tip Travel magazine Croatia 010 (English edition) 02-04/2015

ISSN: 1849-059X

EN

Number 10 • Year III • February - April 2015

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Issue topic

Croatia: The North Adriatic

Krk Island

Europe:

Weekend trip:

Ogulin

2015 Tourism Trends Vukovar-Srijem County • Weddings: Zagreb Dubrovnik and Neretva County • Skiing: Obertauern

Interview:

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO kolovoz / rujan 2014.

tipTravelMagazine

Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa d.o.o.

Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel: +385 1 2348 488 mob: +385 91 7958 016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 VAT ID Number: HR21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Designer: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates in this issue: Alma Radoš, Vlatka Vužić, Tatjana Miščančuk, Sanja Plješa, Andreja Milas, Sandro Erceg Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: Tip Kreativa d.o.o. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, PHOTOnet.hr, fotolia Cover page: City of Krk photo archive: City of Krk Tourist Board

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor and author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden.

All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the text is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. The editor cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

tipTravelMagazine kolovoz / rujan 2014.

The Editor's Word

In German too starting with Issue 10

D

ear readers, we're delighted to have you flip through the pages of the 10th celebratory issue of tipTravel magazine, which we have now, along with the existing editions in Croatian and English, complemented with another edition in German. Now, we believe, readers from the German-speaking areas will find it even easier to discover the experiences from the Croatian coastal and continental destinations we bring you in every issue, along with the other topics in the more or less (un)explored travel destinations in the world.

The beauty on the front cover of the celebratory issue is the city of Krk, the "capital city" of the attractive island of same name in the Kvarner bay, which is interesting in many ways, and which we bring to you in this issue. Take a walk through the narrow stone streets of the towns on the island of Krk this spring, breathe in the aroma of the sea in one of its many attractive coves, explore the valuable Glagolitic heritage, tighten the sails and get to know its archipelago, duck into the taverns of Krk, where the various flavors of the island are sure to win you over...

Your youngest will definitely be thrilled

if you take them to dreamy Ogulin, which will draw them, and you, into its mysterious world of fairytales, legends, and stories.

Various experiences will also await you in the far east of Croatia, in the cities of the Vukovar-Srijem County, and an exciting wine journey awaits you in the far south of Croatia, in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

In this issue, we will also reveal which trends will mark tourism in 2015 in the world, and the head of global tourism, Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO spoke to us about what the main challenges and opportunities in global tourism are. There are also many diverse stories from Croatian destinations that impatiently await you with their experiences and events.

Many will agree, spring is the most pleasant season for traveling and exploring new destinations. When nature is in bloom, and especially refreshing aromas fill the air, warm rays of sun "bathe" the destinations, give us our energy back, and entice us to go out, it is the right time to head out somewhere. Wherever you go, you won't go wrong, and we bring you our recommendations here. Enjoy! Željka and Robert Kunštek

Discover Croatia, the gem of the Adriatic!

NEW in the summer timetable 29th March - 24th October 2015!

NICE - DUBROVNIK MUNICH - RIJEKA SKOPJE - SPLIT In 2015 we are again offering seasonal flights from Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon and Venice.

For more information and ticket purchase, please visit www.croatiaairlines.com.

www.croatiaairlines.com

veljaÄ?a - travanj 2015.

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Content The importance and quality of tipTravel magazine in the online promotion of Croatian tourism has been recognized and recommended to readers, tourists, by:

02-04/2015

10-29

46-53 36-41

ASSOCIATION OF EMPLOYERS IN CROATIAN HOSPITALITY

Croatian Camping Union

64-65

8-9 NEWS CROATIA 10-29 ISSUE TOPIC - Krk Island: On the Golden Island of Kvarner 30-31 TIPS4YOU 32-35 INTERVIEW - Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General: 'Sustainability is tourism's fundamental challenge, but also a great opportunity' 36-41 TRENDS: Tourism trends

Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savezthat will mark 2015 Youth Hosteli Association Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez rvatski ferijalni iCroatian hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni hostelski savez Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez oatian Youth Hostel Association Croatian YouthHostel Hostel Association Croatian Youth Association 42-45 FURNISHING - Apartments: Croatian Youth Hostel Association

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Originality up front

46-53 WEEKEND TRIP - Ogulin: A Weekend in a Fairytale Land 54-55 WEDDINGS - Zagreb 58-59 HISTORICAL TRACES: Croatian National Theater  EXPERIENCE CROATIA 62-63 Dugo Selo and Sveti Ivan Zelina 64-65 Croatian Zagorje 66-67 Novigrad - Cittanova 68-69 EVENTS - Opatija 70 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Riviera Crikvenica

Environmentally Friendly

the option to show photographs in fullscreen view is available to users of the application on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

72-73

110-111

88-97 84-87

130-139

104-105

71 ACTIVE TOURISM - Delnice 72-73 EXPLORE CROATIA Northern Velebit National Park and Senj 74 ATTRACTIONS Telašćica Nature Park 76 CULTURAL TOURISM Šibenik

88-97 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Vukovar-Srijem County

112-115 TRAVEL WRITERS Anja Mutić

98-99 UNESCO: Traditional wooden toys of Croatian Zagorje

116-117 UNICEF

100 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY: 800th Year of the Portal of the Split Cathedral 102 CROATIA ONLINE

 EXPERIENCE CROATIA 80-81 Dalmatian Zagora 82 Metković

104-105 GOURMET CROATIA Traditional dishes of Požega and Požeština

84-87 WINE TOURISM Dubrovnik-Neretva County

110-111 CULTURAL SCENE interview LADO

118-119 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS WORLD 120-123 SKIING - Obertauern 126-127 PRESENTING - Spotters 130-139 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO...

Svalbard 140-141 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Annecy February - April 2015

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MAP

Destinations in this issue KrapinaZagorje County

Sveti Ivan Zelina Dugo Selo Zagreb

Opatija

Novigrad - Cittanova

Delnice

OGULIN

Crikvenica

KRK ISLAND

Senj

Vukovar-Srijem County

Northern Velebit National Park

Legend:

highway with junction motorway with junction main road (regional and local roads are not included)

CROATIA Telašćica Nature Park

Šibenik

Vrlika Sinj Split

Trilj Imotski Vrgorac

Arctic Ocean

Metković

Dubrovnik

SVALBARD (NORWAY)

Longyearbyen Barents Sea

Greenland Sea Norwegian Sea

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Dubrovnik and Neretva County

All issues of tipTravel magazine can be found in English, Croatian and German at... tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge.

It has been issued in Croatian and English since July 2013, and in German as of 2015. It is designed for readers in Croatia and abroad who are avid travelers.

In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations. The second part of the magazine is dedicated to presenting global destinations and their travel offer.

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S

photo galleries slideshows + integrated videos

kolovoz / rujan 2014.

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CROATIA Photo: Robert KunĹĄtek

News

Increase in tourist spending in Croatia

Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Photo archive: flydubai (source: grayling.com)

Last summer, tourists in coastal Croatian counties spent an average of 66.3 euro per day, of which 36.2 euro was spent on accommodations. The data is the result of the newest TOMAS Summer 2014 research from the Institute for Tourism from Zagreb on the attitudes and spending habits of tourists, which was presented on February 3, 2015 in Zagreb. The average daily consumption of tourists, in comparison to the last research project conducted in 2010, rose by a little more than 14 percent, while consumption on shopping rose by 20 percent, and spending on things other than accommodations also rose in general. Amongst the foreign tourists, the British spent the most (122 euro per day), as well as the Russians (99 euro) and the French (95 euro). As far as accommodations are concerned, the most was spent in hotels (106 euro per day), followed by private accommodations and camps.

flydubai introduced direct flights to Zagreb On December 16, 2014, the first flydubai airplane to fly directly from Dubai to Zagreb landed at Zagreb's airport, and three direct flights weekly now connect those two cities. The new Dubai-Zagreb line represents one of the five destinations in Central and Eastern Europe that flydubai is connecting with its headquarters in the Dubai International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. The company expects that with the introduction of this line, the number of tourists coming from the UAE to Croatia will double, and they are estimating a capacity fulfilment of up to 70 percent, and more in the summer months, with the possibility of introducing additional lines.

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Soon, direct flights from Canada to Croatia Photo archive: Germanwings

Germanwings is expanding its offer for Croatia The German airline company, Germanwings, is expanding its offer of flights from DĂźsseldorf to Croatia.

So, starting this summer, passengers from the capital city of the German region of North Rhine-Westphalia will have the opportunity to travel to Rijeka and Split. Also, during the summer, a direct flight from Hamburg to Zagreb is also being introduced.

In early February 2015, representatives of the SkyGreece Airlines company announced the introduction of direct flights from Toronto to Zagreb, and the first flight is planned for June 22 of this year. The seasonal direct flight, which will fly on a weekly basis, will fly for the first time from Zagreb to Toronto two days later, on June 24.

The introduction of the new direct flights will help save time on traveling, which makes the destinations even more attractive for tourists. The new lines will also contribute to the better connection of the business sectors of the two countries, and the economies of Croatia and Canada.

Croatia has a new slogan for tourism

Photo: Luka Ĺ malcelj

Photo archive: Croatian Camping Union

"Croatia, full of life" is the new slogan for Croatian tourism, which will be in full application on all markets and communication channels as of September 2015. By then, the new logo and other visual elements will be chosen, and the entire marketing campaign will be defined. "The chosen communication concept is more than just a slogan, it is a complete platform that will reveal the story of Croatia as a travel destination. The new communication concept must be adaptable for communicating our destinations and products, and it must evoke emotions," said Croatian Minister of Tourism, Darko Lorencin. With the implementation of the new slogan, the old one "The Mediterranean as it once was" falls into history.

Development and thematic beaches With the aim of the stronger development of the "sun and sea" product and increasing the attractiveness of Croatia, the "National Program for Managing and Defining Seaside Beaches" has been prepared, and Croatian Minister of Tourism, Darko Lorencin presented in on February 4, 2015 in Vodice. In accordance with this action plan, beaches have been classified into 14 themes, including: eco beaches, surfing beaches, diving beaches, adrenaline beaches, romantic beaches, beaches for dogs, beaches for families with children, party beaches, culture beaches, nudist beaches, urban promenade beaches, beaches with entertainment for youth, beaches with sports and recreational content, and resort, or hotel beaches. From 2016 to 2020, signs for the thematic beaches will be made, and their promotion for their target audiences will follow.

Photo archive: Adria Hotel Forum

Adria Hotel Forum held On February 11 and 12, the third Adria Hotel Forum (AHF) was held in Zagreb on the topic of "Investments in the Hotel Industry". Over the course of two days the conference hosted three hundred participants, including fifty domestic and foreign experts, lecturers and panelists from the hotel industry.

The emphasis of the AHF and its central topic were "Successful models" or how the experiences of other countries in tourism and the hotel industry can be applied in Croatian conditions. At the event it was emphasized that it is necessary to create "healthy tourism" throughout the year and in the entire country for the further development of Croatian tourism.

Camp quality slowly increasing The average quality of Croatian camps increased by one percent in comparison to last year, and is currently at 3.4 of the possible five stars. That is the score in the newest camping guide of the German and Dutch ADAC and ANWB clubs, announced the Croatian Camping Union on January 22, 2015. Once again, the regions with the best quality camps are Istria, Kvarner, and Zadar, while according to ADAC, camps in the interior improved their quality by a lot in 2015. This year, the ADAC guide presents a total of 114 Croatian camps, or five more than last year, and the 2015 ADAC/ ANWB BestCamping award for the best European camps was once again awarded to five Croatian camps: Zaton, Krk, Valalta, Lanterna, and Park Umag.

www.croatiameetings.com February - April 2015

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Issue topic

KRK ISLAND

Photos (left page): a rosette with Glagolitic writing on the parish church in Omišalj (top left); the Baška tablet (top right); the isle of Košljun (left); Malinska (middle); Dobrinj (right).

Photos (right page): the Krk bridge (top); Vrbnik (left); the cathedral's bell tower in the city of Krk (right).

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KRK ISLAND CROATIA

On the Golden Island of Kvarner Written by: Željka Kunštek Photo archive of the Tourist Boards: Municipality of Omišalj, Municipality of Malinska-Dubašnica, City of Krk, Municipality of Punat, Municipality of Baška, Municipality of Vrbnik, and Municipality of Dobrinj, along with PHOTOnet.hr and Robert Kunštek

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Issue topic

KRK ISLAND

Photo: the crystal clear sea surrounding the island of Krk regularly attracts bathers.

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Since ancient times, the island of Krk has been tied to the number seven: Croats inhabited it in the 7th century, it defended itself from pirates seven times, and the seventh Prince Frankopan was the last Prince of Krk. Today, the island of Krk has seven main settlements.

Beautiful pristine coves with a warm and clean sea, gentle Mediterranean climate with a lot of sunny days per year, traces of a rich history and culture, tasty domestic food, superb olive oils and world renowned wines, plenty to do for an active vacation, fun festivals and interesting events, and a lot, truly a lot, of interesting sites and attractions... That is what backdrop for your vacation on the island of Krk will look like, which was called the Golden Island, or "Insula Aurea" during ancient times. Of course, you choose the plotline yourself.

T

he first time I stepped on an island, I was three years old, and I visited the island of Krk with my family, where I regularly returned every summer. On one hand, it was logical due to the vicinity of the island, one of the largest Croatian islands, to Zagreb, the Croatian metropolis, where I live. Although there were no highways, like there are today, and we travelled to Krk on local roads for four to five hours, sometimes even longer due to the crowds in the summer season, I still remember the adrenaline, joy, and impatience that was felt in the car before arriving on the island. I remember its long, beautiful beaches, warm stones and sand, where we, as children, ran and built sandcastles. It's impossible to forget the crystal clear sea in its coves, where we searched for shells and various colorful stones, the scent of the salt and the pines on Krk's beaches, the sunsets, and fun fisherman's festivals in the evening hours. And I also remember the tears when it was time to go, when our vacation was over.

Despite the strong development of tourism, which came in time, I am happy that the island has managed to preserve the pristine beauty I remember it for from my earliest days, while complementing it in the meantime with plenty of additional content and events. I can say that in a way, I grew up on the island of Krk, at least in summer, I followed it, and over time I started exploring it from another perspective. Besides the untouched nature, clean sea, and beautiful beaches, I was more and more intrigued by its culture, tradition, customs, the interesting features I came across... Find out more about some of those "discoveries" from the "Golden Island" here.

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Issue topic

KRK ISLAND

Omišalj and Njivice Photos: Omišalj during Stomorina, the festival of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (top left); a panorama of Omišalj (top middle); the Fulfinum-Mirine historical site and Njivice (top right); a statue of a fisherman in Njivice (bottom).

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f you arrive on the island of Krk by land or air, the first place to greet you is Omišalj. This town has stood the test of time on an eighty-meter high steep cliff towering above the sea for ten thousand years, and just like before, it dominates a nearly three-kilometer long bay, where anchored boats wait to sail away, and the pebble beach attracts bathers. Take a walk down the winding stone streets of the old city center, which keeps valuable pieces of past of one of the oldest places on the island. Let the medieval castle, city hall and Lapidarium, a small collection of stone monuments that will show you more about the past of Omišalj, be on your "sailing route" through the local streets, and make sure to duck into the parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary that dates back to the 13th century. At the entrance to the city, pop into the Memorial House of Krk Folklore, a small ethnographic museum. After you have felt the 'vibe' of old Omišalj, where you will feel as if time has stopped, head down to the bay. Next to the sea, in its peace and quiet you will find the former settlement, and now historical site, of Fulfinum-Mirine, with the ruins of an Early-Christian basilica, and the Roman city of Fulfinum. Omišalj especially comes alive every August 15, when the main town event, Stomorina, the holiday that

celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, takes place. On that day, Omišalj's main square is decorated with colorful ribbons, scarves, and fruits that symbolically show the Holy Mother flying into the sky with the angels.

If you drive on six more kilometers from Omišalj, you will arrive in Njivice, a former fishing village where a pre-Roman plutej (fence) was found, which bears witness to its ancient roots. Today, Njivice is a tourist town with all the "ingredients" necessary for a great summer vacation.

In the summer months, its promenade becomes an outdoor living room, and its beach, with its waving Blue flag (symbol of clean beach, sea, and environment), just like in Omišalj, becomes the base for many tourists. Njivice offers many options for an active vacation: from sea sports, tennis, and mini-golf to riding in a "semi-submarine", which will reveal the magic of the sea world. Here you can also rent a boat or a scooter, and head off to one of the 'wild' covers. Near Njivice you will also find an equestrian club that offers recreational horseback riding for children and adults, and a trim-trail. The main local event is Mala Gospoja, celebrated on September 8. The Fisherman's festival, nights of folk dance and klapa music, concerts under a starry sky... All the reason more to visit this place on Krk. 

Malinska

T

he road from Njivice will lead you on to the Malinska, located six kilometers away in a forested bay. Once the main harbor on the island for exporting wood, and the favorite tourist resort of Viennese aristocracy, today it is a famous European spa. The harbor transformed from a wood export harbor to a climate spa in 1866, when a steamship, the first one on the island of Krk, docked in its harbor. The town can also definitely thank its position in an attractive bay with many coves and inlets, protected from cold winds, and the pleasant climate with little precipitation and a total of 260 sunny days per year for the strong development of tourism.

The clean sea and attractive beaches aren't Malinska's only advantages. It also has more than 50 kilometers of walking trails and promenades, most of which are also suitable for cycling, which enable walking and touring the town on two wheels in a unique natural setting, with the scent of the sea and Mediterranean plants. Next to some trails, you will come across sites, such

as the Franciscan monastery in Porat, and all the promenades are connected with other trails on the island. In the warmer months in Malinska, you can try parachuting, pedal boating, or riding a jet-ski, enroll in diving classes and head out to sea, rent a boat, or head out on an organized excursion to the surrounding islands and coves. A panoramic ride to Glavotok or the Krk Bridge will definitely remain in your memory for a long time. Performances by klapa and folk dance groups, various concerts, exhibitions, traditional festivals and sports events will invite you to enjoy yourself, and participate in some activities.

Malinska can also boast a cultural and historical heritage that is primarily based on sacral buildings. Amongst them, the most famous complex dates back to 1480 and includes the church of St. Mary Magdalene, the Franciscan monastery, convent, and the museum with a Glagolitic lapidarium. The Glagolitic monks gave a huge contribution to the rich Glagolitic tradition of the island of Krk, which makes the island one of a kind in the world. ď ś

Photos: a concert in the atrium of the monastery in Porat (top left); one of the beaches in Malinska (top right); the monastery in the town of Porat, near Malinska (bottom left); a view of Malinska (bottom right).

