motel Alan, which hosted the crew during filming
in Starigrad Paklenica. Though the motel itself has been completely
renovated, the memorial has been left just as it was when the crew stayed
there. The exhibition features a number of documentary photographs from the
shoot and original props from the movie, courtesy of Jadran film. The
exhibition will be regularly updated.
Zadar County Tourist Board
www.zadar.hr
Starigrad Paklenica Tourist Board
www.rivijera-paklenica.hr
TRANSPORT
By Road: No More Deadlocks in Tunnels Mala Kapela and
Sveti Rok
All visitors travelling along the motorway A1 need no longer fear deadlocks
at the tunnels of Mala Kapela and Sveti Rok. At the beginning of April, a
new lane was opened for traffic in each of these two longest Croatian
tunnels, enabling two-lane traffic in both directions and greatly
contributing to a better traffic flow.
The existing lanes have been temporarily closed so they can be adapted for
one-way traffic and the ventilation system can be brought up to date.
Two-lane traffic in both directions will be set up by the time the season
begins.
After the adaptation, the speed limit will be 100 kilometres per hour (now
it is 80 km/h). Both tunnels at the Sveti Rok tunnel are connected by four
safety passages for cars and 15 safety passages for pedestrians. The Mala
Kapela tunnel will feature six car passages and 14 pedestrian ones.
Croatian Motorways
www.hac.hr
By Air: New Connection between Zadar and Dusseldorf
At the beginning of April, the biggest European low-budget airline, Ryanair,
announced that a new connection between Zadar and Dusseldorf, will be
operating from July 6th, on Mondays and Fridays. The connection is expected
to be of great interest, and by mid April tickets can be bought at the
promotional price of just 10 Euros one way, including airport charges.
This is the sixth Ryanair connection operating from Zadar. Connections to
London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Stockholm already exist, and from June 5th, a new
connection to Pisa, Italy, will be running.
Zadar County Tourist Board
www.zadar.hr
City of Zadar Tourist Board
www.tzzadar.hr
Ryanair
www.ryanair.com
INVESTMENTS
Zagreb: Hotel Aristos – an Attractive Destination for
Businessmen
At the beginning of April, Hotel Aristos, located in the business centre
Buzin, in close proximity to Zagreb Airport, expanded its offer with a new
conference centre, which will also have a wellness centre. It will be opened
by the beginning of June. The total cost of the investment, spread over
10,000 square metres, is valued at 16 million Euros, making it one of the
leading conference and wellness hotels in Zagreb. The Ariostos conference
centre features seven multi-purpose halls with an overall capacity of 600.
The biggest hall can accommodate 300 people. The newly built restaurant has
a capacity of 200 and features a lounge bar. The wellness and spa area is
spread over 450 square metres.
As part of the investment, 75 new rooms and suites were built, bringing the
overall number to 150.
City of Zagreb Tourist Board
www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
Hotel Aristos
www.hotel-aristos.hr
Sveti Martin Spa: New Hotel and Golf Court
In June, the four-star Spa Golfer Hotel, located in Sv. Martin na Muri, will
welcome its first guests. The hotel features 151 rooms, a modern conference
centre that can accommodate 500 people and a beauty and health centre. The
hotel, located in north-western Croatia, aims at becoming an attractive
destination for conference tourism, team-building programs and similar
activities. A nine-hole golf course, the fourth of its kind in Europe, will
also soon be finished. The entire investment is valued at 30 million Euros,
making it one of the biggest investments in continental Croatia.
The Sv. Martin Spa features an outdoor and indoor bathing area spread over
400 square metres, a wellness centre, a commercial and hospitality centre
and the four-star apartment village “Regina” comprising 120 apartments. In
addition to the hotel, which will be finished by June this year, Sv. Martin
has started with the ambitious project of constructing around 20 golf villas
and announced the construction of another four-star hotel.
The Sveti Martin na Muri Municipality was awarded with the “European
Destination of Excellence” (EDEN) recognition, and the Sv. Martin Spa has
received a number of awards for its level of quality and development.
Međimurje County Tourist Board
www.tzm.hr
www.toplicesvetimartin.hr
Hotel Osejava Makarska Welcoming its First Guests in
May
At the end of May, Hotel Osejava Makarska will welcome its first guests.
Many visitors may remember this hotel as the symbol of this prominent
tourist destination, but this is a completely new one, built on the
foundations of the old eponymous hotel, the oldest one in Makarska, built in
1914. With a Mediterranean atmosphere, the four-star hotel features 110
beds, 45 twin rooms and five suites.
In addition to offering accommodation, the hotel has a Mediterranean
restaurant and an exclusive a la carte restaurant. Guests will also be able
to enjoy facilities such as an outdoor pool, a beauty salon, a souvenir shop
and others. The two conference halls will surely contribute to the hotel’s
year-round activities. The smaller hall can accommodate 40 people, and the
large one has a capacity of 120, but can also be separated into several
smaller ones and used for banquets.
The entire investment is valued at 7 million Euros and will, without a
doubt, greatly enhance what the City of Makarska has to offer tourists.
Makarska is one of the most well-known Dalmatian tourist destinations whose
visitors willingly return on account of its extraordinarily beautiful sandy
beaches, unique atmosphere and cultural sites.
Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
www.dalamatia.hr
City of Makarska Tourist Board
www.makarska-info.hr
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