Photogallery here...                                  

(Click here to unsubscribe our Newsletter)

INTRODUCING

Tradition in the service of tourism: Horvatov's blacksmith – a tourist attraction and reminder of times past
If you are interested in traditional crafts, which are with time increasingly losing their battle with modern technology, a visit to Horvatov’s blacksmith in the town of Gornji Hrašcan in the Medimurje region will be of great interest to you. This interesting facility, safeguarding tradition from the oblivion of time, used to be the workplace of Ivan Horvat and, before him, that of his father, and, in time, his son Bruno might work there, though in a different role. Bruno has already mastered all the secrets of the trade even though he is still in elementary school. Evidently, tradition is still regarded as important…
On May 1st, on Labour Day, this blacksmith, which was once a source of income for many generations, has changed its function and re-opened its doors as a living monument to the arduous trade of blacksmith. The facility – an authentic blacksmith with original antique tools – is now a fascinating attraction for tourists, and, for Croatia’s youth, it is an opportunity to see how people once lived and earned their daily bread. If you are interested in the history of this almost perished trade, if you wish to witness how horses are shoed or nails are manufactured, you can learn a lot at the blacksmith of Ivan Horvat, who has, after retiring, become a true tourist worker. A strong impression is not the only thing you will leave with from the blacksmith. Visitors are given coins with an emblem of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nedelišce and an emblem of the Nedelišce municipality impressed on them. These souvenirs are an original way of passing on the story of this interesting region and trade, which, thanks to Horvatov’s blacksmith, is being saved from oblivion and has become a tourist attraction. The project has been supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Municipality of Nedelišce Tourist Office and the Municipality of Nedelišce.

Medimurje County Tourist Board
www.tzm.hr

Municipality of Nedelišce Tourist Office
www.tz-nedelisce.hr


Rural Tourism Bistricki: To live with nature
In the village of Osekovo, on the edge of the Lonja Field nature park, 65 kilometres from Zagreb, an estate has opened its doors to tourists. With a 5,000 square metre garden and an additional 20,000 square metres of space, the estate offers enough room for all visitors to experience life in the countryside and to view the collection of antique tools, where some of are older than a century. Visitors can also get to know the world of farm animals, which will surely be of special interest to children, for whom interesting and educational activities can be organized. The estate itself can accommodate large groups of visitors, and field education can be organized for school children of all ages. Visitors can come for the day or several days, during which the estate offers an ideal starting point to discover the entire region of Moslavina. A tour of the region, hiking or cycling is accompanied by a culinary experience. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of traditional meals – grilled carp, pork or lamb, homemade cold meats with cottage cheese and sour cream, goulash, homemade bread, homemade pastries, strudel, cheese-cake, doughnuts and others. The well-known wines from Moslavina are a great accompaniment to the food. The wines can be experienced through a tour of the wine-roads and a wine-tasting, organized by the hosts.
The village of Osekovo, only four kilometers from the centre of the municipality, Popovaca, is a well known nesting area for the white stork. The village has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It boasts remnants of the Villa Rustica, which dates back to the Roman period. The Church of St Anne dates back to 1729. Visitors will also be able to enjoy visiting around 30 traditional wooden houses. A special natural site of this region is the Lonja Polje, the largest protected marsh area in Croatia, a nesting area of many marsh bird species, one of the largest fish spawning areas and a habitat for indigenous breeds of horse and pig. Visitors can also take a tour of the village Cigoc, officially proclaimed the European village of storks on account of the large number of this bird species. Tourists can enjoy hiking in the natural surroundings, cycling along the bike trails, climbing the Moslavacka Mountain or touring the historical and cultural sites of the region.

Sisak-Moslavina County Tourist Board
www.turizam-smz.hr

The Farm Bistricki
www.turizam-bistricki.hr

Fiumanka: One has to sail
A large number of sailing enthusiasts from both Croatia and abroad have long marked the three days between June 11th and June 13th in their calendars. It is then when the 10th ‘Fiumanka’ will be held, a sailing cup whose value is not measured only where the competitors come in the race, but also measured by the interesting activities that accompany the event and the socialising amongst the competitors. In any case, the Adriatic is not called one of the most beautiful seas in the world for no reason. The 10th anniversary cup will be celebrated through a special spectacular event. On the Rijeka waterfront, footage from previous cups will be projected onto a wall of water. For the first time, the opening of the cup will be accompanied by an exhibition of wines and local products, ‘Riva 09’. The Third Annual Press Fiumanka, which is held on June 12th, will be especially interesting for representatives of the national and foreign press. On June 13th, the main race will take place, the Fiumanka regatta, which goes from the Rijeka Harbour to Omišalj on the Island of Krk and back. Interestingly, the size of the yachts has not been prescribed for the cup, and the regatta is entirely free. All contestants will be given a T-shirt with the logo of the regatta, a souvenir of great emotional value. The cup is remembered not just by the winners, but all who regard sailing as their true passion, especially since the fun and social events are the best part of this unique sports event.