Together with twenty surrounding settlements on the western side of the island of Krk, Malinska belongs to the DubaĹĄnica region. It owes its name to the mill, built here in the 15th century.

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Issue topic

KRK ISLAND

Krk Photos: the city walls and bell tower of Krk's cathedral are famous symbols of the city of Krk (top); Vela placa and City Hall (bottom).

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ontinue on from Malinska towards Krk, the "capital city" of the island, which has been constantly inhabited for more than three thousand years. I am overcome with that thought every time I slip into the center of its walls and walk down the picturesque streets of Krk. The solid city walls and fortresses, along with Frankopan's castle, are the best known attractions of the city. Pass by the City Hall and stop at Vela placa, the central city square. Take a break here with your favorite drink in one of the cafés and feel the strength of this place, underneath which is a valuable archeological site, evidence of the ancient history of the city. You will also feel the influence of ancient Rome on Kamplin square, and will see the ruins of Roman spas and mosaics with a depiction of mythological sea scenes if you peek into the main floor of the Vasilić house in Ribarska ulica.

Now that you have awaken the explorer within you, head on to Volsonis, the first discovered city walls, and to the altar and Venus' temple from the 1st century B.C. Did you know that it was the first,

and so far only, temple dedicated to the goddess Venus on the eastern coast of the Adriatic? In the place of the former Roman spa, another symbol of the city now stands - Krk's cathedral, a former Early Christian basilica. While walking through the city, you will come across churches, galleries, museums...

Gather your impressions on one of Krk's pebble or rocky beaches, and if you find yourself in Krk in the warmer months, make sure you jump into the crystal clear sea. The romantics amongst you can rent a boat in the city harbor and head out to one of the many hidden pebble coves near the city, and so, at least for a day, enjoy their own private beach. Boat excursions, sailing, diving, tennis, pedaling, beach volleyball, walking and cycling by the sea, tasting olive oil, or perhaps a painting course?

There are many activities in Krk to fill your day, and in the evening, enjoy the offer of its clubs and bars. There are many festivals, concerts, fairs, and parties that take place in Krk throughout the year, and constantly attract tourists to the city. 

The Municipality of Omišalj Tourist Board Ribarska obala 10 51512 Njivice, Croatia tel: +385 51 846243, 846735 e-mail: tzo-njivice@ri.t-com.hr www.tz-njivice-omisalj.hr

The Municipality of Malinska Dubašnica Tourist Board Obala 46, 51511 Malinska, Croatia tel: +385 51 859207 e-mail: tzo-malinska@ri.t-com.hr www.tz-malinska.hr

City of Krk Tourist Board Vela placa 1/1, 51500 Krk, Croatia tel: +385 51 221414, e-mail: tz@tz-krk.hr www.tz-krk.hr

The Island of Krk Tourist Board, Trg svetog Kvirina 1, 51500 Krk, Croatia tel: +385 51 221359, e-mail: tz-otoka-krka@ri.t-com.hr

www.krk.hr

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KRK ISLAND

Punat Photos: there are many coves and hidden beaches near Punat (left); the Punat marina (top right); the isle of Košljun with the Franciscan monastery (bottom left); it is possible to water ski in Punat's cove with the help of a powerboat and tow rope (bottom middle); a performance by the KUD Punat folk dance group (bottom right).

tip: It takes about two hours to tour Košljun, and you can reach the isle easily with a 10-minute tour boat ride from Punat.

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ight kilometers from Krk, on the south side of the island, you will find Punat. This calm and pleasant place is located in one of the best protected coves on the Adriatic, in Puntarska draga. Many boaters know that, and as they head out to explore the Adriatic archipelago, they leave the marina in Punat, known as one of the best equipped marinas on the eastern coast of the Adriatic. Punat was once a famous shipyard for wooden ships, as well as the headquarters for a strong steamship company, and today it relies mostly on tourism, especially nautical and cultural tourism. Today, the hardworking locals still keep the old traditions of fishing and sheep-breeding, but especially olivegrowing, which is a business conducted by every family in Punat. As you approach the town, you will notice the many olive groves that bear large amounts of superb sorts of olives, which then become excellent olive oil, which Punat is famous for far and wide. The locals love to tell you how they produce it, and they will often invite you to help them harvest this incredibly healthy and nutritious pod.

Make sure to tour the old town center, recognizable for the small stone houses

squeezed into the narrow streets, and then board a tour boat, anchored at the promenade, which will take you to the isle of Košljun, located 750 meters away. This forested isle is one of the main attractions of Punat, and famous for its Franciscan monastery (a heritage monument), where for centuries, hard-working monks gathered various valuable items, which they enjoy showing visitors today. Have a look at the ethnographic collection with various items that once belonged to Krk's fishermen and farmers, and examples of folk costumes from the entire island.

There is also a large collection of shells and unique animal exhibits, such as the lamb with one eye, along with a large library with more than 30 thousand books, amongst which the most valuable one is Ptolemy's atlas printed in Venice in 1511. There are two churches on the isle.

Punat, just like the nearby town of Stara Baška, is famous for its clean sea and beautiful pebble beaches, located in close proximity to the town. Here you will still have a chance to find a hidden beach for yourself if you head out from the marina by boat or water taxi. 

The Municipality of Punat Tourist Board Trg sv. Stjepana 42 51521 Punat, Croatia tel: +385 51 854860 e-mail: info@tzpunat.hr www.tzpunat.hr

The Municipality of Baška Tourist Board Kralja Zvonimira 114 51523 Baška, Croatia tel: +385 51 856817 e-mail: tz-baska@ri.t-com.hr www.tz-baska.hr

The Municipality of Vrbnik Tourist Board Placa Vrbničkog statuta 4 51516 Vrbnik, Croatia tel: +385 51 857479 e-mail: info@vrbnik.hr www.vrbnik.hr

The Municipality of Dobrinj Tourist Board Stara cesta bb, 51515 Šilo, Croatia tel: +385 51 852107 e-mail: tzo-dobrinj@ri.t-com.hr www.tzo-dobrinj.hr

The Island of Krk Tourist Board, Trg svetog Kvirina 1, 51500 Krk, Croatia tel: +385 51 221359, e-mail: tz-otoka-krka@ri.t-com.hr

www.krk.hr

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KRK ISLAND

Baška Photos: cyclists on Baška's Glagolitic Path (top left); the church of St. Lucia in Jurandvor (top middle); Baška (top right); a view of Baška and Vela plaža (middle and bottom).

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magine this scene: a town located in a tame valley, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and Spanish broom, protected from one side by a rocky mountain, while a natural 1800-meter long pebble beach, one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, stretches to the other side. Sounds attractive, doesn't it? That is Baška, a place where nature played its game differently, and where, as soon as you enter the Baška valley, the combination of mountain and sea will likely motivate you to eternalize the view with your camera. It was the beaches, thirty in total including the main Vela plaža, which launched the development of tourism locally in 1908, when the first beach on the island was officially opened. With time, many sports, entertainment, wellness, and restaurant facilities were opened next to the beaches, especially Vela plaža, ready to fulfil the desires of every single guest.

However, Baška is more than attractive beaches and diverse facilities. In 1100, the birth certificate of all Croats - the Baška tablet, was written in the church of St. Lucia in Jurandvor (located 2 km from the center of Baška). It is the national monument

to the culture of the Croatian nation, a sign written in the old Slavic Glagolitic script, which is a record of the donation of Croatian King Zvonimir to the church of St. Lucia. Although the original is located in the Croatian Academy of Science and Art in Zagreb, a copy can be seen in this church.

Take a walk down the Baška Glagolitic Path, which leads you by 34 stone sculptures that will teach you more about the Glagolitic alphabet. There are several more churches and chapels in Baška, the Baška Local History Museum, the aquarium with one of the largest collections of Adriatic shells and sea snails in Croatia, and another interesting attraction are the mrgari, dry stone wall buildings, examples of village architecture, in the shape of stone flowers. Shepherds still use them from time to time to gather and classify sheep according to their owners. There are a total of 15, and most are still in use today, and interestingly, the only other similar buildings in Europe are located in Great Britain and on Iceland. Baška Summer, Krk Trekk, Big Guitar Festival, Fishermen's Day, Dance in Nature, St. Rocco's Day... There are many more reasons to come to Baška. 

The Island of Krk Tourist Board, Trg svetog Kvirina 1, 51500 Krk, Croatia tel: +385 51 221359, e-mail: tz-otoka-krka@ri.t-com.hr

www.krk.hr

February - April 2015

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KRK ISLAND

Vrbnik Photos: a view of Vrbnik (left); the small gate, Vrbnik's missal, and Klančić (top); a vineyard in Vrbnik and performance by a musical band in Vrbnik (bottom).

tip: Inhale and bravely pass through Klančić, the narrowest street in the world. The locals say that no one has ever gotten stuck before, so it's likely you won't either.

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rom the Baška valley, continue on towards the eastern coast of the island, or more precisely, to Vrbnik, located on a 50-meter high cliff above the sea, and unique for many things.

You will see the picturesque quality of this town, at the base, even before you start to climb up its unique setting of its intertwining labyrinth of narrow stone streets. Amongst them is Klančić, the narrowest street in the world, at only 50 cm wide. Walk down the Placa Vrbničkog statuta, the central town square, where the tallest building houses the Ethnographic collection, the valuable Vitezić Family Library, and a printing machine, which is not peculiar, especially considering that the first printer in Croatia was from Vrbnik. If you head into the first street on the right from Placa, you will reach Kralj Tomislav Square, where you will notice a small stone door. No, dwarves didn't use to live in Vrbnik, but that door Dverčić was used by locals in the past to get into the town when they were too late to enter the large gate on Placa, which was locked at a

certain time. Maybe it will seem as if you are in some kind of game, but bend down, go through them, and continue your walk towards the votive Church of Our Lady of Health built in 1859, after the cholera swept through the town. Behind the church is a park that offers a beautiful view of the Crikvenica Riviera when the weather is nice, and there is another attractive viewpoint on the hill that the locals call Ribarnica. While there, refresh yourself with a glass of Vrbnička žlahtina, the famous golden-yellow white wine, which has become famous far beyond the Croatian borders. The streets of Vrbnik, more than 900 years old, will tell you the story about the long Glagolitic tradition of the town.

The largest number of preserved Glagolitic manuscripts, many of which were carved in stone, were created here. So, open your eyes wide while you're walking through the streets within the town walls, especially next to the church, and try to find them.

Vrbnik also has attractive beaches, and you can choose between stone, pebble, and sandy beaches. 

The Story of Valomet

y lit pa ) ici rd un Boa o: ik e M ist h r ot bn P h Vr e : T To u v hi ik rc bn ( a f Vr o

February - April 2015

PZ

Have you ever tried champagne from the sea? On the island of Krk, you can! It's called Valomet, and in 2006, its innovative "authors" from the Vrbnik Agricultural Society, came up with the idea to place bottles of champagne, made exclusively of indigenous Vrbnik 탑lahtina, in steel cages thirty meters below sea level. At that depth, the temperature is a constant 12째C, which aids the fermentation of champagne. The result? Valomet, a much better quality champagne than those from cellars. After this experiment, Vrbnik's winemakers concluded that the champagne was of a better quality due to the muted light, peace and quiet of Vrbnik's undersea world, but also due to the greater pressure achieved under sea in comparison to in a cellar.

Besides its fermentation method and superb quality, the champagne is also innovative for its natural design with layers of coral and shells that adhere to the bottle after the many months it spent on the seabed.

The winemakers add just a small, handmade label with the name of the champagne to the bottle. So far, Valomet has received many international awards and certificates for its quality and innovative design.

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Issue topic

KRK ISLAND

Dobrinj, Šilo and Klimno Photos: medicinal mud in Meline (top left); the cergan and the church in Dobrinj (top middle); tunera in Šilo (top right); the Barbalić Family Ethnographic Collection (middle left); a view of Dobrinj (middle right); the hull of the sunken Peltastis ship (bottom).

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tay on the eastern coast of the island of Krk, which hides even more interesting sites and attractions. Get ready for another uphill climb, this time to the very "heart" of the island, to the two-hundred meter high peak where you will find Dobrinj. However, in contrast to the rest of its "colleagues" on the island, this town is located in the interior of the island, and it is one of the medieval castles that used to be a center of literacy.

However you get to this "city-museum", as it is often called, you have to cross the stream, which is another interesting feature. The city bell tower also has an interesting story because, according to legend, it was cursed during construction, and it is also unusual for the fact that it is not located next to the parish church of St. Stephen. Moreover, one part is at the entrance to the viewpoint, and the other is in Dobrinj's "Jardin" park. The wooden awning, called a cergan, is located in front of Dobrinj's church, and even today the locals don't know how it got there in the that shape, and by that name. Curiosity is also piqued by the maskeron, the depiction of a man's head on Placa, the main square, whose author is still anonymous, and

his inspiration is also a mystery. While in Dobrinj, definitely have a look at the Sacral and Ethnographic Museum, the Barbalić Family's Ethnographic Collection, the "Infeld" Gallery..., and then head out to explore its surroundings. In the Dobrinjština region, you will also find the tourist town of Šilo, known as the cradle of Krk's steamboat companies, but also as the departure point for the first ferry line on the Adriatic in 1958. Here you will see "tunera", wooden watch-posts with ladders, which remind everyone of the time when tuna fishing was the main occupation of fisherman here. You can also see the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, as well as a reminder of one of the largest shipping accidents in the Adriatic, the anchor from the sunken Peltastis ship.

This Greek boat still "sleeps" in the depths near Šilo, and it is regularly visited by curious divers. Stop by the protected, shallow, and warm coves of Klimno, with the settlements of Klimno, Soline, and Čižići. Boaters love to visit Klimno for its boat berths, as well as its boat building and repair shops, while Soline are famous for their pre-Roman salt works, but also for its medicinal mud for healing joint pain. 

Omišalj

Klimno

Njivice

Šilo

Malinska Dobrinj

Vrbnik

Krk

Punat

Baška

The island of Krk is located in the middle of the Kvarner Bay and it can be reached in many ways: by land - via the Krk Bridge (which is one of the great advantages of the island), by sea - by boat to its harbors and coves, or by ferry to the Valbiska terminal, and by air - by plane to the Rijeka Airport, located near the town of Omišalj on the island of Krk.

The Island of Krk Tourist Board Trg svetog Kvirina 1, 51500 Krk, Croatia tel: +385 51 221359 e-mail: tz-otoka-krka@ri.t-com.hr

www.krk.hr

February - April 2015

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KRK ISLAND

100% active Photos: Krk offers many options for an outdoor active vacation - from hiking and various water activities to parachuting and cycling, which will reveal many interesting details and beautiful views.

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ong walks and touring the island on two wheels next to the sea, with the scent of various Mediterranean herbs, sailing through Krk's archipelago, exploring the interesting undersea life and sunken old antique ships and sailboats, waterskiing, jet-skiing, parachute rides, scooters or banana-lifts, waveboards, wakeboards, tennis, minigolf, basketball, beach volleyball, archery or perhaps bocce, the most popular game on the island... There is plenty of content that the island of Krk offers for an active vacation, and thanks to its great position and mild Mediterranean climate, you can enjoy a large number of these sports all year long. There are various sports competitions held on the island all year

long, many of which you can participate in yourself.

Around 300 kilometers of cleared and marked trails on Krk beckon you to take a walk. You can choose from those that follow the coastline, the lungomare trails, which pass by many coves, but there are also trails that take you into the magical interior of the island. The untouched nature and many interesting vantage points will spread before you as you walk towards the center of the island. Some of the trails will show you the various flora and fauna on the island, while others will tell you of the rich past, folklore, and culture of the island. For example, the Glagolitic path near Dobrinj, as well as the Baška Glagolitic Path near Baška will

teach you about the Glagolitic alphabet, while the "Putevima Dobrinjštine" beltway will take you through many picturesque villages while also teaching you about plant species. Krk's beltway, a circular trail that connects all the trails on the island, was built with the aim of connecting all the settlements on the island. In order to teach guests more about it, throughout the year, the locals organize several events, of which "A walking tour through Krk’s asparagus trails" in April, and "I love the autumn - Walk in the autumn", which is held in September during European Mobility Week, are the best known.

Bicycles can be ridden on most of the walking trails. To popularize cycling on the island, the locals also organize various

events, such as "Spring on Wheels" and "I love the Autumn - Bodul bike".

After exploring it on land, head down to its equally interesting underworld, with its main representative, Biserujka cave.

It is the only cave, of the 50 caves on the island, that is open to visitors, and it is located near the community of Rudine in the Omišalj municipality. According to legend, the Biserujka cave got its name (biser-pearl) for the treasures found in it that were left there by local pirates. This underground gallery, around 110 meters long, is rich in cave ornaments: stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite columns. The air temperature in the cave is a pleasant 15°C, perfect for touring, especially in the warmer months. 

tip: Visit the Biserujka cave, near Omišalj, which is rich in many cave ornaments. Who knows, maybe you'll find a long lost pearl, or see its permanent dweller, the endemic Alpioniscus christiani crab, which is only 5 millimeters long.

Photos: the sunken ship Peltastis is attractive for divers (top left); riding the semi-submarine in Njivice (middle left); the Biserujka cave (middle right); regattas are a common sight in the waters of Krk (bottom left); hikers also love to explore Krk island (bottom right).

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KRK ISLAND

Flavors of the "Golden Island" Photos: "Šupin od muškaca", a dish made of dried octopus (left) and "Bašćanski valcići zi žvacetom od janjetine", pasta from Baška with lamb stew (right), are traditional dishes in Baška.

tip: Vrbnička žlahtina pairs best with dishes made of sheep's cheese, all types of fish and seafood dishes, and with dishes made with white meat.

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he gastronomic tour of Krk is just as exciting, and you will be sure to remember it long after returning home from the island. The cozy taverns and restaurants of Krk are filled with the aroma of homemade food and seasonal ingredients, and your hosts will offer you with excellent fish and young lamb from Krk, Krk cheese, handmade pasta and wild asparagus (if you come while it's in season), and all the dishes will be enriched with the unavoidable olive oil from Krk. Some of the traditional dishes of Krk include handmade pasta with lamb stew (žvacet), and as far as seafood is concerned, anything can be found on the table on Krk: from sardines to chub mackerel, from squid and cuttlefish to octopus, from swordfish to sabre fish, from mussels to oysters. The nets of Krk's fishermen also regularly find excellent specimens of whitefish such as dentex, two-banded seabream, John Dory, scorpion fish, monkfish, stingray... and fans of crustaceans will also be delighted here, with lobster, spiny lobster, and crab, and while there you will also be able to try the "king" of them all - the widely famous Kvarner shrimp. Even the greatest gourmets

in the world will confirm that the tastiest shrimp in the world is from the Kvarner Bay. Treat yourself to some dried figs (or fresh ones if they're in season), and sugared almonds, and make sure to try presnac for desert, a cake made of fresh sheep cheese.