Primorje-Gorski Kotar Tourist Board
Turisticka zajednica Primorsko - goranske županije
www.kvarner.hr

City of Rijeka Tourist Board
www.tz-rijeka.hr

Fiumanka
www.fiumanka.hr

INVESTMENTS

Split: Hotel Marjan becoming part of the Hilton Chain
For the next 22 years, the Split hotel Marjan will operate under the Hilton hotel chain. At the end of April, Hilton representatives and the owner of the hotel, the Adriatic company, signed the contract. The Hotel Marjan Hilton is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2009. Covering an area of 60 thousand square metres, the hotel will feature 300 luxurious rooms, 27 suites, two presidential suites, a wellness centre, casino, hospitality facilities and a conference centre.
Hotel Marjan was built in 1963. It was the first five-star hotel in Split and has become an integral part of Split. Many distinguished figures and famous people have stayed there like Sophia Loren, Orson Welles, Prince Albert of Monaco and others.
The City of Split, explained the Hilton representative on the occasion of signing the contract, has been chosen on account of its attractive natural environment, good transport connections, high level of hospitality and culinary standards and safety. The Hilton Imperial in Dubrovnik has been operating under the Hilton chain for several years now.
Hotel Marjan is located in close proximity to the park-forest Marjan, a five-minute walk from the city centre and Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
www.dalmatia.hr

City of Split Tourist Board
www.visitsplit.com

Hotel Marjan
www.hotel-marjan.com


Mali Lošinj: Hotel Vespera has become a family hotel
After several months of reconstruction works, Hotel Vespera has added the attribute “family hotel” to its name since the new facilities will make the stay of children and their parents more enjoyable. Babysitting services, buggies for rent, and baby bottle heaters are just some of the new benefits that will ease the stay of parents who, whether they are on vacation or not, always put the health and comfort of their children first. The host shares this priority and has, therefore, adjusted all its facilities to the needs and even the size of the children. The hotel, for instance, has adjusted the reception desk, buffet and chairs in its restaurant. In the playroom, the hotel has also taken account of the satisfaction and safety of children and equipped it to suit guests of all ages, with toys and mats for the youngest and playstations for teenagers. Children can also enjoy the club rooms, playgrounds, entertainment programs and two pools, specially adapted for children and enhanced with various facilities. The outside pool complex is spread over three thousand square metres, and also features a pool for adults and a sunbathing area in the shape of a ship’s deck. After the reconstruction, valued at 16.9 million Euros, Family Hotel Vespera, operating under the Jadranka hotel chain, is now a four-star hotel. It features 404 accommodation units, some of them connected, suites and rooms adjusted for guests with special needs., The recently renovated four-star Hotel Aurora is also located in the same area of Lošinj. Both operate under the Jadranka hotel chain, 69 percent of which is owned by the Jadranka company. Thirty one percent is owned by the European bank for Development and Reconstruction.

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Tourist Board
www.kvarner.hr

City of Mali Lošinj Tourist Board
www.tz-malilosinj.hr

Jadranka d.d.
www.jadranka.hr

Rab: The new face of the symbol of the Rab Hotel Industry
The Rab hotel Imperial, the symbol of the hotel industry on the Island of Rab, has recently been completely renovated, thus becoming the first four-star hotel on the island. The reconstruction consisted of several phases. The last phase, concluded this year, was the reconstruction of the kitchen, restaurant and surrounding area. The well-deserved four stars will bring particular joy to the numerous guests that come back each year, who equally enjoy in its service, surroundings and atmosphere. Hotel Imperial was originally opened in 1927, and has in the last 82 years become, on account of the high level of its service, a true symbol of the hotel industry on the island. Another reason for its popularity is the fact that it is located in the midst of Komrcar park and that it is only a five-minute walk away from the historical city centre of the town of Rab. It features 136 rooms, and a novelty is its conference hall that can accommodate 80 people, which makes it ideal for smaller conferences, meetings and other events. Hotel Imperial operates under the company Imperial Rab, which altogether boasts 1,300 beds in hotels, 1,050 beds in the hotel village San Marino, and 5,000 units in auto-camps. It also owns an apartment village and villa settlement in the tourist settlement Suha punta. This year, the Island of Rab is celebrating its 120th anniversary of organized tourism with a series of special events. Visitors will be welcomed with many interesting activities and programs, making their stay on this Kvarner island all the more enjoyable.