The wines of the island of Krk don't fall far behind the gastronomic delights, and have been added to the enological map of the world long ago. The island was made famous for Vrbnička žlahtina, a superb dry white wine that Krk's winemakers make from an indigenous sort, white žlahtina. This sort only grows in Vrbničko polje, where it arrived between the two world wars. The older locals will tell you that in the past, the fields that are now vineyards were only used to grow grains to feed large families and that grapes were only grown for personal needs on the edges of the fields. Vrbnička žlahtina is a fresh, pale yellow color, with a gentle aroma and a special, fine flavor. It owes its freshness, as the winemakers in Vrbnik explain, to the northern positioning of the vineyards where the sort is grown.

Other white sorts are also grown here alongside the žlahtina: Istrian Malvasia, Draganel, Opačevina, and others. 

Photo: St. Valter

Photo: St. Valter

Issue topic

Photo: Studio Conex d.o.o.

Photo: Studio Conex d.o.o.

Photos: fish and wine are an integral part of meals on Krk (left); the Krčka kneginja cake (top right); šurlice with stew, cheese, and olives, šurlice with shrimp (middle); lamb roasted under a bell is one of the specialties on Krk (bottom left); žlahtina from Vrbnik's winemakers (bottom right).

Photo: Studio Conex d.o.o.

Did you know that the name of the wine žlahtina comes from the Slavic adjective "žlahten", which means noble?

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u o y 4 s tip Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

following e h t n o t u o Don't miss February, March, events in pril 2015 and A

Škraping 2015 Zagreb's Restaurant Week

ZagrebDox From February 22 to March 1, the 11th ZagrebDox International Festival of documentary films will show around 150 films in 16 programs in all five movie theatres of Zagreb's Cineplexx Centar Kaptol. The official competitive part of the program includes inter­ national and regional competition, and the official program includes Biography Dox, Musical Globe, Happy Dox, Controversial Dox, Masters of Dox, State of Affairs, Teen Dox, Facumentaries, and ADU Dox. There are also the new programs, Triler Doc, BLISTOK, and ZagrebDoXXL...

Photo archive: ZagrebDox

www.zagrebdox.net

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Once again, Restaurant Week is returning to Zagreb from March 6 to 15 to present gourmets with a superb eno-gastro offer in Zagreb's restaurants. Enjoy the creative three-course meals and excellent wines in some of the best restaurants in the city for a fraction of the normal price. www.tjedanrestorana.com

The 10th international trekking race on sharp island stones, Škraping 2015, will be held on March 7 on the island of Pašman, and the start line will be in Tkon. More than a thousand participants and 500 spectators, guests, and exhibitors at the Fair of Island Products are expected.

The Škraping week will be accompanied by educational lectures, various workshops and eco-activities related to cleaning up the surroundings of the island of Pašman, etc. www.skraping.hr

Travel Zoom The fifth conference on strategic and creative marketing in tourism, Travel Zoom, will be held on March 19 and 20 in Zagreb. During that time, leading experts in the fields of tourism, marketing, advertising, and the IT industry will share their knowledge and experience, along with some case studies, with the gathered participants, and a few workshops and a panel discussion will also be held at the conference. www.travel-zoom.si

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Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

Tour of Croatia The global professional cycling race, Tour of Croatia, will be held from April 21 to 26 from Dubrovnik to Istria, Zagreb, and Varaždin. It is a firstcategory race according to the classification of the International Cycling Federation, which is just a step lower than the Tour de France or Giro d'Italia. A total of 20 professional teams are expected at the race.

Days of Communication The third edition of the Days of Communication, the national advertising festival, will be held from April 16 to 19, in Rovinj. The Days will offer insight into the world of global marketing trends, and trigger a debate on the state of the industry in Croatia and the region. For the first time, huraonice, interactive round tables, will be held, where all the participants will discuss a defined topic and share their knowledge and experience. Along with the leading global marketing experts, amongst the guests at the Days, there will also be successful speakers, creative people... www.danikomunikacija.com

Adriatic Sea Forum

Marco Polo Challenge

The second edition of the Adriatic Sea Forum - cruise, ferry, sail & yacht, will be held on April 23 and 24 in Dubrovnik. The international travelling event is dedicated to nautical tourism on the Adriatic, that is, the sector of return trips, ferries, and boating (motorized yachts and sailboats).

The fifth Marco Polo Challenge triathlon will be held from April 24 to 26 on the island of Korčula in six competitive disciplines. The race through the ancient pine forest, next to the crystal clear sea, and around the medieval center of the city of Korčula will give all participants, professional athletes and recreational athletes the chance to enjoy the beauty of this pearl of the Croatian Adriatic.

The event will be accompanied by a recreational-entertainment program, and a charity campaign will also be held as a part of the triathlon.

www.adriaticseaforum.com

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo archive: Adriatic Sea Forum (source: Barabino & Partners S.p.A.)

www.tksplit.hr

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TALEB RIFAI

TALEB RIFAI, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Photo archive: UNWTO

Interview

What 2014 in tourism will be remembered for, which trends will mark 2015, what the role of digital media in tourism is, and his opinion on the further development of tourism in Croatia are just some of the questions we asked Taleb Rifai, SecretaryGeneral of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

www.unwto.org

'Sustainability is tourism´s

fundamental challenge, but also a great opportunity' Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek, Željka Kunštek, archives of Šibenik Tourist Board and Crikvenica Tourist Board, Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić (source: Croatian National Tourist Board), Incredible India, UNWTO.

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he 2014 tourism season has ended. What will it be remembered for? Were goals fulfilled and did any regions especially surprise you over the past year with their tourism activities?

2014 saw continued strong growth in international tourism despite of the many challenges the world faced last year, including an uneven economic recovery,

health pandemics and geopolitical tensions. According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals grew 4.7% in 2014, reaching 1,138 million. This means that, for the fifth consecutive year, the growth of international tourism surpassed our long-term forecast of 3.8% annual growth for the period 2010 to 2020.

Growth was strong in all regions, but

Photo: Robert Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić (source: Croatian National Tourist Board) Photo archive: Incredible India

particularly in the Americas, Asia and Europe. The results of Europe are mostly relevant in view of the region´s still slow economic recovery.

Many challenges and opportunities lie ahead for global tourism. What would you single out as the biggest challenge and greatest opportunity?

Definitely, sustainability is tourism´s fundamental challenge, particularly at this stage of tourism´s growth. UNWTO´s longterm forecast shows that international tourists will reach 1.8 billion by the year 2030, which poses a serious responsibility to protect the world´s natural resources, cultural heritage and social values of host destinations.

Yet tourism growth and sustainability are not at odds, in fact, sustainable tourism development offers a great opportunity for our sector because ethical management, proper organization and the use of innovative technology can lead to better protection and redirect revenues into the preservation of the environment.

What are the prerequisites for the sustainable and responsible development of tourism - what would you advise to representatives of the tourism sector?

First I would like to recall that sustainable tourism is “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

To elaborate, this calls for three main tasks: the optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity; respecting the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserving their tangible and intangible cultural heritage and traditional values, and contributing to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance; and ensuring viable, long-term economic operations, providing socioeconomic benefits to all stakeholders

Photos: Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (top left); tourists exploring Keukenhof park, the Netherlands (top right); India is one of the countries with the fastest growth in tourism (bottom left); Morocco (bottom right).

tip: Collaborate, accept sustainability, preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Croatia, and invest in innovative products that emphasize the authenticity and excellence of Croatia, Mr. Rifai advised representatives of Croatia's public and private tourism sector.

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TALEB RIFAI

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo archive: Šibenik Tourist Board (Sky Action)

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Interview

The 100th session of the UNWTO Executive Council will be held in Rovinj from May 27 to 29, 2015.

Photos: the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik is under the protection of UNESCO (top left); linđo, a traditional dance of Dubrovnik's coastal region (top right); Rovinj, the most photographed city in Croatia (bottom).

Croatian cuisine has a special identity and is an important part of Croatian culture, which is just another good reason to visit Croatia.

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that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income-earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

I would advise tourism sector representatives that sustainability also presents a lucrative business opportunity as the sector itself thrives on intact environments and welcoming host communities to ensure the longterm operations of tourism enterprises.

Sustainability is a win-win situation, and as I cannot stress more, it should be the comprehensive condition of our sector.

Which trends on the global tourism map will leave their mark in 2015?

One major trend in international tourism over the last decade is the ever-increasing relevance of emerging economies as some of the fastest

growing tourism destinations in the world today. This underscores a paradigm shift in the international tourism map if we simply look back to about sixty years ago, when tourism was largely the preserve of the elite classes that mainly travelled to, and came from, destinations in North America and Europe. Today, emerging destinations in Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, Central and Eastern Europe and Africa are growing at double the rate of advanced economy destinations. As a result, we expect that more than half of international arrivals will be in emerging economies by 2030.

The Internet has become an integral part of the world of tourism and travel.

In your opinion, what should the role of new digital media (e-magazines, blogs, social networks, etc.) be in tourism?

Technology already fulfills a multifaceted role that has profoundly impacted tourism. The Internet has revolutionized the way we travel today and just as it is indispensable in our daily lives, it has become integral to the overall tourism experience, from sourcing information, purchasing tickets, reserving accommodations all the way down to assessing our journey on social media.

By the same token, widespread Internet access and social media, in light of the global economic recession, have given birth to a new collaborative consumption model, or the so called “sharing economy”.

While this development provides many opportunities for local development and community empowerment, it also raises many challenges, particularly the need to promote a level playing field for all businesses, and to ensure quality and consumer protection.

Photo archive: Crikvenica Tourist Board

Photo archive: Šibenik Tourist Board Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photos: various seafood delicacies, prepared in the traditional way, are an integral part of the spread in coastal Croatia (top left and right); Korčula, a city in southern Croatia, surrounded by ancient walls and towers (bottom).

How would you rate Croatia's path in tourism? Is it realistic to expect that Croatia will become one of the top twenty destinations in the world by 2020?

Croatia has been one of the fastestgrowing tourism destinations in Southern Europe, increasing its international tourists from 5.3 million in 2000 to over 11 million nowadays. Just as important, tourism has been an important contributor to the Croatian economy, bringing in as much as 8.4 billion euro in 2013. Indeed, Croatia is already one of the top destinations in the world (currently ranked 14th in Europe) and with continued support for the sector, tourism demand will surely continue to increase over the coming years.

In your opinion, what are Croatia's main assets in tourism, and what are

the greatest challenges in Croatian tourism? What advice would you give to representatives of the public and private tourism sector regarding the further development of Croatian tourism?

Croatia is unique in that its striking landscapes naturally frame historic walled towns. Few countries can boast having a beautiful coastline, great weather and a rich cultural legacy all in one package. With this in mind, I would encourage as in any other destination, the public and private sector to work together, embrace sustainability, protect and preserve Croatia´s natural and cultural heritage, invest in strong communication with consumers namely through new technologies, promote quality in human resources and invest in innovative products that bring out the authenticity and excellence of Croatia

such as gastronomic tourism or cultural tourism.

You have already been to Croatia several times. What did you like about it and what do you fondly recall? Do you plan on exploring it as a tourist any time soon?

Apart from its stunning landscapes, I enjoyed tasting Croatian cuisine, which has its own distinct identity that stems from its geographical position by the Adriatic Sea. I believe that Croatia´s gastronomy is an integral part of its culture and is yet another good reason to visit the country. With regards to exploring Croatia as a tourist, I must say I and my family had that privilege not long ago and that I will again very soon be in Croatia on the occasion of the 100th session of the UNWTO Executive Council meeting in Rovinj, on 27-29 May 2015.  February - April 2015

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Trends

THE WORLD 2015

Written by: Tatjana Miščančuk Photos: fotolia

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Cycling in America, surfing in Africa, or gastronomy in Europe? Trends in tourism vary from region to region. Still, they have one thing in common: mobility is still absolutely the strongest technology trend in global tourism.

Tourism trends that will mark 2015 C

ycling in America, surfing in Africa, gastronomy in Europe, online train reservations, and instant messaging in Asia, luxury hotels, peer-to-peer websites and "rent anything possible without professional middlemen", are some of the leading global trends in tourism for 2015, but also for the next five years. These trends, according to the evaluations of leading global analysts and consultants for the tourism sector, will significantly influence and shape the trends in the tourism and travel industry.

Like in the past ten years, all the trends for 2015 are greatly tied to technological innovations and revealing new market niches that will, according to expectations, bring new tourists and additional revenue to the industry in

individual local regions. Still the potential of social networks, a growing number of wearable technologies, and in general, the further strengthening of online reservation systems and other online services, along with the use of mobile devices, phones, tablets, and similar devices remain a common trend for the entire global tourism and travel industry.

It is expected that over the next five years the main development forces in tourism will be low-cost airlines, as the most successful air travel sector, followed by mobile technologies that change both the service and the behavior of consumers, as well as personalized services, or the concept that directly connects clients with service providers. Some special trends have already shown up or are growing in certain regions around the world.

The potential of social networks, wearable technology, and use of mobile phones and tablets, remain a trend in global tourism in 2015.

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Trends

THE WORLD 2015

Cycling in America, especially amongst wealthier men, has become a leisure activity competitive with golf.

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Cycling in America One of the main trends in both Americas, although more in North America than in South America, is cycling, which, especially amongst middle-aged, wealthier men, could become a greater competition for golf in their free time.

Golf has lost a lot of its popularity since its peak in the early 2000s, when the number of golfers fell from around 25 million to around 19 million in 2013. At the same time, the number of fans of cycling grew, from around 3.5 million in 2012 to almost 4 million in 2013. There are more middle-aged, wealthier men who see cycling as their new recreational competitive sport. Many agencies and tour operators have marked a significant increase in the demand for tours with the main topic of cycling over the past few years. Research has shown that

such tourists also spend an average of 20 percent more than others, and the increase in the demand for cycling programs has helped the growing interest nearly worldwide for fitness and active vacations, especially in the USA and Costa Rica.

Mobile shopping in Asia In contrast to America, golf is rising in popularity in Asian, and new courses and golf resorts for foreigners, with a diverse offer for all ages, are opening in many countries. The region also is home to many different trends in tourism, more than in other regions around the world, which explains the economic growth of the region, especially of China and the countries of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. In 2015, all those countries

expect further growth of the hotel and airline industries and trips taken by domestic and foreign tourists. It is forecasted that by 2018, tourism will increase at a rate of 15 percent per year, and online tourism formats and mobile shopping are the greatest influences.

The use of smartphones also caused a great increase in instant messaging.

Companies in that business, for example, WeChat in China, but also in Japan, have an ever-growing number of active instant messaging users, with more than a hundred million user last year, who are offered new e-commerce and online payment options through the service.

Many travel companies also joined in by offering travel packages for air, rail, and other services.

It is expected that the instant messaging system will grow by about 40 percent this year, where revenue comes mostly from virtual goods, especially online games. It is also expected that it will be launched on other mobile devices such as smartwatches, and smartglasses as part of the growing wearable technologies. The forecast is also that it will exceed the popularity of social networks with posts of travel experiences by travelers. Another great trend in Asia, especially in India, are online reservations for train tickets, which are gaining competitiveness in comparison to online reservations for low-budget airlines.

Authenticity in Europe The main tourist trends in Europe are the increase of air travel, especially lowbudget, along with cheaper alternative accommodations, as well as gastronomy and its rich diversity in countries where it isn't just travel food, but the creator of new experiences. A lot of that is connected with the growing offer of February - April 2015

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THE WORLD 2015

Photo source: Aventura Boutique Hostel Budapest

Photo: Toni Muhr (source: Graz Tourismus)

Trends

Photo: Sylt - Hotel Strand am Kรถnigshafen (source: Lifestylehotels)

and demanding consumers. With the slogan "cheap, yet chic!" that form of accommodations is competitive with small and boutique hotels because besides beds, it offers modern and luxury design at an affordable price with high-tech equipment, a restaurant, suite, free wireless internet, and breakfast. They are especially popular amongst youth, families, and business travelers who appreciate affordable accommodations with the possibility of a more authentic experience than in a hotel. That also changes the long-lasting view of hostels as an extremely cheap and outdated form of accommodations that were neglected for a while, even in Great Britain. They are being used more commonly by the elderly population (60+), and amongst the young by the generation "Y", or those born between 1981 and 1990, who have adopted mobile technology and favor designer solutions.

In Europe, gastronomy has become the creator of new experiences, and local food is one of the best ways to get to know a country, its locals, and their way of life.

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"peer-to-peer" sites that offer greater value for money with the "rent out what you have and aren't using" concept, by connecting consumers directly with service providers - non-professionals, which opens up the opportunity for more authentic experiences in travelling and on vacation. That is especially true for gastronomy, or the direct possibility to enjoy your vacation more by eating with the locals, since local food of a country is considered the best way to get to know a country, its people, and their way of life. Payments are made upon reservation, and they say all the service providers on the sites are checked out for the quality of their food, cleanliness, etc. In Great Britain, for example, a growing trend are the posthostels, or lifestyle hostels that offer more glamour and luxury than regular hostels, and are more directed at cost-conscious

Surfing in Africa, a new landscape in the Middle East The largest trend in Africa is surfing on the waves, so the region is being promoted more and more as a surfer's paradise. As a continent, Africa has 26 thousand kilometers of coastline, which, for the most part, are hit by perfect waves in contrast to the most popular destinations in Europe, Oceania, and both Americas. It is estimated that over the next few years, the number of surfers in the world will grow to 35 million, and in Africa, the countries that could profit from that most are Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast, which will play host to some of the largest surfing competitions in 2015, which they hope will attract surfers from all over the world. It is a hope also shared by Madagascar, Zanzibar, and Mozambique,

which are also working on projects of their own. Surfing is also often combined with safari offers, which affect increased spending by tourists. The largest hurdle and threat to the growth of African tourism is the spreading of the Ebola virus, which according to estimates by experts, could postpone the surfing, but also the development of other forms of tourism in western Africa and other parts of the region.

The main trend in the Middle East is related to the promotion of the new landscapes of the region, where leading experts from all over the world are designing its new vision and design.

They are led by Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Beirut, and Bahrain with the organization of global days of design, and similar events. The complex visa regime for those destinations still presents a hurdle of sorts so those destinations still have difficulties getting international attention. Designer hotels, which are expanding throughout the region, could reap the greatest benefits of that trend.

Mobile still a hit Mobile, mobile, and mobile is still the strongest technological trend in global tourism, and mobile devices have become key, not only for travelers and tourists, but also for travel companies, and especially for their customer services and reservation departments. It is expected that by 2018, mobile reservations will reach 35 percent of all online travel reservations.

A new niche, or potential for tourism experts, with the greater acceptance of social networks and ever-growing expansion of "selfie" photos taken on trips, is in wearable technology. It is expected to be an important tool for travelers who will be connected to the internet via various wearable devices -

from watches, glasses, and hats, to bracelets, and even shoes, which will enable them to constantly get updates and services on the road.

It is expected that wearable technology will become mainstream by 2016, and that wearable devices that connect to the internet, with 9 million units sold worldwide by 2013, will grow to around 180 million devices by 2016. That has already caused many airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other companies to, in collaboration with technological giants such as Google, Samsung, Apple, and others, create new applications with more functions for traveling users.

The speed of technological changes demands a quick reaction from travel companies so that they don't lose users, and so they expect it to be, as it already is, a key factor in competition in tourism over the next few years. ď ś

Mobile devices have become key, not only for travelers and tourists, but also for travel companies, especially for their customer service and reservation departments.

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Furnishing

APARTMENTS

Written by: Alma Radoš Photo source: M-traveltouristservice (www.m-travelonline.com) and www.visionapartments.com

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The demands of guests constantly change. Guests always want better, more, and for less. With the right choice of furnishings for apartments, and their placement, you save money and energy, and increase profit and its quality.

tip: If you have decided on a modern design for your apartment, make sure everything is in accordance with that. If the bathroom, kitchen or terrace are furnished in a modern fashion, you cannot have worn-out towels, lowquality bed covers, chipped plates, old dishes, etc.

Originality up front

Photos: today, many apartments can measure up to the best hotels (top); details enrich the space and make it pleasant to stay in (bottom left and right).

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oday, family-run accommodations, which with 70 thousand house­ holds, own 50 percent of the total tourist accommodations in Croatia, present an important segment in the tourism sector, and most new apartments and vacation homes can measure up to the best five-star hotels in the world.

Marino Jakovčević Martinov, owner and manager of M-traveltouristservice with headquarters in Stomorska on the island of Šolta says that today's guests truly value privacy and attractive locations, high-quality, comfortable interior furnishings and a landscaped yard. The guests look for luxury living in their chosen accommodations for their planned vacations, so those facilities that are environmentally friendly, regardless of whether it is a room, suite, or vacation

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Furnishing

APARTMENTS

tip: Replace rugs, add colorful throw pillows, and if you can't change a sofa, buy a new cover.

Photos: sterile spaces can be avoided with the addition of color, paintings, lamps, throw pillows, etc. (top); details also make the space special (bottom).

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home, are at an advantage. Today, rooms should also have their own bathrooms, and if possible, a small fridge, SAT TV, and wireless internet.

Anamarija Cicarelli, owner of "Interliga", the first consulting center for family accommodations, points out that when designing an apartment, it's important to think about how the guest will feel in it.

"One of the most important rules when decorating an apartment to rent is to depersonalize the space. When the guest walks into a room where there are, for example, photos of the owners with their grandchildren, or at their daughter's wedding, the guest feels like they have entered someone else's home.

This spaces are rented for an average of seven days, and the guest wants it to feel like it is theirs, so it is necessary to remove any decorations that will remind the guest that they are in someone else's house", said Anamarija Cicarelli, and warned that, on the other hand, the space shouldn't feel too sterile. As she explained, that is simply solved with the addition of color, plants, rugs, paintings, lamps, curtains...

Choosing the furnishings When choosing furnishings for apartments today, people look for adaptable, simple, and reliable solutions that follow trends.

Upon arriving in the apartment, the guest will notice the beauty of the interior and the furniture. The look of a room, bathroom, kitchen, or terrace is of equal importance and simple furnishings have now been replaced by color coordinated designer furnishings. The beauty and comfort of furniture, especially beds, followed by beautiful, clean, and highquality sheets and bedspreads, the choice of details, such as curtains, throw pillows, and towels, along with clean, high-quality bathrooms, affect the total feeling of hospitality.

The bedroom is a place to rest and relax. The harmony between the colors and patterns, obsession to detail, and impeccable cleanliness, are the best sign of a welcome. The guest should wake up completely relaxed, so it's important to choose a good ergonomic bed and mattress. The bathroom, as you'll agree, is the most intimate space in the apartment, so care should be given to the quality of

Photo: Guests will very likely return to an apartment or vacation home where they felt comfortable and welcome.

its wall and floor coverings and sanitary equipment, while the details, such as bathroom rugs, can only boost the guest's impression.

Guests who rent an apartment will also likely use the kitchen. It has to be clean and tidy, and while furnishing and designing it, it is important to think of the dishes, cutlery, and even details such as bottle openers and placemats.

The right choice of curtains, dining sets, tablecloths, and even napkins add special emphasis to the kitchen.

So, before you head out in designing and furnishing your apartment, keep in mind - today, originality and individuality are appreciated. We forget "regular" apartments, and remember and tell our friends about those with a unique story. ď ś

tip: Light a fire in the fireplace and point out the LCD TV, it will leave an impression with your guest of a good and modernly furnished apartment. Be creative when decorating living rooms, Anamarija Cicarelli advises owners of family-run accommodations.

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Weekend trip

OGULIN

How do you like the idea of going away for the weekend to the world of fairytales and relinquishing yourself to fairies, elves, dwarves, and witches, various stories and legends that will take you back to your childhood, and ensure your little ones have the times of their lives?

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Ogulin Tourist Board

Photo: the mystical view from Klek.

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OGULIN CROATIA

A Weekend in a Fairytale Land

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Weekend trip

OGULIN

tip: In the Magical Forest, listen to stories from Ivana's works, and in the Enchanted Castle Hallways find out the fairytale secrets...

Photos: the entrance to Ivana's Fairytale House (top left); the Enchanted Hallways (top right); listen to fairytales at the Fireplace (bottom left); The Magical Forest (bottom right).

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id you know that on stormy nights, around midnight, on Klek, the mountain that watches over Ogulin with its fascinating shape and scary beauty, witches, fairies, and elves from the entire world gather and their dancing and screaming can be heard to Ogulin? That is just one of the legends you will hear if you visit this city in continental Croatia, located halfway between Zagreb and Rijeka. Ogulin, above all, is a place of legends and fairytales, and you will notice its mystical qualities upon arrival as soon as you see the old Frankopan castle, the main city attraction that currently houses the Heritage Museum with several interesting collections: archeological, ethnographical, mountaineering, a collection of old weapons, and there is also a collection of academic painter Stjepan Galetić, originally from Ogulin.

From the magical forest to the mysterious chamber Ivana Brlić-MaŞuranić, a famous children's writer, is also from Ogulin, and her fairytales, stories, and novels are still read all around the world. In memory of this famous author, and with the aim of bringing the world of fairytales and fairytale imagination worldwide closer to children and adults, in late 2013, in the old castle, with the help of the European Fund for Regional Development, the people of Ogulin opened Ivana's Fairytale House Visitor's Center. In this unique multimedia and interactive center that celebrates fairytales, the fairytales of this most famous Croatian fairytale writer, but also many other Croatian and foreign writers, will be presented in a creative way. The center consists of a permanent multimedia exhibition, library, souvenir

shop, and multifunctional space that houses various creative and educational workshops all year long. But let's start from the beginning... The exhibition will first draw you into the Magical Forest, where trees tell the stories of Ivana's works, and anecdotes from her life.

Continue down the Enchanted Castle Hallways, which will reveal many secrets about fairytales: what fairytales are, who writes them, records them, and tells them, as well as what happens in them.

In a mysterious corner of the castle, you will find the Magic Mirror. Listen to it carefully and you will get a magical picture to remember. Take a break at the Fireplace and listen to fairytales from various European countries in this warm corner, and then head over to the Fairytale Library. Here you will find many fairytale books, and their precious first editions. In the center of the enchanted

Photo: In the Magical Castle Hallways, you can find out what fairytales are, who writes them, records them, and tells them, as well as what happens in them.

www.ivaninakucabajke.hr

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Weekend trip

OGULIN

Photos: Ivana's fairytale house is an unforgettable experience for children (top); the Creative Room is the venue for various fun and educational workshops (bottom).

castle is the Chamber of Mystery, where you can watch three educational animated films, play an interactive video game...

Creative Room workshops Now that you have awaken your imagination, boost your creativity and take the stairs or elevator up to the Creative Room, where various educational and fun workshops are held: Fazzle, The Best Illustrator, The Search for the Magic Object, Fairy Tale According to Propp, Write Your Own Fairy Tale, The Sound of Fairy Tales, Creative Expression, Fairytale Wizards, Fairytale Geniuses, The Magic Touch, Stribor's Forest, The Fairytale House, The Dwarf Workshop...

Pop into the souvenir shop with specially designed fairytale items: publications,

The creators of Ivana's fairytale house motivated the launch of a unique database on fairytales, fairytale writers, and fairytale explorers in Europe and the world, which will, in time, include a specialized multilingual online library.

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jewelry, shirts, home decor. Maybe you will find an interesting item there to remind you of your fairytale stay in this city for a long time. Ivana's Fairytale House is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 18, and organized groups may visit at other times upon appointment.

Exploring the fairytale route After touring Ivana's Fairytale House, continue your weekend in Ogulin in the same tone and head out to explore its fairytale natural beauty. You can do that on bike on one of Ogulin's bike trails, and if you prefer to hike, head out to nearby Klek Mountain, scattered with many marked hiking trails. Here you will also come across alpinists, who are regularly challenged by the 200 meter high vertical

Photos: Ogulin is famous for its natural beauty, which you can also explore on bike (top left); Ĺ mit Lake (top right); the Church of the Holy Cross (middle); Klek is also popular amongst alpinists (middle right).

climb, and here you might also discover the legend of the Klek cave or come across the Klek witch. Dense forests, with various members of the plant and animal world, are features of the Ogulin area. If you would like to see a brown bear, wolf, lynx, doe, deer, fox, and other forest inhabitants in their natural surroundings, head out on an adrenaline photo/jeep safari. There are several rivers and lakes in the Ogulin area, especially attractive to sports fishermen and rowers, while many bathers find refreshment on Sabljaci Lake, also called Ogulin's Sea, and the Dobra River in the summer months. There are also two thematic trails running through Ogulin: the fairytale trail, and the educational Klek botanical trail, which will show you the interesting features of this area. But, leave something for next time too... ď ś

Ogulin Tourist Board, Kardinala A. Stepinca 1, 47300 Ogulin, Croatia tel/fax: +385 47 532278, e-mail: tz-grada-ogulina@ka.t-com.hr

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Weekend trip

OGULIN

Photos: Ogulin's fairytale festival is a culturaltourist event that celebrates fairytales and fairytale creation and is a favorite amongst the youngest visitors.

tip: Visit the 10th Ogulin Fairytale Festival from June 12 to 14, where three thematic days will be held: Day of the Past, Day of the Present, and Day of the Future. Find out more at: www.ogfb.hr

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Best photo contest A contest, organized by the Ogulin Tourist Board and Ivana's Fairytale House Visitor Center, has been announced for the best photo taken in Ogulin.

Be creative and imaginative, take the winning picture, and win one of the valuable prizes - a package for a one-night stay in Ogulin for the winning group!

The contest is open until June 16, 2015, and groups of at least ten members can join.

Find out more about the competition at: www.tz-grada-ogulina.hr

Ogulin Tourist Board, Kardinala A. Stepinca 1, 47300 Ogulin, Croatia tel/fax: +385 47 532278, e-mail: tz-grada-ogulina@ka.t-com.hr

www.tz-grada-ogulina.hr February - April 2015

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Weddings

ZAGREB

Photos: newlyweds prefer to choose Strossmayer's promenade and the picturesque streets of the Upper Town for their photo sessions (top, bottom left and right).

A metropolis for saying I do Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Marko Dušak, Spinaker Graphics (source: Zagreb Tourist Board)

Romantic promenades, parks, and gardens, the picturesque streets of the Upper Town, extravagant halls, charming churches, beautiful panoramas, comfortable hotels and restaurants with delicious delicacies...

There are many reasons the magical ambiance of the Croatian metropolis entices young couples to say I do.

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Photos: Zagreb's many palaces and luxurious halls are equally attractive for newlywed photos.

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ver the past few years, Zagreb has experienced a true tourist boom and become a revelation for numerous tourists from all parts of the world. Many of them fell in love with its charm, energy, picturesque qualities, openness, and traits, characteristic for Zagreb alone, at first sight, and many fell in love here. In some way, Zagreb will make you fall in love with it. That will be confirmed by the ever-growing number of couples who find the location for their dream day in the unique ambiance of the picturesque streets of the Upper Town, the extravagant halls that tell the story of the city's rich history, idyllic parks and gardens in Zagreb, such as Maksimir, the Botanical Gardens, and Zrinjevac, and even on the nearby mountain, Medvednica. Zagreb will offer just that - a wedding to remember, and much more.

Zagreb's churches are a story of their own. Intimate, romantic, quiet, ornate...

Some of the more popular amongst newlyweds are, besides Zagreb's cathedral, the church of St. Marko, with the unique roof, which is the must-have backdrop for at least a few of the pictures of the newlyweds, and the baroque church of St. Katarina on the Upper Town.

There is also a registrar office nearby, and all the churches are located in the romantic ambiance of the old part of Zagreb.

This important day in Zagreb will be additionally perfected with a superb offer of many chic hotels, pleasant restaurants, and clubs, along with aromatic delicacies from Zagreb, as well as tasty international specialties. Zagreb's restaurateurs will do anything to pamper the taste buds of your guests and take

tip: The Upper Town, the parks of Zrinjevac and Maksimir, the Botanical Garden, Medvedgrad...

Zagreb is full of irresistible locations. Choose the one that mesmerizes you for your dream day.

them on an unforgettable journey of both Croatian and international food and wine.

After a night full of dancing, laughter, music, and fun, fall asleep in one of Zagreb's many hotels, famous for their comfort and outstanding quality. After a delicious breakfast, you will definitely want to lose your way in a relaxed walk through Zagreb's streets, parks, and squares and let the impressions of the unforgettable day fall into place in one of the many cafés or restaurants. And it is highly likely you will stay in Zagreb longer than you planned... 

ZAGREB CARD Make ZAGREB CARD your irreplaceable travel companion in the capital of Croatia! ZAGREB CARD offers you unlimited travel on public transport, discounts in the city museums, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and much more…

More information is available at: www.zagrebcard.vestars.hr

ZAGREB TOURIST BOARD

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EVENTS

Photo: Bosiljko Domazet

Over the past few months, we followed various events in the tourism sector in Croatia, and singled out a few below.

The first PPS forum held

Photo archive: Incredible India

On February 10, 2015, as part of the Croatia 365 project, the first national PPS forum was held in Zagreb, which gathered a hundred participants from the Croatian travel industry. It is a project conducted by the Croatian National Tourist Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, which has the aim of developing attractive and competitive destination offers with added value in the pre and post season, which will position Croatia as an all-season travel destination. At the forum, the national PPS club was established, and results of surveys on the PPS pilot project were presented, followed by domestic and foreign examples of best practices and activities linked to achieving the PPS plan for 2015.

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189th Samobor Carnival held From February 6 to 17, 2015, Samobor transformed into the Carnival Republic for the 189th time, and this year's carnival was dedicated to films. Under the motto "Flight above the Magpie's Nest", the program was held in five locations, and along with the program on the main stage, amongst other things, they also held SRAKAfest (Magpie fest), art workshops and children's shows, Srakotrk (Magpie race), parades of local centers and the allegoric floats, a competition for best mask, and performances by Croatian music stars. As is tradition, the Carnival ended with a trial, and the burning of Prince Carnival and fireworks.

Travel offer for India presented On January 12, 2015, the travel offer of India was presented at Zagreb's Hotel Dubrovnik, through presentations and a series of photos, but also through traditional dance, music, and specialties of Indian cuisine. "India is a special land. In order to feel its rhythm and colors, you must open your heart and soul, and only then will you experience it in a special way," emphasized the event organizers, representatives of the Indian Tourist Board, and their partners.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Looking back

Presentation of distant trips In Zagreb in early December, a presentation of distant trips all around the world was held by the "Da, da, da" travel agency.

The aim of the presentation was to introduce the programs of the Intrepid Grupa to travel agencies, as Vera Krause, sales representative for this group for Europe explained. There was also mention of styles, topics, and various categories of adventure trips, and destinations and examples of such trips in smaller groups. The goal of Intrepid travel is to allow travelers to experience a different experience, get to know the locals, try homemade food, use local transportation, etc.

Historical traces...

ZAGREB

tip: Drama, opera or ballet? The choice is yours, but definitely make sure you visit the Croatian National Theater while you're in Zagreb.

i

Croatian National Theater

Google Street View: Address: Trg maršala Tita 15 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

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Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

Croatian National Theater

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he Croatian National Theater, one of the main attractions of Zagreb, is located on Trg maršala Tita. Although the idea for the construction of a new, representative theater building was first developed in 1871, up until the large earthquake that hit Zagreb in 1880 and significantly damaged the theater at the time on the upper town, nothing was done to start the project. At the time, the theater committee, led by Croatian writer Marijan Derenčin, started a fund-raising campaign, pled their case to the government on how they needed a new building, and ordered blueprints from architects specialized in building theaters, Hermann Helmer and Ferdinand Fellner. The building was formally opened October 14, 1895 by Emperor Franz Joseph I, with the hit of a specially made ornate hammer, after which he toured the building, which was finished in record time (from May 1894 to October 1895). That evening, the new theater season started with a formal program, during which the eighth act of the opera by Croatian composer Ivan. pl. Zajc "Nikola Šubić Zrinski" was performed. At that occasion, the audience had the chance to see the legendary curtain by famous Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac, "the Croatian National Revival", for the first time. 

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Daruvar's "Sweet souvenir" the best in the Alpe-Adria region

Discover Croatia, the gem of the Adriatic!

Let Croatia Airlines bring you to Croatia, a land of more than 1000 sunny islands, breathtaking national parks, gorgeous beaches, rich history and numerous picture-perfect towns and cities. Fly to Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar, Rijeka or Osijek - Croatian towns with characteristic architecture, explore their customs and festivals, enjoy their cuisine, climate, atmosphere, and much more. Croatia Airlines offers you numerous flights to Croatia from all over the Europe at favorable prices. Carefully planned timetable, modern fleet and quality service guarantee your satisfaction.

Check Croatia Airlines website www.croatiaairlines.com for special offers to Croatia and book your ticket...