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Tourist Board
www.kvarner.hr

City of Rab Tourist Board
www.tzg-rab.hr

Mary of Bistrica: Largest Croatian Marian Sanctuary soon to have a hotel
The Largest Marian Sanctuary, located in Marija Bistrica in the region of Zagorje, will gain a representative four-star hotel in July. This is the renovated Salve Regina hotel, which will, after it has been re-opened, once again be given its original name “Kaj”, meaning “what” in the Zagorje dialect of the Croatian language. The investment is all the more important because Marija Bistrica was until recently the only Croatian sanctuary without a hotel, and visitors had to use private accommodation. Hotel Kaj has a capacity of 150 beds, and the renovation presents an investment of 4.5 million Euros. The hotel will also feature a wellness centre, conference hall and other facilities for visitors who come as pilgrims, for vacation or business. The investor, Sunce Koncern, is also investing half a billion Euros into a health and tourism complex in the Stubice Spa. Marija Bistrica, which is celebrating eight centuries of history this year, has been a well-known Marian Sanctuary since the 18th century, when the Mary statue was discovered which many believe is connected to a great number of miraculous events, acknowledged after detailed investigation. In 1971, the Bishops’ Conference proclaimed Marija Bistrica a national sanctuary and the 13th of July the holiday of Mary of God of Bistrica. Surely, the most solemn day in the long history of Marija Bistrica was the 3rd of October of 1998, when Pope John Paul II visited it on the occasion of proclaiming Cardinal Alojzije Stepinac blessed. Marija Bistrica is also known for being the place where Croatian composer Vatroslav Lisinski composed the first Croatian opera “Ljubav i Zloba” in 1846.

Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board
www.tz-zagorje.hr

Municipality of Marija Bistrica Tourist Office
www.info-marija-bistrica.hr

Korcula: luxury hotel in the historic city centre
After several years of reconstruction works, the Lešic Dimitri Palace Korcula opened its doors. This five-star hotel is the most luxurious tourism facility in Korcula, owned by the British Unsworth family. It is located in the historic centre of the City of Korcula, next to the birthplace of Marko Polo. It features six luxury suites, whose decoration is inspired by the theme of the regions that Marko Polo, a Korcula native, travelled through on his way to China. The interior design is the work of prominent designer from Thailand, Attayut Piravinich. Most suites feature a terrace or balcony with a view of the sea, medieval gardens and the St Mark Cathedral, giving the hotel an additional air of exclusivity. The smallest suite has been named Ceylon, and the others are Venice, China, India and Arabia, whose ceilings are covered with a tent. The price of an overnight stay, in a four- bedroom suite is 1,000 Euros. The hotel also features first-class spa services and a restaurant, whose renovation has been announced for the end of the year. The restoration of the hotel was accompanied by archaeological excavations, and supervised by conservationists from Dubrovnik. Though the palace has been thoroughly renovated, it has retained its ancient wooden floors, stone basins and wells. Of course, the guests are at the same time able to enjoy an internet connection, plasma screens, an iPod base and air-conditioned bedrooms. With the renovation of this hotel, the Island and town of Korcula have been enriched by an exclusive facility that will surely, with its position in the historic city centre and interior design, attract even the most demanding of visitors.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board
www.visitdubrovnik.hr

City of Korcula Tourist Board
www.visitkorcula.net

Lešic Dimitri Palace Korcula
www.lesic-dimitri.com

Nin: ‘Ninsko blato’ project to commence soon
The town of Nin, a tourist centre very near to Zadar, will with its healing mud baths, which have attracted tourists for years, soon become the location of a great project, which will commence at the end of this year. The 60 million Euros investment has been taken over by the Zadar company Tankerska plovidba from Norwegian investors. The investors announce that the sports recreational centre ‘Ninsko blato’, will cover over 16 hectares of land in Nin and Privlaka, on an area that has been well known for its healing mud for centuries. The Nin mud was used in Roman times to heal rheumatic, skin and spinal illnesses. It is the largest site of healing mud in Europe. As part of the project, two hotels with an overall accommodation capacity of 700 beds is planned. The hotels will also feature luxury suites, a sports and recreational centre and various gyms. A wharf for smaller boats, several restaurants, shops, indoor and outdoor pool and wellness centre are also planned.
The Ninsko blato project is one of the largest greenfield investments in Croatia.