Daruvar's School of Economics and Tourism won the main prize for excellence and quality in tourism in the Alpe-Adria region for its "Sweet souvenir" project at the Alpe Adria tourism fair held in Ljubljana from January 28 to 31, 2015. At the initiative of and in collaboration with the Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board, the school applied for the international competition and the international panel named it the best amongst the competition of 18 candidate projects for excellence and quality in tourism in the Alpe-Adriatic region, based on the topic of the modern interpretation of the cultural heritage of local and regional dishes. "Sweet souvenir" is a collection of gingerbread and chocolate with symbols of the city of Daruvar.

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Photo archive: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

Find out more at: www.croatiaairlines.com

Betina, photo: Robert KunĹĄtek

Pho

CROATIA

Photo archive: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

Interesting facts

Croatia #1 World Destination on the Rise One of the leading publishing houses for travel guides and other informative travel publications in the world, American Fodor's Travel, ranked Croatia the #1 world destination on the rise for this year. Amongst the top ten world destinations on the rise, Croatia topped Portugal, Turkey, France, Spain, Austria, the Maldives, Thailand, Morocco, and Montenegro. Due to the rising popularity of Croatia in the world, Fodor's has also announced it will publish an independent guide on Croatia, which it commonly describes as a unique Mediterranean country with a crystal clear sea and beaches, coastline and islands that are paradise for visitors, along with a selection of excellent wines in Istria, and on the islands of Hvar, Vis, and KorÄ?ula. Furthermore, they emphasize the rich history of Dalmatia, which they note was a part of the Roman empire, and its remnants can be seen in the entire region, especially in Split. www.croatiaweek.com

PROMO

New spring packages:

"Book your stay, drive your way"

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he HUP-Zagreb d.d. hotel group, in collaboration with the Europcar rental car company, has come up with special packages for its guests, which include the rental of comfortable and high-quality cars, overnight stays in the group's hotels, and many other advantages. All five of the group's hotels in Zagreb: The Westin Zagreb, Sheraton Zagreb, Panorama Zagreb, International, and Jadran have come up with a series of innovative packages called "Book your stay, drive your way".

The Westin hotel, located near many tourist and business locations offers the rental of a mid-size car and overnight stay in a Deluxe room, along with a Superfoods breakfast, which will give you enough

energy for the entire day. The price of 145 euro for one night and 290 euro for two nights includes parking and wireless internet. The Sheraton Zagreb hotel, in its pleasant ambiance, offers an affordable package with an overnight stay in a superb deluxe room. The full price of 139 euro for one night and 268 euro for two nights includes a lavish buffet breakfast, a mid-sized rental car, use of the pool, free parking and fast wireless internet. One of the superb business hotels in Zagreb, Hotel International, offers a package at 111 euro for one night and 222 euro for two nights, where guests stay in a superior room, with an abundant buffet breakfast, mid-size car rental, use of the fitness studio, free parking, and wireless

internet. Hotel Panorama, the tallest hotel in Zagreb, offers a package at 108 euro for one night and 216 euro for two nights, which includes a deluxe room, plentiful buffet breakfast, compact car rental, and free parking and wireless internet. The Jadran boutique hotel, located in the very center of Zagreb, offers a package at 93 euro for one night and 186 euro for two nights, with a double room, ample breakfast buffet, compact car rental, and free wireless internet. Now, all hotel guests, especially those who come to Zagreb on business, can conduct their business or tour the city's attractions with ease, simplicity and at an affordable price, after which they can relax in superb rooms at the end of a long day. 

HUP ZAGREB d.d., Trg Krešimira Ćosića 9, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, tel: +385 1 3658 333, fax: +385 1 3658 461, www.hupzagreb.com February - April 2015

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Experience Croatia

DUGO SELO AND SVETI IVAN ZELINA

Photos: Count Drašković's Park in Dugo Selo (top left); the wine growing hills of Zelina (top right); the parish church of St. Martin in Dugo Selo (bottom left); the former parish church of St. Martin on Martin breg (bottom right).

A destination for

recreational athletes and wine lovers Thanks to its lively landscapes, Dugo Selo and Sveti Ivan Zelina are made for an active holiday, and the vineyards and cottages scattered over the tame hills attract fans of quality wine to the area.

Written by: Alma Radoš Photos: archives of Dugo Selo Tourist Board and Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board

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he center of Dugo Selo is dominated by the tower of the parish church of St. Martin, which dates back to 1900 and is also called the "little cathedral" due to its resemblance to Zagreb's cathedral. The former parish church of the same name from 1209 rises above the community at the peak of Martin breg, an attractive vantage point

that offers a beautiful view of the peaceful area. In front of the old church, you will see a wooden sculpture of St. Martin, and proof of the fact that St. Martin has been worshipped in Dugo Selo for centuries are his footprints on the church, a symbol of a European cultural trail that connects all the towns and cities in Europe who celebrate him as their patron saint. The

tip: In May, visit the International Knight's Tournament in Sveti Ivan Zelina and see history come alive in the memorial battle from the 16th century where the Croats beat the stronger Turkish army near Zelina.

town that worships St. Martin is a plentiful winemaking area, which is confirmed by the many wine festivals held throughout the year in vineyard cottages on the hills of Dugo Selo, where you can try Green Silvanac, Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon, Traminac, Red Pinot, or a blend of varieties...

To get to Dugo Selo, located twenty kilometers east of Zagreb, take the road to Bjelovar, or even easier, the local train.

Before you head out to explore the natural beauty of Dugo Selo's surroundings, make sure to tour the city, where you will come across wooden houses from Posavina, which are protected pieces of traditional architecture. Take a walk through Count Drašković's park with its tower, well, and century-old building that currently houses the court, and are the only reminders of the formerly glorious count's estate.

In the heart of Kraljevina In the northeastern part of the Zagreb County, there is another city famous for

its long winegrowing and winemaking tradition. Sveti Ivan Zelina is less than a half-hour drive from Zagreb. The Zelina wine road that passes through the winegrowing towns of this area attracts tourists and leads them to hospitable winemakers. Enter their cellars and cottages and try domestic specialties and quality wines, amongst which gentle and refreshing Kraljevina, made from the indigenous sort of the same name, stands out as a favorite of the Zelina wine valley.

Fans of nature will enjoy the idyllic landscape of the wine valley, a series of hills and vantage points, the forests of the Zelina hills that hide valuable historical heritage such as the medieval old town of Zelingrad. Many sacral monuments, churches, and crosses are scattered over the Zelina region. Mokrica lake, a famous fishing destination with a pond that dates back to the 16th century is also here, as well as attractive farm estates where you can have fun and relax. 

Photos: a view of Sveti Ivan Zelina (top left); the International Knight's Tournament, organized by the Knights of Zelingrad, is one of the main attractions of Sveti Ivan Zelina (top right).

The Zagreb County bike trails cross over the landscapes of Zelina and Dugo Selo and they reveal the rich historical and cultural heritage of this area to visitors.

Explore Zagreb County

SSOCIA TA T IS

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DOMESTIC DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2014/2015

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BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

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Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel.: +385 1 4873665, fax: +385 1 4873670 e-mail: info@tzzz.hr, www.tzzz.hr

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Experience Croatia

CROATIAN ZAGORJE

Photos: the Veliki Tabor castle (top left); Pregrada (top right); a Zagorje hiža with a mill (bottom left); the baroque castle of the Oršić family and the wellness and spa zone at the Bluesun Hotel Kaj in Marija Bistrica (bottom right).

Spring on the Hills of Zagorje Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive: Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

Use the days of spring to enjoy the sunny hills of Zagorje and the tame valleys full of attractions, interesting sites, and tasty delicacies.

tip: Try tasty treats at the "Granny's cakes" festival in Petrovsko on April 18, and find out the schedule for the other events in Zagorje at: www.tzkzz.hr

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n its green hills, Croatian Zagorje, the tame region in the northwestern region of Croatia, hides many interesting sites, secrets, and attractions. Spring is the right time to start exploring them, and after you head out on this adventure, you will be surprised how quickly Zagorje gets under your skin. Start out from Krapina,

the capital of the Krapina-Zagorje County, known worldwide as the site of the "Krapina Neanderthal". Find out who those mystical Neanderthals were, who hunted rhinos 125 millennia ago, what they did and how they lived at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located next to the "Hušnjakovo" site. Find out

Photos: in Croatian Zagorje, you can try homemade delights, along with international specialties, prepared in a range of creative methods.

why this world-class museum intrigues tourists, but also scientists, from all over the world. Gather your thoughts at the medicinal hot springs in nearby Krapinske toplice, famous for their long tradition of health tourism in several special spas. Here you can enjoy wellness and a gourmet trip through Zagorje in the Villa Magdalena hotel, take a walk through the spa's trail, and continue to explore Zagorje. Definitely make sure to stop by in Pregrada, famous for its flintlock gunsmen, who continue the tradition of Easter flintlock shooting, started by counts and barons in times past. Don't miss out on the castle of Veliki Tabor, where you can find out more about life in the past and hear interesting stories and legends at the museum. Stop by Tuheljske toplice, where Terme Tuhelj will take you on an unforgettable spa and gastronomic journey of the magical Zagorje region.

Now head over to Gubec's region and stop by in Donja Stubica. Allow your

host, Matija Gubec, to show you around his "hiža" (house). The people of Stubica fixed up Gubec's hiža, which bears witness of the difficult, but famous past and tradition of the Stubica region in honor of this famous Croatian peasant, the leader of the Peasant Revolution in Croatia in 1573. Smell the flowers in Croatia's Iris garden, dedicated to this beautiful flower, but also to other traditional flowers in the gardens of Zagorje. Here you can enjoy the benefits of the wellness and spa treatments, and enjoy the water park at Terme Jezerčica.

Continue on the Gornja Stubica, towards the 400-year-old Gubec Linden Tree, a protected nature site. It is connected to the legend of Matija Gubec and the Peasant Revolution, whose monument dominates the Stubica valley, and holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. The value of this region can also be explored at the aristocratic baroque castle of the Oršić family, which dates back to the 18th century, and which

Zagorje - A fairy tale at hand

houses the permanent exhibition of the Peasant's Revolution Museum.

As you pass through this region, you will notice many settlements scattered over the hills and valleys, where people still live in the old wooden hižas of Zagorje, often next to mills, and picturesque vineyards with wooden cabins. Stop before that idyllic scene and take a break in one of the restaurants, with some domestic specialties: turkey with mlinci (a pasta-like dish), Zagorje štrukli (baked cheese rolls), gibanica (walnut or poppy seed roll), etc. While in Zagorje definitely make sure to visit Marija Bistrica, the Croatian national shrine to Our Lady of Bistrica, where pilgrims from all areas of Croatia and abroad have been making pilgrimages for centuries. At the Bluesun hotel Kaj, relax with one of the carefully created spring wellness packages and so rejuvenate your body and soul in the tame Zagorje town... 

Tourist Board of Krapina-Zagorje County Krambergerova 1 49000 Krapina, Croatia tel: +385 49 233653 info@tzkzz.hr

Photo: Branka Mašić

www.tzkzz.hr

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Experience Croatia

NOVIGRAD - CITTANOVA

A town for all the senses Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Filip Peternel (archive: Novigrad - Cittanova Tourist Board)

Irresistible gourmet festivals, diverse wellness facilities, and sunny walking and cycling trails that invite you to be active next to the sea are just part of the spring story that awaits you in Novigrad.

Photos: enjoying wellness facilities (top left); the view from Novigrad's trails (top right); you will remember your spring walks through Novigrad for a long time (bottom).

Lux experience, Romantic moments or Wellness joys? The choice is yours.

Wellness Moments is an excellent opportunity to relax and treat yourself at Novigrad's modern wellness center. You can choose from a selection of thematic programs, wellness packages and services with special deals at the Hotel Maestral from February 13 to March 29.

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hanks to its pleasant climate all year round, the tourist town of Novigrad-Cittanova, on the western coast of the largest Croatian peninsula, Istria, attracts professional and recreational athletes throughout the year. Still, when the sea is especially fresh in the spring, and nature is in full bloom, it is a special delight to walk

through the parks of Novigrad, enjoy a street workout at the outdoor fitness circuit with a view of the sea, tour the attractions of Novigrad (definitely stop by the Lapidarium Museum, and the Gallerion naval collection), and the historical sites, relax with the explosion of colors during Novigrad's sunsets, or head out on bicycle to explore Novigrad and its surroundings.

With 19 landscaped and marked paths, this tourist region, which connects the towns of Umag, Novigrad, Buje and Brtonigla, is great for all kinds of cyclists - mountain bikers, road cyclists and cyclotourists. To make the stay for their usual guests, cyclists, even more pleasant, near the trails, the locals have built bike hotels, facilities with special licenses, where you will find sports food, wellness facilities, bike shops, detailed information on the routes, and other services for bicyclists.

Depending on your desires, you can also stay in attractive camps on the coast, and you can also find high-quality vacation homes, suites, and rooms to rent. Those looking for a calmer setting near the sea, surrounded by greenery, can find accommodations in small family hotels and B&Bs. In the Novigrad area, there are also several larger hotels with diverse content for families and children and sports and wellness facilities.

Until March 29, you can enjoy Wellness Moments in Novigrad, with interesting wellness packages and thematic programs at special prices.

One of the treasures of this area is its gastronomic heritage. Tasty seafood, the best fish, superb olive oils (some of which are proven to be the best in the world) and wine have inscribed this town on the gourmet map of the world. Due to their tradition, the locals organize various gourmet festivals throughout the year.

So, from February 16 to March 23, 2015 in restaurants in Novigrad, Umag, Brtonigla, and Buje, at the Days of Seashells, you will have the chance to try creative menus based on shellfish at special prices. Istrian shellfish has a special flavor, due to the clean sea, and however you try them (in a stew with various spices, in risotto, roasted, grilled, or in the most sophisticated combinations), you won't go wrong. After shellfish comes the time for asparagus. Try them here

Web: www.novigrad-cittanova.hr Email: info@novigrad-cittanova.hr Telefon: 052 757 075

Photos: an entire festival is dedicated to asparagus in Novigrad (left); quality wines are an integral part of the gourmet Istrian experience (middle); various gastronomic events take place one after another all year long (right).

tip: Be in Novigrad on May 2, 2015 at the outdoor GnamGnam Fest: Ĺ parugrada, and enjoy asparagus delicacies, with a glass of superb Istrian wine.

from March 23 to May 15, during the Days of Asparagus in Istria. The locals will prepare this wild and incredibly healthy vegetable for you in many ways: in frittatas, soup, handmade pasta, and risotto, and they will also skillfully combine it with meat or fish, as well as in desserts. ď ś

...in all the colours of Istria

Web: www.novigrad-cittanova.hr www.coloursofistria.com Web: www.novigrad-cittanova.hr Email: info@novigrad-cittanova.hr e-mail: Email: info@novigrad-cittanova.hr Telefon: 052 757 075 tel: +385 (0)52 757075 Telefon: 052 757 075 February - April 2015

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Events

OPATIJA Photos: a walk down Opatija's seaside promenade (left); March is reserved for wellness in Opatija (right); a camellia flower (middle).

Aromatic spring in Opatija

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Opatija Tourist Board and PHOTOnet

Relaxing in wellness oases, enjoying the aromas and flavors of coffee in its most diverse variations, and reveling in the delicious delicacies of Opatija are all part of spring in Opatija...

tip: Reserve March for relaxing in Opatija's wellness oases and the active programs in Opatija's parks, April for the coffee festival, and May for Opatija's gourmet experiences.

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patija started its story in tourism as the favorite winter spa of the royal and artistic elite in Europe, and it successfully continues its century-old, and millennium-old, tradition of health tourism today. The perfect location, where fresh sea and mountain air combine, is definitely one of the deciding factors for the development of this form of tourism, while many experts from health institutes, and superbly equipped spa&wellness centers care for the modern health offer on Opatija's Riviera. Besides relaxing the body and soul, their year-long offer also

includes several programs and procedures for healing various health ailments.

It is especially emphasized every year in March, when Opatija already traditionally becomes a "Wellness Oasis". The tourism and health sectors join forces and create unique promotional packages for reviving the body after a long winter. With specialist examinations and a tradition of eastern medicine, rejuvenating the body and soul is achieved through physical activity, beauty treatments, and various massages. The "queen" amongst them is the "Opatija Camellia", a massage with the essential oil of camellia, which awakens

sensuality, and affects good moods.

Every Saturday in March, visitors will be able to try pilates, aerobics, baby dance, hip hop kids, pole dance, and other activities. Active walks are also organized on Saturdays and holidays during March, April, and May, while on March 7, 2015, the "March Open House, Wellness Oasis" will be held at the Villa Angiolina.

In the sign of coffee and Opatija's delights Opatija has also prepared interesting events for April. On Easter, April 5, the traditional concert of Lovran's Brass Orchestra will be held in front of the "Imperial" hotel. On Easter Monday, April 6, have a look at the old-timer exhibition in front of the Milenij hotel, while the klapa will keep spirits high in Portić.

From April 11 to 12, Opatija will be filled with the aroma of coffee, the favorite aromatic beverage in the world. At the

coffee festival, you will have the chance to enjoy the drink in Opatija's hotels, coffee houses, and restaurants, prepared in hundreds of various ways, many of which cannot be tried anywhere else in the world. The hosts will also surprise you with coffee-based treats, as well as interesting events: exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

The month of May will tell you the rich and diverse gourmet story of Opatija's Riviera and neighboring Rijeka. You will be able to try some of the outstanding gourmet specialties and enjoy the benefits of Mediterranean cuisine at an affordable price. Kvarner shrimp, blue fish, and indigenous ingredients such as wild asparagus, or Lovran cherries, are just a part of the story. Add Sunday, May 24 to your planners, when restaurateurs from Opatija's Riviera will hold an exhibition in Juraj Šporer Pavilion, with a rich offer of Kvarner's delights. See you in Opatija! 

Photos: sweets with Lovran cherries, and Kvarner shrimp are just some of Opatija's delicacies (top left and middle right); a view of Opatija (top middle); an oldtimer in front of Opatija's Milenij hotel (top right).

Spring in Opatija Tourist Information Center M. Tita 128, 51410 Opatija, Croatia tel: +385 51 271310, fax: +385 51 712290 e-mail: tic@opatija-tourism.hr

www.opatija-tourism.hr

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Experience Croatia

RIVIERA CRIKVENICA

Photos: Easter bread (top right); the Flower Festival (middle left); Ad Turres Days (middle right); Crikvenica's main beach (bottom left); strawberry treats at the Strawberry Festival (bottom right).

Attractive

Text and photos: Crikvenica Tourist Board

all year long

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Crikvenica Tourist Board Trg Stjepana Radića 1c 51260 Crikvenica, Croatia tel/fax: +385 51 784101 info@tzg-crikvenice.hr

www.rivieracrikvenica.com

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In April, the Crikvenica Riviera will be filled with the aroma of Easter bread, asparagus frittata and various flowers, while May will be infused with the scent of strawberries...

f you visit the Crikvenica Riviera, at first glance you will feel the warm welcome. And you will return, guaranteed. You will enjoy the charms of the warm summer days, filled with fun in the sea and the bustling streets of the coastal towns, just as much as the long walks while nature changes into its autumn coat. Winter will relax you with time and recreation in the clear and crisp sea air, and fun carnival events.

Playful spring will awaken you with intense aromas of Mediterranean herbs, and entice you to go outdoors. First, get to know the lively surroundings of the seaside promenade and take a walk down Crikvenica's sandy beach, one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, which will soon become your child's favorite playground. After that, head out to explore the green interior, where you will find walking and hiking trails and paths. The proud coastal karst and mysterious woods in the fairytale ambiance of Vinodol will charm cyclists, paraglider, and horseback riders. If you are a fan of the sea, enjoy sailing, diving, or fishing. After an active day, treat

yourself to traditional homemade specialties on the "Blue Fish Road", while you get to know the valuable cultural and historical heritage of the area. The locals will also prepare interesting events. April is reserved for Easter bread in Crikvenica and Selce (April 4), Asparagus frittata, and the 13th Flower Festival in Crikvenica, and May for the 9th Ad Turres Days in Crikvenica (May 23-24), and the 5th Strawberry Festival in Selce (May 30-31), along with other surprises hidden in this friendly riviera. ď ś

DELNICE

Active tourism

Photos: cyclists in Delnice (left); fishing and rafting on the Kupa (top and middle right); the beauties of Risnjak are a favorite amongst hikers (bottom).

Rest in

untouched nature

tip: Take a trip through the canyon of the Kupa valley with its picturesque settlements, try some of the old sorts of apples raised here, and try to count the types of butterflies in the Butterfly Valley.

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive: Delnice Tourist Board

An active holiday in the protected area of Risnjak, the attractive rapids of the Kupa River, picturesque settlements, many butterflies... All that awaits you in the Delnice area.

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n Gorski kotar, a mountainous and forested area, which is often called the green heart of Croatia, you will find Delnice. The people of Delnice call the area of their town "the Delnice Trefoil", which consists of Delnice, Crni Lug/Risnjak, and the valley of the crystal clear Kupa River.

Nature and the location of the city at 698 meters above sea level have defined life, but also the development of tourism in this area known primarily for the beauty of its untouched nature and the many options for an active holiday. That is a well-known fact amongst many athletes and recreational athletes, but also amongst fans of nature who come to the Delnice area throughout the year to find their peace and take a break from the buzz of daily city life. The Risnjak National Park is the main representative of the area, and you will remember its white cliffs, a favorite amongst rock climbers, and views of the Kvarner Bay, Istria, and the Julian Alps in neighboring Slovenia will not be easily forgotten. Many paths and marked hiking trails lead you to them, and you will

see a lot of diverse mountain plants on your way. The Japlenški vrh park-forest is equally favored by walkers, hikers, and cyclists, and you will also see the old ski jump where ski jump competitions used to be held. Don't forget to visit Petehovac, where you can try skiing on grass, and then get some refreshments in the Petehovac Mountain Center. Here you will find a view point, where, upon looking through the lens of a panorama telescope, you will have Delnice on the palm of your hand.

In contrast to the mountains, the Kupa River valley will entice you to enjoy water activities. Enjoy rafting, canoeing, sports fishing, swimming, and hydromassage on the small rapids of this river near Brod na Kupi, the largest community in the Kupa valley. Kaštel Zrinski is also here, where you can get to know more about hunting, forestry, and fishing, activities that have left their mark on this area. Take a walk to the headwaters of the Kupa, to the Butterfly Valley, which is home to many species of diurnal and nocturnal butterflies... 

Delnice Tourist Board Lujzinska cesta 47 51300 Delnice, Croatia tel: +385 51 812156, +385 51 811174 tz-grada-delnica@ri.t-com.hr

www.tz-delnice.hr

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Explore Croatia

NORTHERN VELEBIT NATIONAL PARK AND SENJ

Photos: Rožanski vrh on Velebit (top); hikers on the Premužić trail (bottom left); Krasno, one of the largest mountain communities in the vicinity of the park under a blanket of snow (bottom middle); biological diversity is one of the main features of the park (bottom right).

Embraced by the mountains and the sea Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archives of Northern Velebit National Park and Senj Tourist Board

Do you dream of escaping the pavement to open untouched nature? The valleys of flowers and dense forests of Croatia's youngest national park hide many trails, which will reveal irresistible views of the sea, the islands, and Lika.

Dive into its primal wilderness this spring...

tip: To explore Velebit, equip yourself with comfortable and warm sportswear, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water. Make sure you check the weather forecast before heading out on this unpredictable mountain range.

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ctive relaxation is found every day, especially on weekends, in the untouched natural beauty of Velebit by many nature fans: hikers, cyclists, speleologists, geologists, as well as tourists enticed by the many attractions of this park. Here you will also come across those who were just passing by to a coastal destination or, in contrast, towards the Croatian interior,

who were stopped by the beauty of this impressive mountain range, also the natural border between continental and Mediterranean Croatia. The real beauty, but also the true strength of this national park will be experienced only when you head out on one of its hiking or educational trails, which are lined with informative signs about the park's attractions. Here are a few mustsee locations.

The Premužić trail will take you to the wildest parts of north Velebit, and it is considered to be a masterpiece of construction since it is made of stone - a dry stone wall. Even though it is a total of 57 km in length, 16 km of the trail pass through the park, and it is one of the less demanding trails, which also makes it ideal for those not used to hiking.

You can easily reach Zavižan, at an altitude of 1594 meters above sea level by car, and next to the mountain cabin you will find the oldest high-altitude meteorological measuring station in Croatia. The Velebit Botanical Garden with three hundred plants, amongst which is the stringently preserved species of Degenia velebitica, is located only a fifteen-minute walk away. The area of Alan is special for its vast mountain meadows and picturesque peaks, and here you can also find a mountain cabin where you can seek refreshment. Štirovača is an area with a large preserved coniferous forests and natural water springs, while Veliki Lubenovac is definitely one of the prettiest places in the park. Once you discover the vastness of Velebit, you will definitely want to enjoy its beauty for more than a day. You can find comfortable accommodations in the near vicinity of the park, amongst other places in the nearby town of Senj, 35 km away, which awaits you with a story of its own...

Natural and historical phenomena As romantics would say, there where the sea weeps for the mountains you will find Senj, one of the oldest cities in the northern Adriatic. A city with a lively past, full of culture and tradition, with beautiful beaches and coves, with a crystal blue sea, known far and wide for the wind - the famous Senj bora wind, which makes it unique in the Mediterranean, but also around the world. Of all the places on the Croatian coast, here the bora wind is the most common, lasts the longest, and according to average speed, it is also the strongest. This natural phenomenon has been studied by scientists from all over the world for a long time, and it has become more and more interesting for tourists as well. Still, the main representative of the city is the Nehaj fortress (1558), from where the Senj Uskoks defended the city from the famous conquerors: the Turks and the Venetians. Early on, Senj became the center of Glagolitic literature, and in 1494 it got

Photos: the Nehaj fortress and a view of Senj (top left); Zavratnica, one of the most beautiful coves on the Croatian coast (top middle); Senj's coves and beaches, with a crystal clear sea, attract many bathers (top right); Veliki Lubenovac (bottom left); the Nehaj fortress (bottom right).

its first printing office. You will find out a lot about the city by just walking through its narrow winding streets.

Explore the calm fishing villages, coves, and hidden pristine beaches, scattered along the 76 km of the coastline within the city limits. Another magnet for tourists are the many cultural and entertainment festivals, of which the most popular are the international winter and summer carnivals, the Uskok Days, Samba Festival, and Klapa Festival.

Senj is attractive in the summer and all year long as a destination with many options for an active holiday. 

TURISTIČKA ZAJEDNICA GRADA Stara cesta br. 2 53270 Senj, Croatia tel: +385 53 881068 info@tz-senj.hr

The "Northern Velebit National Park" Public Institution Krasno 96, 53274 Krasno, Croatia tel: +385 53 665380 ◆ npsv@np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

www.tz-senj.hr

www.np-sjeverni-velebit.hr

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Attractions

TELAŠĆICA NATURE PARK

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photo archive: "Telašćica Nature Park" Public Institution

tip: The park can be entered by land from the Dolac entrance, and from sea by the Vela Sestrica lighthouse, and through the Vela and Mala Proversa straits.

Photos: the lighthouse on the island of Vela Sestrica (left); Mir Lake and the cliff (right); the cliffs (bottom).

A Place of Magical Beauty A place of magical beauty can be found in the southeastern part of Dugi otok. It is special for many things, but primarily for three phenomena...

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"Telašćica Nature Park" Public Institution Ulica Danijela Grbin bb, 23281 Sali, Croatia, tel/fax: +385 23 377096 mob: +385 98 467988 e-mail: telascica@telascica.hr

www.pp-telascica.hr

Dugi otok Tourist Board Obala Petra Lorinija bb, 23281 Sali, Croatia, tel/fax: +385 23 377094 e-mail: tz-sali@zd.t-com.hr

www.dugiotok.hr

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he first is Telašćica Bay, one of the largest and safest natural ports on the Adriatic, within which are six islands and skerries, and a total of 25 attractive coves, a favorite amongst boaters. The other special feature of this enchanting place are the impressive cliffs that rise high and straight up 200 meters above the sea, forming the most famous cliffs of the Adriatic. Many birds have their nests there, such as the gray, or Eleanor falcon, and there are also two endemic types of land snails living on the rocks of the cliffs. The saltwater lake "Mir" with its healing mud is still one of the features of this exotic place, named a Nature Park in 1988. The 900-meter-long lake is located in a narrow strip of land, between Telašćica Bay and the open sea, and the considerable salinity of the lake is due to underwater channels that feed the lake and evaporation. The temperature of the lake reaches 33°C in the summer, while it drops down to 5°C in the winter.

The Mediterranean vegetation of the park, with more than 400 species of plants, will definitely delight you, just like the surrounding waters with 13 islands, islets and skerries. The most picturesque amongst them is the island of Katina, while the most unusual is Taljurić skerry,

in the shape of a small stone slab. On Telašćica, you will also come across many archeological ruins that bear witness to the long-lasting habitation of the island.

Equally impressive is the underwater world surrounding the park with around 250 plant and 300 animal organisms, amongst which is the incredibly valuable red coral. There are 14 donkeys living in the park, and you will come across them in the Mir Bay area.

Besides enjoying walks, swimming, cycling, and sailing, here you can also try various water sports, diving, and fishing. Definitely try some of the gastronomic delights of the park, consisting of seafood specialties, as the locals take you to their restaurants located within the park. Day trips to the park are organized from the surrounding towns and from Zadar and Biograd. 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Photo archive: Croatian Travel Festival

Croatian Travel Festival - Šibenik 2015.

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his year, the 4th Croatian Travel Festival will be held in Šibenik from May 7 to 10. Just like in the previous three years, famous Croatian travel writers will hold lectures during the festival: Davor Rostuhar, Juraj Bubalo, Morana Jandrek, Matej Perkov, Kristijan Perković, Juraj Novak, and Jurica Galić, along with many other travelers who will share the experiences they gathered while travelling the world with the interested audience. All of them, and the festival organizer, the Croatian Travel Club, share the wish to promote traveling, to inspire people to travel to get to know the world around, and within them. Along with several lectures, many educational events will also be held at the festival, and good fun with plenty of socializing is guaranteed at the Azimut Club in Šibenik in the evening hours. 

2015 Dijana Klarić Awards In memory of Dijana Klarić, the young traveler and photographer from Šibenik, members of the Croatian Travel Club introduced awards that bear her name in 2014. The aim of the club is to make the awards a tradition that will be an integral part of every Croatian Travel Festival. The competition for this year's award will be open until April 1, 2015, and it includes five categories: Best Travel Story, Best Travel Photo, Best Travel Documentary, Best Project, and Traveler of the Year.

The awards will be given out at the 4th Croatian Travel Festival in Šibenik.

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Cultural tourism

ŠIBENIK

Photo: a view of the old center of Šibenik, Šibenik's St. James Cathedral, the fortress of St. Mihovil, and the Šibenik bridge in the backdrop.

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photo archive: Šibenik Tourist Board

A Holiday in the City of Culture The charm of "Krešimir's city" will win you over at first sight.

Pass through its narrow streets and medieval squares, climb up to the fortress, feel the scent of the sea...

A Fausta Vrančića 18 22000 Šibenik, Croatia tel: +385 22 212075; 219073 tz-sibenik@si.t-com.hr

www.sibenik-tourism.hr

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fter the first few steps you take in the stone capsule of this city, it will be clear to you that you are in a valuable cultural site. Moreover, Šibenik was awarded the title of the first Croatian City of Culture in 2003, and its greatest artistic and architectural masterpieces were created in its golden age, from the late 14th to mid-17th century. The pearl amongst them is the Cathedral of St. James, protected by UNESCO. It was designed by Juraj Dalmatinac, the greatest European artist and builder of the 15th century. While walking through the narrow streets of Šibenik, you will come across many churches and palaces, interesting portals, museums and galleries, squares, and hidden courtyards. Pass through the central city square, Trg Republike Hrvatske, which is surrounded by representative buildings: City Hall and the Duke's Palace. If you look a little closer, you will notice that this city is surrounded by four fortresses, and its center is dominated by the largest one, the fortress of St. Mihovil. It got its name from the patron saint of the city, and it houses one of the most beautiful outdoor stages.

The city beach, Banj, which offers an attractive view of the old city center, is the pride of Šibenik, so you will often see many photographers here. The locals will also gladly show off the trail in the St. Ante channel, great for recreation, which was built in the vicinity of one of the most attractive Renaissance fortresses in Europe, the fortress of St. Nikola. Here you will also find two vantage points with irresistible views of the city and attractive surroundings, where two national parks will vie for your attention: Krka and Kornati. A true magnet attracting people to Šibenik are its many events all year long. Don't miss out on the traditional Easter breakfast on April 6, where the locals will introduce you to their Easter customs and offer you tasty holiday treats of the Šibenik region.

Travel buffs shouldn't miss out on the Croatian Travel Festival from May 7 to 10, and the youngest guests should visit the International Children's Festival, from June 20 to July 4. Šibenik's klapa evenings are reserved for Thursdays from July 9 to September 3, and the "Supertoon 2015" International Animation Festival will be held from July 26 to 31, and the "SuperUho" Festival from August 4 to 6... 

PROMO

Spring break at

A

Solaris Beach Resort

t Solaris Beach Resort, an attractive tourist community in Ĺ ibenik, located in green Mediterranean vegetation with a four-kilometer long coast, you will find Hotel Ivan. This new design hotel, with comfortable and modernly furnished rooms and suites, is bursting with content that will make your spring break here unforgettable. Does sipping outstanding wine, sparkling wine, or champagne at the Champagne bar, on the large terrace surrounded by greenery, with the lingering sounds of a piano, sound attractive for relaxing in the evening? Or, would you rather, in the company of those closest to you, relax in the home-like atmosphere of the Wine bar, with a view of the sea, and superb wines from Croatian and foreign winemakers? If you love to dance, then definitely visit the Night bar, where there is a diverse entertainment program every night, and to make sure you have something to remember your vacation by, visit the souvenir shop. There you will find various branded and originally Croatian products that will, with their

flavors, scents, and originality, remind you of the days you spent here for a long time.

Spring is the time to awaken the body and renew energy, so reserve a bit of your time for a visit to the Wellness & Spa Center. Here you will find six indoor pools with heated seawater, a view of the spa beach and sea you won't want to leave, the Garden bar for refreshments, the Mediterranean garden for relaxing the body and soul, saunas, many massages and treatments, a Spa shop, fitness center, a hair salon, and

other amenities. A special feature of the center is the Turkish bath, and couples find the Private Zone for two especially interesting, which includes a healing bath for two, a massage for two, relaxing on a waterbed, and a sauna.

Make the Solaris Beach Resort your choice for the Easter holidays. A floral bath, traditional Easter breakfast in the unique ambiance of Solaris' Dalmatian ethno village, and various programs and workshops for children and adults are just part of the spring story that awaits you at this resort. ď ś

Solaris Beach Resort, Hoteli Solaris 86, 22000 Ĺ ibenik, Croatia, tel: +385 22 361001, e-mail: info@solaris.hr, www.solaris.hr February - April 2015

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Beauties of Croatia

ŠIBENIK

Ši

be

ni

k

Ph o To t o a r (S uris chi ky t B ve Ac oa : tio rd n)

The Fortress of St. Nikola

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On the island of Ljuljevac, located at the entrance to the St. Ante channel, also known as the "Šibenik channel", you will find the fortress of St. Nikola. It was built in the 16th century according to the design of architect Michele Sanmicheli, to defend Šibenik from Turkish attacks from the sea. The fortress is triangular in shape and is one of the strongest fortresses on the Croatian side of the Adriatic. It got its name from the Benedictine monastery of St. Nikola, which used to be located there.

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Photo: Ilija Veselica (archive: Sinj Tourist Board)

Photo: Ilija Veselica (archive: Sinj Tourist Board)

DALMATIAN ZAGORA

Photo: Branko Čović (archive: Sinj Tourist Board)

Experience Croatia

Relaxation for adventurers You will fall in love with Dalmatian Zagora at first sight. You will enjoy its wild and untouched nature, rough hinterland crisscrossed with rivers and lakes, traditional architecture, the irresistible aromas and flavors of indigenous dishes.

That area with a rich history will reveal a new dimension of vacation to you, made for active, cultural, and eno-gastro tourism.

Photos: Sinjska alka (top left); cycling in the Cetina valley (top middle); kayaking (top right); drying figs (middle); Tilirium (bottom left); prosciutto is one of the delicacies of this region (bottom right).

Cycling, trekking, and hiking trails, free climbing, paragliding, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, rowing, jeep safari, parachuting, and hunting tourism have placed Dalmatian Zagora on the map as an attractive destination for an active vacation.

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T

he cities and towns of the Cetina region are connected to the mystical and crystal clean karst Cetina River. This part of Dalmatian Zagora has always been famous for horse breeding, and in accordance with that tradition, besides recreational and therapeutic riding, the horse breeding clubs also offer one-day or multiple day riding tours. The city of Sinj, located in

the central part of Zagora, bears witness to the deep connection between the people of the Cetina region and horses.