Zadar County Tourist Board
www.zadar.hr

Town of Nin Tourist Board
www.nin.hr


CROATIA IN THE WORLD

Hvar: Hotel Adriana in the prestigious Virtuoso organization
Hotel Adriana, operating under the Suncani Hvar hotel company from Hvar, has recently become a member of the world’s leading network of luxury hotels, Virtuoso. Membership to this club is possible only by invitation, making it an even bigger recognition for Adriana and an opportunity to penetrate the most demanding tourist market. Hotel Adriana was renovated in 2007 as a luxury boutique hotel with 59 designer rooms and suites, an inside pool with heated sea-water and the Top bar, which according to many is one of the most beautiful bars of its kind in Europe. The hotel also features a unique wellness Sensori Spa centre with health and beauty services and treatments. The hotel is in addition a member of the ‘Leading Small Hotels of the World’ network and has received a World Travel Award for best European boutique resort in 2008. As well as its beauty and quality of service, the mesmerizing surroundings of the Island of Hvar, which are regarded as one of the most beautiful world destinations in many surveys, add to its value.

Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
www.dalmatia.hr

City of Hvar Tourist Board
www.tzhvar.hr

Suncani Hvar
www.suncanihvar.com

Dubrovnik: Airport receives award
British Airways has awarded Dubrovnik Airport with the title of the best airport in the “short distance” category. Dubrovnik competed against 27 other airports. The recognition is all the more valuable when one considers that all activities connected to welcoming planes and passengers were evaluated. British Airways conducts its assessment, in the winter and summer period respectively, very rigorously as it is also a criterion for its choice of business partners. It is not a surprise, therefore, that all airports give their best to be successful, making Dubrovnik’s award even more impressive.

Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board
www.visitdubrovnik.hr

City of Dubrovnik Tourist Board
www.tzdubrovnik.hr

Restaurant form Novigrad Wins in Italy: Croatian Cuisine once Again Receives Top Award at the RAI UNO Culinary Tournament of Mediterranean Countries
For the second time, the Italian TV program “La Prova Del Cuoco” organized a tournament of culinary skills of Mediterranean countries, inviting 14 different countries and cultures. Once again, Croatia participated, and was represented by Ornela and Mattea, mother and daughter who, together with their father/husband, run a family restaurant, “Damir i Ornela”, in Novigrad. The producers of the program chose the restaurant from a list of quality restaurants provided by the Croatian National Tourist Board. The producers went to all the restaurants anonymously and enjoyed a dinner, after which they chose the Novigrad one.
The audience and culinary experts present in the studio were delighted with Ornela and Mattea and their original Croatian specialties and ingredients like lobster, common sole, truffle, squid and Istrian olive oil, and Mattea enchanted viewers with her brisk way of cleaning and cutting fish (they even compared her to Japanese sushi masters). Their biggest asset, however, was the passion with which they prepared their specialties.
Altogether, the Croatian duo appeared on the program six times, winning the majority of viewer’s votes every time. In the grand finale, when they competed against Spain, they won with an overwhelming 62% lead. After winning the competition, Mattea i Ornela were received by the Croatian Embassy in Rome, after which they returned to Novigrad where at the family restaurant, a proud husband and father Damir and a great number of fans were waiting for them.
This is not the first time that the Croatian cuisine has been represented at this competition. Last year, Nenad Kukurin i Robert Klickovic, owner and chef of the “Kukuriku” restaurant, competed. Seeing as they won the tournament as well, it is questionable whether Croatian gastronomy will be allowed to participate next year since, obviously, it has no competition on the Mediterranean.