Sinj is also famous for the shrine of the miraculous Lady of Sinj, who, according to legend, saved the city from the Turks in 1715. Every August since 1717, the Sinjska alka, a magnificent knight's tournament, enlisted on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been held.

Photo: Ante Gašpar (archive: Sinj Tourist Board)

Written by: Alma Radoš Photos: archives of Sinj Tourist Board, Vrgorac Tourist Board, Vrlika Tourist Board and Trilj Tourist Board

The Sinjska alka isn't the only phenomenon of traditional heritage of Dalmatian Zagora to find itself on that representative list. There is also ojkavica, rera, or ganga, a unique way of singing, Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/1, 21000 Split, Hrvatska but also the impressive Nijemo Kolo tel/fax: 490 032, 490 033, 490 036 from+385 Vrlika,(0)21 a picturesque town located thirty kilometers northwest of Sinj. All the beauty of Vrlika's folklore is shown in the most famous Croatian opera "Ero s onoga svijeta", performed on nearly all the theater stages in Croatia. But, to w experience w w . d aitlinmitsanatural t i a .surroundings, hr info@ in Vrlika, is a unique occurrence you can only experience once a year, in July.

A visit to the Cetina area is incomplete if you don't stop by Trilj, above which looms a first-rate attraction - Tilirium, a roman military camp from the early first century.

Today, that city is a famous destination for fans of canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, but also a must-see gourmet experience with specialties such as arambašići (cabbage rolls with mixed meat), lamb, veal under the bell, koštradina (smoked

and dried lamb), wild game, prosciutto, Cetina trout, frogs, and crabs.

If you head east of Trilj, you will reach Imotska Krajina, famous for its unique phenomena: the Red and the Blue Lake. In contrast to the Blue Lake, which sometimes dries up, and which has serpentine trails so it is used as for swimming in the summer, due to its steep cliffs, the Red Lake is inaccessible. With a depth of three hundred meters, it has never dried out, and it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. dAnother a l minteresting a t i a . hfeature r of Imotska Krajina are its central town of Imotski and the surrounding picturesque places, such as Vrgorac, which is often called the pearl of Dalmatian Zagora due to its position, natural beauty, and climate. Take a walk through its streets to the tower where poet and bohemian Tin Ujević was born, which is located in the fortress that rises above the city. This spring, don't miss out on enjoying a salad of wild greens or strawberries, which are the trademark of Vrgorac in May. 

Photos: a strawberry harvest in Vrlika (top left); Vrlika's Nijemo Kolo (top middle); the view from the fortress in Vrlika (top right).

Preserved remains of the paths of Roman roads are scattered throughout Dalmatian Zagora. Next to them you can find protected landscapes, such as the Cetina canyon, the Prološko, Red, and Blue Lakes, the Vranjača cave, but also the ruins of necropolis, roman camps, and fortresses. On the Cetina itself, from Vrlika to the estuary in Omiš, there are a total of eleven fortresses.

Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/1, 21000 Split, Croatia tel/fax: +385 (0)21 490 032, 490 033, 490 036

www.dalmatia.hr

info@dalmatia.hr February - April 2015

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METKOVIĆ

Photos: Every year, the row boat marathon on the Neretva attracts more and more participants, but also visitors (top); the entrance hall to the cave, with its deep and shallow lakes (bottom left); the archeological site of ancient Narona in the Vid settlement near Metković (bottom).

tip: Reserve August for the Days of the Neretva Principality and the attractive rowboat marathon.

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photo archive: Metković Tourist Board

Photo: Marin Veraja (archive: Metković Tourist Board)

Experience Croatia

Experiences of the Neretva Valley You will find Metković where impressive mountains meet fertile valleys, the clean sea, a bubbling green river and mystical wetlands. Here you will feel the call of the wild, enjoy juicy fruit, especially mandarins, meet the friendly locals... and have a great time.

Metković Tourist Board

Ante Starčevića 3 20350 Metković, Croatia e-mail: info@tzmetkovic.hr turisticka.zajednica.metkovic@du.t-com.hr

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the time of the ancient Romans, gladiator fights, and the slave trade. The festival will be held in the last Friday of July in the neighborhood of Vid with plenty of music and dancing, an exotic program, and tasty Roman delicacies. As a part of the Days of the Neretva Principality in August, the locals will present traditional trades and folk games, prepare exciting competitions and costumed plays. The traditional row boat marathon, where thirty teams from the Neretva valley, and guests from abroad, race, will be held on the second Saturday in August. If you won't be in a boat yourself, be amongst the thousands of guests at the bridge in Metković, where this attractive race starts from. The food of this region is also attractive, and mostly well known for its frog and eel delicacies. 

Photo: Marin Veraja (archive: Metković Tourist Board)

Photo: J. Bedek (archive: Metković Tourist Board)

T

here are many reasons to come to Metković, the second largest city of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, which can be easily reached by highway, but also by a pleasant boat ride since the dock on the Neretva River is located in the center of the city. Life here has always been nice, which is confirmed by the Illyrian stones found here, as well as the ancient Narona archeological site in Vida. It is the first in situ museum in Croatia, built above the Augusteum, a temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus.

Metković is also home to one of the most valuable ornithological collections in Europe, and Jama in Predolac, a cave in the heart of town, which is also the abode of the ancient endemic shell (Congeria kusceri). Interesting festivals are another feature of the city. The second half of May is in the sign of the traditional folk dance festival "Na Neretvu misečina pala", where an attractive parade of folk dance groups takes place through the city. July is reserved for the traditional fishing of cipola (mullet) and the Cipolijada, a competition in catching that fish. In the same month, you can also see the diving competition into the clean Neretva and the Roman Night in Narona, which will take you back in time to

d

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February - April 2015

Bo e: iv ist r ch a r To u o ot vić Ph tko e M

There are a total of 368 various types of birds living in the Neretva Valley, which makes this destination a favorite amongst ornithologists, and made for birdwatching, which is gaining popularity worldwide. As of May 2015, the valuable ornithological collection will become an integral part of the new Natural History museum in Metković, which will show visitors the diversity and wealth of flora and fauna in the Neretva Valley. Various type of birds can be watched here in their natural habitat - the peace and quiet of untouched nature, relax with their songs...

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY Photo: Slobodan Rosić

Wine tourism

Photos: vineyards in the town of Kneže on the island of Korčula (left); the Dingač site on the Pelješac peninsula (right).

A Story of Wine

from South Dalmatia Written by: Alma Radoš ◆ Photo archive: Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, and the Regional Development Agency DUNEA

Excellent Pošip, powerful Dingač, modern Crljenak, and aromatic Malvasija are just some of the wines you can try at the second Dubrovnik "FestiWine", which will be held the last weekend of April.

The first Croatian wines with protected geographical information come from the area of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

They are Dingač from 1961 and Pošip from 1967.

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W

ine, as the most valuable treasure, has been kept in the taverns and cellars of the Dalmatian south for centuries.

It was used in times of happiness and sorrow, for trade and payment. Hardworking hands transformed the rough Dalmatian karst into fruitful vineyards in areas that are difficult to access, so creating the most beautiful landscapes.

Deeply rooted in the tradition of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, the secrets for the production of superb wine were handed down from generation to generation, so a new generation of winemakers arose,

who, with a deep regard for tradition, introduced modern technology and knowledge, and the wines from southern Dalmatia can be compared to those from the best wine regions of the world. Modern wineries are not just places of production, but also attractive tourist venues, where with a glass of Plavac, Pošip, or Malvasija, you will be able to get to know more about the beauty of southern Dalmatia and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Wines from this region represent the earth, sea, and sun, but also the character of the winemaker himself, with all the special features of his vineyard. There are seven such vineyards

Photo: Slobodan Rosić

Photos: the winegrowing delta of the Neretva (left); special conditions at each of the seven wine regions in the DubrovnikNeretva County have resulted in a rich assortment of varieties (right); wine is stored in special conditions (bottom).

Seven vineyards The youngest amongst them is Komarna, located on the left bank of the Neretva, which up until seven years ago was a neglected hill overgrown with weeds.

Today, there are more than 500 thousand grapevines covering the 80 hectares of this vineyard, mostly certified as organic, and 92 percent are indigenous sorts: Plavac mali, Pošip, Tribidrag (Crljenak or Zinfandel), Maraština, Dubrovnik Malvasija, and Babić. Although it is geographically connected to the Neretva wine region next to the fertile river valley, Komarna has earned a special place on the Croatian wine map.

The Konavle wine region, primarily famous for excellent red wines: Plavac, Merlot, Crljenka (Zinfandel), and Cabernet Sauvignon, gives special attention to Dubrovnik Malvasija, an indigenous sort from this region. It has been valued as a dessert wine since the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, and thanks to the enthusiasm of small, family-owned wineries, it was revitalized ten years ago, so around 50 thousand vines of this ancient sort grow in the Konavle vineyards today.

Korčula is known far and wide for its white sorts, amongst which the indigenous Pošip stands out with golden yellow wines, bursting with flavor, with a characteristic aroma of dried Mediterranean fruit that pairs excellently with fish, seafood, but also light meat dishes. Along with Pošip, two more types of indigenous white sorts are grown in the vineyards of Korčula: Korčula's Grk, with wines with a high percentage of alcohol and strong aroma, and Rukatac or Maraština with light wines, with a floral and fruity aroma, which make excellent Prosecco.

Excellent wines can also be tasted on the islands of Lastovo and Mljet, while Pelješac, the largest wine region of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County produces

After the first thematic tourist route "Pelješac - Wine Empire" opened last year in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, recently another was opened - "Neretva - Valley of Life". The project organizers, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and the Regional Development Agency DUNEA, have announced the creation of new tourist roads.

Photo: Goce Vaskov (source: Vinaria Saints Hills)

in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County alone, which stretches from Ploče to the far south of Croatia, with the Neretva Valley and the islands.

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DUBROVNIK-NERETVA COUNTY

Photo: Goce Vaskov (source: Vinaria Saints Hills)

Wine tourism

Photos: Plavac mali in a vineyard on Pelješac (top left); along with wine and domestic food, music is another unavoidable thing in the taverns of this county (middle left); Dubrovnik FestiWine (middle); oysters and wine also go well together (top right); one of the wineries on Pelješac (bottom).

tip: Visit Dubrovnik FestiWine from April 20 to 26, try the superb wine and specialties of this region, and visit interesting workshops and promotions.

Find out more at:

some of the best Croatian wines and the strongest Plavac. Since this native variety offers the best results on Pelješac, it's no surprise that it accounts for around 90 percent of the vineyards. Due to the reflection of the sun from the surface of the sea, and stone, there are excellent conditions for sugar to gather in the grapes, especially at the famous locations of Dingač, Postup, and Stagnum, which is how Pelješac's Plavac wines got their names. The power of Pelješac's wines can best be experienced if you take a tour down the tourist route, which will reveal the wealth of the peninsula's interior, along with some of the most attractive vineyards in Dalmatia.

The second Dubrovnik FestiWine On April 24, and 25, in the historical center of the unique city of Dubrovnik, the capital of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, around 86

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80 winemakers will present the best wines of this part of Croatia at the second "Dubrovnik FestiWine" wine festival. All week long, starting April 20, "Dubrovnik Wine Week" will also take place with a lot of events, where wine takes a place of honor. During the final evening, the winners of the 2015 Dubrovnik FestiWine Trophy will be announced, and along with interesting promotions, workshops, wine tasting, and pairing wines with authentic regional specialties, this event will also be reconfirmed as the central wine event and a chance for tourists to explore the endless wealth of the Croatian south. With this event, the organizers, the DubrovnikNeretva County, and the DUNEA Regional Development Agency want to show Dubrovnik as an attractive destination for food and wine, with the great support of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, which continuously promotes wine tourism and events related to wine and gastronomy of this wealthy region. 

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik and Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr February - April 2015

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Experience Croatia

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

M a St rio o R Na jčić om tio (a uli na rch ć a P l T iv nd ho to ou e: D ris Cro raž : t B at en oa ian rd )

Photo: poppy fields are a common sight in the Vukovar-Srijem County.

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Spend the weekend in Ilok, discover the meaning of Orion in Vinkovci, reserve May for Vukovar, walk down the Golden Thread Road in Županja, and discover which way the Bosut flow in Nijemci.

COUNTY

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM ILOK, VINKOVCI, VUKOVAR, ŽUPANJA, NIJEMCI

CROATIA

Spring in Slavonia and Srijem Written by: Alma Radoš ◆ Photos: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board), archives of: Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Ilok Tourist Board, Ilok City Museum, Iločki podrumi d.d., Vinkovci Tourist Board, Vukovar Tourist Board, Nijemci Tourist Board and Županja Tourist Board, along with Robert Kunštek, Darko Puharić and Zvonimir Tanocki

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Experience Croatia

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

tip: While in Ilok, try Traminac, for which most experts agree that it is the best in Europe, and you will also be impressed by the Graševina, Chardonnay, Pinot, Frankovka, Cabernet Sauvignon...

Photos: picturesque vineyards are Ilok's trademark (top left); a view of the medieval fortress, the Danube, and the Odescalchi castle (top right); the "Danubius" tour boat on the Danube (bottom left); Principovac (bottom right).

Along with Ilok Cellars, the largest producers in the area, the wine map of Croatia also includes the wineries of Trs, Buhač, Ivan Čobanković, Mirko Čobanković, Stipetić, Knezović, Srijemska kapljica, Dragun, and Dolić Kraljević.

If you visit OPG Barbarić, you will see with your own eyes that Ilok also has excellent spirits and liquers.

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A weekend in Ilok Known as one of the most attractive enogastro destinations in Croatia, which the ancient Romans recognized as "paradise of the world" or "delicium mundi", Ilok is a great place to start exploring the culture and natural heritage of the VukovarSrijem County. The authentic vineyards on the slopes of Fruška gora that drop down to the Danube and the beautiful nature of Srijem invite fans of active vacations to take a bike ride, walk down the river bank, but also to play tennis, badminton, volleyball, or golf in the heart of a vineyard, on the most famous winegrowing location, today the tourist resort of Principovac with an excellent restaurant and five suites.

It used to be the country estate of the Odescalchi family, who sold the first bottled wines in Europe in the 17th century, also famous from the 19th century at English court. Their castle in

the center of the city currently houses the interesting and rich Ilok Town Museum.

Beneath the castle, the Odescalchis made a hundred-meter-long cellars, which are now a first-rate tourist attraction and a must-see site on the Ilok wine road that runs through the town and continues on to vineyards and the surrounding towns.

The mini tourist train is a great choice to tour the vineyards, but also the protected cultural-historical complex that rises above the Danube and dominates with its medieval fortress and church and chapel of St. Ivan Kapistran. You can also see the panorama of Ilok and its surrounding area while riding in the small luxury tour boat "Danubius".

In Ilok's restaurants, definitely order the Ilok ćevap, or the widely renowned fiš paprikaš, made of fresh fish from the Danube, while the quality of your stay is guaranteed by hotels and tourist estates, regardless whether you come as a family, individual, cyclist, or a guest with a pet.

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Photo: Vjekoslav Berton

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In Vinkovci, the oldest city in Europe In March, Vinkovci is in the sign of DORF, a festival of documentary rock films on music bands. Besides screening fifteen films included in the regional and international selection, from March 12 to 15, the festival also offers several book promotions, many workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions and concerts.

In April, as a part of the "Vinkovci Healthy City" project, the 19th fair of food and health products with an emphasis on organic goods will be held. As far as health and ecology is concerned, Vinkovci is known as a city of bicycles, so this area is made for exploration on two wheels on the bike routes that head out from the center of the city, from the bridge on the Bosut River.

You can find out more about the center of the city accompanied by costumed

guides: ban Josip Šokčević, and writers Matija Antun Reljković and Ivan Kozarac as a part of the "Living History" program, and the baroque façade of the city hides a history of almost eight thousand years, so it deservingly bears the title of the oldest settlement in Europe. It is where the Orion, the oldest Indo-European calendar, was found, where bronze was produced for the first time, where the first serial production of metal started, and where superb pottery was produced for thousands of years.

The fertile plains, the open-hearted locals, and fantastic food guarantee a pleasant vacation and entertainment with music. If you visit this city on May 22 and 23, 2015, during the "Roman Days", you will be able to buy a Roman toy, watch a gladiator fight, enjoy ancient cuisine, or have your picture taken with Emperors Valentinian and Valens, who were born in this city.

tip: Visit Vinkovci on May 22 and 23, 2015, when the "Roman Days" are held, watch a gladiator fight, and try ancient cuisine.

Photos: the center of Vinkovci (top left); Roman Days (top middle); the Orion (top right); fishermen (bottom left); the city coffee house (bottom right).

In the western part of Mali Park or Meraja, you will find the oldest brick building in Vinkovci, and upon exit from the city, the ruins of the largest Early-Christian complex in continental Croatia were found. In Otok, near Vinkovci, have a look at the Suvara, the 19th century horse-powered mill, the only preserved building of its kind in Croatia and southeastern Europe.

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VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

The Vučedol dove is a recognizable symbol of Vukovar. It is an elaborately ornamented, harmoniously shaped dish in the shape of a bird from the Eneolithic era.

Photos: The Actors' Festival (top left); a view of Eltz Castle (top right); Vukovar's Puppet Spring (middle); Chamber Music Festival (bottom); the Church of St. Philip and James (right).

tip: Be in Vukovar on May 27, 2015, for the "Sky Above Vukovar" Festival, and make sure to leave enough time to enjoy not only the exhibitions and concerts, but also the sweets fair organized by Vukovar's restaurateurs.

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Photo: Zoran Šimunović (source: Vukovar City Museum)

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Photo source: Vukovar Croatian Center

Photo source: Vukovar Croatian Center

Experience Croatia

Vukovar in the sign of events The people of Vukovar will tell you that their city is the most beautiful and special in many ways and that the Danube smells the best in Vukovar. It is best to check out those claims this spring, when several interesting festivals await you in this city. In early April, Vukovar is an attractive destination for families with children because the "Vukovar Puppet Spring", one of the oldest theater festivals for children in Croatia, is held then. Those who love plants will be able to enjoy the flower festival on the main city square in late April, while in early May, as part of the May 1st excursion to Adica, you will be able to try the best čobanac, the authentic dish that made this area known far and wide. Ever since May 1994, the

"Actors' Festival" has been held in Vukovar and the cities of the VukovarSrijem County, as the only event in Croatia where the actor is the main focus of shows, the theater and any theatrical event.

If you are a fan of religious music, definitely come to Bonofest on May 9, and if you visit the city on its birthday, May 3, you will enjoy concerts, book promotions, and exhibitions. That day is also the feast day of St. Philip and James, the patron saints of Vukovar, and the parish church bears their names. This beautiful building, which also houses a Franciscan monastery, is an integral part of the baroque historical unit of special ambiental value, which also includes Eltz Castle, the Srijem County Palace, and the Grand Hotel, better known today as the Worker's Home.