OFFERING

Zadar: Get to Know the World of Antique Glass
In Zadar, the Museum of Antique Glass was opened, a unique museum of its kind, not only in Croatia, but in the entire world. The public can see around 2,000 various glass objects from Antiquity, dating from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD. These unique objects have been discovered in sites in Zadar, Nin, Starigrad beneath Velebit and in Asseria near Benkovac. The antique glass from other parts of the country will be shown virtually so visitors can get an impression of the entire Croatian collection. Interestingly, the museum has another 2,000 glass objects stored away. Spread over 2,500 square metres, the museum also features a specialized library, conference hall, a glassblowing workshop and souvenir shop. The museum was designed by architect Branko Siladin, and is located in the renovated and reconstructed historical palace of the Cosmecendi family. Before coming to the Zadar museum, the exhibits were shown in international exhibitions in Rome, Venice, Lisbon and other cities.

Zadar County Tourist Board
www.zadar.hr

City of Zadar Tourist Board
www.tzzadar.hr

Mali Lošinj: Ten Years Since the Discovery of Apoksiomen
Ten years have passed since the bronze statue Apoksiomen was fished out of the sea near the Island of Lošinj. The anniversary was marked with a special event, cake and the cocktail “Apoksiomen”, which all visitors to Lošinj will be able to enjoy this year. The value of this discovery and its value for tourism will be completely visible once the renovation of palace Kvarner with a permanent exhibition is complete, planned for the end of 2010. The statue is currently located in the national restoration institute, where the restoration of its upper layers is being completed. During the tourist season, it will be on exhibit in Dubrovnik and Zadar, enabling a great number of visitors to see it. The statue of the young athlete covered in sea algae was discovered in the sandy bottom of the sea near the small island Vela Orjula in the Lošinj channel. The Croatian Apoksiomen is one of eight Hellenist copies from the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, figuring as the one most like the prototype from 300 years BC on account of the state of its preservation

Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Tourist Board
www.kvarner.hr

City of Mali Lošinj Tourist Board
www.tz-malilosinj.hr

Aquacity: The Varaždin “Sea” Now Adjusted for Persons with Special Needs
The Aquacity beach, enjoyed by the citizens of Varaždin and its visitors every summer, is even more beautiful and richer in facilities than before, and will be of interest to persons with special needs, featuring a multi-sensory park. The City of Varaždin, owner of Aquacity, has for the past couple of years been proclaimed the most developed continental beach in Croatia by the Croatian National Tourist Board. The centre’s development strategy takes into account the needs of everyone, including those with special needs.
Last year, the first phase of the reconstruction was completed, and included a foot path and wheelchair ramp to gain access to the water. Also, a new beach volleyball court has been built, which can easily be turned into a beach football pitch. New benches and swings for the disabled, two table tennis tables and bowling field were also part of the renovations. The footpath goes all the way to an island over a newly built wooden bridge. Along it, there are ten fishing spots, also adjusted for the disabled.
The beach now also features a ten-hole miniature golf court. However, the biggest novelty is the multi-sensory park, adjusted for the blind and persons with impaired sight. Through interaction with plants, visitors can attain more independence and a view of the world. The park is designed to stimulate their senses, touch, taste, smell and hearing, and the plants have been chosen for their characteristics so as to make their recognition easier.

Varaždin County Tourist Board
www.turizam-vzz.hr

City of Varaždin Tourist Board
www.tourism-varazdin.hr

Aquacity
www.aquacity.hr

Zagreb Panoramic Sightseeing Buses
This May, the things that tourists can do in Zagreb will be enriched by two panoramic buses that will hit the streets on May 31st. Featuring modern equipment, the larger bus will be able to accommodate 48, and the smaller 33 passengers. Tourists will have seat belts and special headsets at their disposal. The headsets will allow them to receive information about the City of Zagreb and its sites in 8 languages. The bus also features a GPS system, in accord with the information given, telling visitors exactly where they are and what they are looking at. The roof is removable and can be set in various different positions, and is in line with all safety standards. The panoramic buses will operate on two different lines, red and green, with the same origin point: Bakaceva Street on Kaptol. The red line route goes along streets in the city centre and is 12.5 kilometres long, taking one hour. Visitors on this line will be taken through the following zones: Kaptol-Zrinjevac-Main Railway Station-Mažuranic Square-Katarina Square-Ilirski Square-Mirogoj. The green line route goes through a wider city area: Kaptol-Main Railway Station-Mladost-Hrvatski Sokol Square-Petrine-Siget-Bundek-Maksimir. The price of a one-day ticket will be 70 Kuna for adults and 35 Kuna for children. With the ticket, passengers can hop on and off the bus at any time at any of the route stops.

City of Zagreb Tourist Board
www.zagreb-touristifno.hr