Welcome...

For a list of hotels and hostels, click here:

For a list of village homesteads, private rooms and suites, click here:

Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Glagoljaška 27, 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 338425, tel/fax: +385 32 344034, mob: +385 98 269034, e-mail: turisticka-zajednica@vk.t-com.hr http://blog.visitvukovar-srijem.com

www.visitvukovar-srijem.com February - April 2015

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Experience Croatia

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

Located on the shores of the Sava, unlike the other cities of the Vukovar-Srijem County, Županja hides a completely different ambiance of unique country architecture, typical for traditional border towns.

Photos: golden embroidery (top left); a demonstration of old crafts (top right); girls in folk costumes (middle); Slavonian hospitality is famous far and wide (bottom).

Županja was the first place in Croatia where football and tennis were played. It was 135 years ago, and these civilized sports were brought to the city on the Sava by the English, owners of the tannin factory. Soon after their arrival, fox hunting began in the nearby woods, and cricket and polo were also played.

tip: Head down the Golden Thread Road, get to know the locals, their tradition, culture, gastronomy...

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On the Golden Thread Road in Županja The golden thread is deeply woven into the history of Županja and discreetly runs through the towns of the Vukovar-Srijem County. For years it remained hidden and forgotten at the bottom of Slavonian chests, and since it was found, the modern world has been admiring its immeasurable value. If you decide to follow that thread, you will experience the unsurpassable Slavonian hospitality, and you will enjoy the beauty of its tradition. The 60-kilometer long Golden Thread Road connects Županja and the surrounding towns and unites their tourism offer through tradition, culture, handiwork, old crafts, gastronomy, festivals, authentic architecture with the unavoidable barns, grain stores, bread ovens...

So, Županja is a good place to start exploring that heritage. Start out at the Stjepan Gruber Local History Museum,

located in a border house, the only preserved one in Croatia, then take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage to OPG Markovi kućari. In Bošnjaci, visit the unique Forestry Museum, which will, through a few sections, take you through the history of forestry and the plant and animal world of the Spačva forest.

Representatives of many associations will show you carefully made and preserved handiworks, show you how to do cutwork, golden embroidery, folk clothing, and ethno jewelry, as well as demonstrating traditional crafts.

In "Matkova pecara" and OPG Šarčević, you can make toasts with excellent fruit spirits and liqueurs. The hospitable hosts will await you in elaborate Šokac folk costumes, with unavoidable Slavonian songs, and comfortable lodgings await you at the country estates. With plenty of Slavonian specialties, served with a lot of care and love, no guest will remain hungry.

tip: Go down the Spačva, take a break in a hunter's cabin that dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, camp next to the river and try the spirits, kulen, sausages, and cracklings, made here from the black pig.

In Nijemci, find out which way the Bosut flows Legend says that when speaking of the Bosut, which starts in the Slavonian plains and serpentines through Srijem, the ancient Romans said that they had a river in their empire that flows one way in the morning, and another in the afternoon. Truly, the Bosut sometimes flows so calmly that even the slightest dash of wind can change its direction.

Nature fans can see that for themselves if they visit Nijemci, a calm municipality in western Srijem, surrounded by endless fields and forests. Spring is the ideal time to take the Sveta Katarina tour boat, or one of the boats you can rent. Ride down the nearby Spačva, and explore the Spačva forest, the most comprehensive habitat of common oak in Europe, which has left a deep mark in the tradition of Slavonia and Srijem.

In Nijemci, you will best feel how the

tame landscape of Srijem can calm a person. You will be thrilled by the abundance of plant and animal life, especially birds, which you can have a good look at from the Sopotac site. You can explore the fields and forests on bike, and on the calm rivers, you will come across fishermen patiently waiting to catch carp or pike, but equally happy if they catch any of the twenty types of fish.

In April, Nijemci are in the sign of the Flower and Horticulture festival, and you can experience all the beautiful traditions and customs, which also include the unavoidable, irresistible, and abundant spread during the Easter holidays. 

Photos: the locals nurture traditional customs (top left); a view of the "Croatian Amazon" (right); the St. Katarina boat (bottom left); the Church of St. Katarina (bottom middle).

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Experience Croatia

VUKOVAR-SRIJEM COUNTY

BIKE ROUTE

PIER SPORTS LANDING FIELD

HUNTER'S HOUSE

WINE ROAD

BORDER CROSSINGS

ALTITUDE

MEDIEVAL MONUMENTS AND SANCTUARIES BICYCLE ROUTES

MUSEUM / GALLERY ROAD OF THE GOLDEN LINE

STATE BORDER ZAGREB-LIPOVAC HIGHWAY RIVER

The bicycle trails of this county pass through its larger cities: Vukovar, Vinkovci, Županja, Ilok, and Otok, and they will take you through the picturesque vineyards of Ilok, Spačva forest and picturesque villages.

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There are around two hundred kilometers of mountain and road bike trails running through Slavonia and Srijem. The Srijem bike route connects the southern area of the Vukovar-Srijem County with the northeastern part, and it connects to the existing international Danube bike path, which is part of Eurovelo 6. The Danube bike trail, which connects the cities of Vukovar and Ilok, is part of the international Danube bike path through Croatia.

Ilok Tourist Board Trg Nikole Iločkog 2 32236 Ilok, Croatia tel: +385 32 590020; +385 32 592966 e-mail: info@turizamilok.hr e-mail: tourismilok@gmail.com www.turizamilok.hr

Vukovar Tourist Board J. J. Strossmayera 15 32000 Vukovar, Croatia tel: +385 32 442889 e-mail: tz-vukovar@vu.t-com.hr www.turizamvukovar.hr

Vinkovci Tourist Board Trg bana Josipa Šokčevića 3 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 334653 e-mail: info@tz-vinkovci.hr www.tz-vinkovci.hr

Nijemci Tourist Board Trg kralja Tomislava 6 32245 Nijemci, Croatia tel: +385 32 280376 e-mail: turistickazajednicaon@gmail.com

Županja Tourist Board Veliki kraj 66 32270 Županja, Croatia tel: +385 32 832711 e-mail: tz-zupanja@vk.t-com.hr www.tz-zupanja.hr

Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board, Glagoljaška 27, 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia tel: +385 32 338425, tel/fax: +385 32 344034, mob: +385 98 269034, e-mail: turisticka-zajednica@vk.t-com.hr http://blog.visitvukovar-srijem.com

www.visitvukovar-srijem.com February - April 2015

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UNESCO

TRADITIONAL WOODEN TOYS OF CROATIAN ZAGORJE

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tio (a na rch l T iv Ivo Pho ou e: P t ris Cro erv o: t B at an oa ian rd )

The art of creating traditional wooden children's toys in the region of Croatian Zagorje Colorful wooden children's toys are one of the recognizable symbols of Croatian Zagorje.

The distinctive art of their creation in this northwestern part of Croatia has taken place since the 19th century and has remained to present-day in villages such as Laz, Stubica, and Tugonica, which are on the way towards Marija Bistrica, a famous Croatian Marian sanctuary.

At first, domestic craftsmen made simple toys, such as musical instruments, and over time, in certain periods, they expanded their offer to around 120 different toys. In certain families, the art of the craft was passed down from generation to generation and has remained so until today, and the division of the workload is clear: the toys are handmade by the men, and mostly painted by the women. Since every toy is handmade, every single toy is unique. Soft local wood is used as a base material: willow, linden, beech, or maple, which the craftsmen trim after it has dried, and then, with the help of wooden or cardboard patters, they cut shape the wood with special tools. The toys are then painted with various flora and geometric patterns, using eco-friendly paint, and the base color is usually red, yellow, or blue. Today, fifty types of toys are made, from various instruments, tamburicas and toys in the shape of animals, to various useful items. These fun toys evoke the memories of childhood for many, while they delight the youngest amongst us.

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

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The traditional wooden toys of Croatian Zagorje are on the list of protected intangible cultural heritage in the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia, and since 2009, they have also been inscribed on the list of intangible goods on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

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Croatia through philately

800TH YEAR OF THE PORTAL OF THE SPLIT CATHEDRAL

800 Year of the Portal of the Split Cathedral th

Presenting postage stamps

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

One of the most valuable embellishments of Split's cathedral is definitely the walnut portal carved by Andrija Buvina of Split, which depict 14 shallow reliefs that show motifs from the Gospel.

tip: Philatelists in Croatia can get the stamp in Croatian Post's postal offices. Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr

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O

n the Feast Day of St. George, on April 23, 1214, Split's cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as St. Dujam's cathedral, was enriched with a wooden portal with depictions of Christ's life from the Annunciation to the Ascension.

The portal is carved in walnut and carob wood, and is painted and gilded with 28 scenes from the Gospel, with 14 shallow reliefs framed with geometric and plant embellishments.

It was made by Croatian sculptor, carver, and painter Andrija Buvina, who became famous for his large painting of St. Christopher. The portal is highly valued as a piece of art heritage of European Romanticism for its iconographic and stylistic features by experts, from Max Dvořák, Ljubo Karaman and Cvita Fisković to modern art historians.

The portal was made in the time of Archbishop Bernard, an educated Benedictine monk and ecclesiastical writer from Perugia, a follower of the Orthodox Church, and fighter against heretics. Split's cathedral is located on the magnificent Peristil square, surrounded by renaissance and gothic palaces owned by Split's noble families. Amongst all the cathedrals in Europe, Split has the oldest building as its headquarters, the mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian. Today, the cathedral is a liturgical site with a millennium-long history best expressed by Sunday mass, and the renewed radiance of the procession for the Feast Day of Split's patron saint, St. Dujam. Next to the cathedral is a 57-meter high bell tower that can be climbed to the top, and it offers a beautiful view of all of Split.

The stamp with the motif of the portal of Split's cathedral was issued on September 23, 2014 in a one stamp sheet, and the Croatian post also issued a First Day Cover (FDC). The stamp was issued in 30 thousand copies, 29.82 mm x 35.50 mm in size, and its author is Damir Fabijanić, a photographer from Zagreb. 

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In accordance with Palm Sunday tradition, and in respect of the custom of washing one's face with flower water, which our grandmothers left behind as a legacy, all spring long you will have the chance to take a floral bath at the Solaris Beach Resort. The pools of the Wellness & Spa center at this resort in the heart of Dalmatia will be full of rose petals, which will offer a completely different bathing experience just in time for the largest Christian holiday, Easter. In honor of this holiday, the hosts will prepare a traditional Easter breakfast for their guests in the unique ambiance of Solaris' Dalmatian ethno village, and there are also many programs and workshops for children and adults which will make your spring break stay at the hotel an unforgettable experience.

Find out more at: www.solaris.hr

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The Westin Zagreb and Sheraton Zagreb wellness packages Pho

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A Luxurious Weekend in the Heart of Zagreb Was the week too long and you need a vacation? Spend the weekend in Hotel Dubrovnik, enjoy the comfort of its new rooms, sleep in as long as you want, and then enjoy breakfast in bed! Located in the heart of Zagreb, this hotel with a tradition of more than eighty years, is the ideal choice for every guest. With total comfort, many gastronomic delights, and fantastic service, you will feel at home here and experience the best Zagreb has to offer. Use the special weekend discounts and offers, enjoy delicious meals, tasty cakes, and good drinks in the hotel's Picollo Mondo restaurant.

Find out more at: www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr

Maintain your balance this spring with the wellness package at the Westin Zagreb hotel. The package price of 49.75 euro per person includes an overnight stay in a double room and breakfast, while the unique flat-rate price of 199 euro includes a two-day package in a single or double room for two nights with breakfast, which includes one revitalizing massage per person, unlimited free access to the fitness center, pool, and saunas, a delicious, in-room SuperFoods速 breakfast, a refreshing fruit platter, and other amenities.

Wellness delights can also be enjoyed at the Sheraton Zagreb hotel, whose wellness package includes two overnight stays on a weekend in a Deluxe room, while the unique, flat-rate, two-day package price of 215 euro (for one or two people) for an overnight stay with breakfast in a single or double room includes one massage per person, unlimited access to the Beauty Medical Center Murad, breakfast served in the room, or, if desired at the Fontana restaurant, a platter of seasonal fruit, and other amenities.

Find out more at: www.hotelwestinzagreb.com www.hotel-sheratonzagreb.com

February - April 2015

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Croatia

ONLINE websites and mobile applications

Novelties for easy exploration Recently, Zagreb launched its first spoken travel guide, and the Vukovar-Srijem County has a blog to teach you more about this interesting part of Croatia.

WEB&APP VoiceGuide Zagreb

This year, the City of Zagreb got its first spoken tour guide, VoiceGuide Zagreb. It is a free offline application for smart phones that, besides offering voice recordings about Zagreb's attractions, also has a destination map with a public transportation map, many photos, information on the working hours and admission prices of museums, and plenty of other content. The application also offers common phrases in Croatian, information on typical souvenirs and dishes, and 202 interesting short stories with the descriptions for 188 locations in the city. It is also available to persons with visual and hearing impairments, and it is unique for the fact that the audio recordings are played automatically for the user. The application is in English, and adapted for iOS and Android devices. In closed spaces, where the GPS signal isn't available, the application uses QR codes, and so offers a unique combination of QR and GPS services, which is the first service of its kind in the world.

The Vukovar-Srijem County Blog

What are the most attractive festivals in the Vukovar-Srijem County? What can you find in the beautiful nature of Srijem, and what can you do at the country estates there? What are the cultural sites that you must see in Ilok, Županja and Vukovar, and how do Šokci, the native locals in eastern Croatia, speak? You can find the answers to those questions on the blog run by the Vukovar-Srijem County Tourist Board in an interesting, short and fast guide on Srijem and Slavonia in English and Croatian. It is an innovative way of presenting the travel offer with attractive photos and unique, short, and simple texts, beneath which you can leave a comment. The blog is also a true source of inspiration for planning a trip to the VukovarSrijem County. blog.visitvukovar-srijem.com

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Send us a link to your website via e-mail on contact@aplitap.com, and we´ll check your SEO, free of charge.

Get your business on the first page of Google. www.aplitap.hr 098/795 784 contact@aplitap.com Zagrebačka cesta 143 A

Gourmet Croatia

TRADITIONAL DISHES OF POŽEGA AND POŽEŠTINA

Museum in a Pot

D

espite the very rich tradition of food in Požega and Požeština, but also all of eastern Croatia, that part of our country still doesn't have a defined gastro heritage to attract the interest of tourists. Most restaurants and caterers in that area offer čobanac,

Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Boris Knez (source: Požega City Museum)

Photos: Klecenbrot, a type of tea biscuit (top left); May wine (right), vineyard ćevap (bottom left); Doboš cake (middle).

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The Museum in a Pot project saves old, traditional dishes from falling into oblivion and places them back on the tables of Požega.

fiš paprika and kulen as characteristic dishes, but interesting "soul food" also includes, for example, vineyard ćevap, ćupteti, gojtani, zevezanci, wild pear preserves, sugar beet honey and strudel, and carrot marmalade are still relatively unknown to the general public. In order to revive old dishes and get some old flavors back in the gastronomic offer, over the past few years, the employees of the Požega City Museum have been working on a project, Museum in a Pot. Through it they explore, document, and present the forgotten traditional dishes of Požega and Požeština, which are then offered on the menus of certain restaurants in Požega and the surrounding area.

The cuisine of Požega and Požeština, like all of Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem, belongs to the central European cultural circle, and it was based on ancient Slavic roots, recognizable mostly in the

Photos: ćupteti are made of minced meat (top left); Cicvara (top right); Kipflkoch, one of the treats of the Požega region (bottom left); Radetzky rice (bottom right).

tip: Discover nearly forgotten dishes, their stories and recipes in the unusual, virtual traditional heritage museum: country, with the Oriental influence of the Turks present. Just like it's normal in today's day and age of globalization to eat pizza, hamburgers, and French fries, from the 18th to the 20th century, in every part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was normal to eat vajnsup, kiflkoh, Radetzky rice, Doboš cake, aernokli, perkelt, šterc and trijet and to drink May wine. Many foreign words remained in the names of the dishes, and many dishes for which that part of Croatia is similar to the rest of Central Europe is thanks to immigrants to that part of Slavonia. They brought their culinary habits with them, which they then mixed with the Slavonian-Romanic gastronomic treasure they found here.

Differences between the country and the city The large differences in the types, preparation and ingredients of dishes made in cities compared to those made in the country are interesting.

The culinary habits in the country only started to change under the influence of the city between the two world wars.

For example, in villages old bread was used for simple dishes such as popare or in greasy tarana to fill the stomachs of farmers before a day of hard work, in the city, buns were collected throughout the week after breakfast, and at the end of the week, they would make a superb treat - kipflkoch. In Požega, wealthier families made cakes for various occasions back in 19th century, and in villages, they were only made for weddings, just starting before the Second World War. As far as meat was concerned, besides poultry, in villages they ate pork, either dried or roasted on a spit, while in Požega, the specialty was the gourmet ćevap, made from a mix of beef, pork, and lamb, with bacon, peppers, and onions, wrapped in caul fat. The story of the traditional village ceremonial sugar-free cake - peretc, which was also prepared in the city, but a wine cake called the "Požega boozer", is also interesting. What both the city and country share in Požeština, but also in all of Slavonia, is the fact that the "Museum in a Pot" broke the stereotype of the overweight Slavonians, and that meat was eaten just twice per week. 

The "Museum in a Pot" project emphasizes the advantages of domestic food and reveals old, forgotten vegetables, such as sorrel or asparagus, which used to be common in Požega's gardens. Wild vegetables, great for making various dishes, are now grown in Požeština, including wild lamb's lettuce, nettle, and sweet woodruff, the basic ingredient for May wine.

Apple and pear chips, pumpkin seed oil, and pork lard are still common on the tables of Požega today.

February - April 2015

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Alternative medicine

HALOTHERAPY

The benefits of

salt therapy

Written by: Andreja Milas (www.relaxino.com)

tip: Many wellness packages in several countries can be found at one place at Relaxino.com

What are the conditions like in the salt room?

- humidity 40-50% - temperature 20-26째C - high concentration of negative ions

Photo: fotolia

- atmosphere: relaxing

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Salt rooms are gaining popularity worldwide, and everyone can enjoy their benefits.

T

he beginning of halotherapy dates back to the 19th century, and H. Kessler and T. Horvatsh, along with Dr. Felix Bochkowsky contributed to its development.

Bochkowsky published a book in 1943 where he stated that salt miners do not suffer from respiratory illnesses due to surprising benefits of the salt they mine. Dr. Bochkowsky researched the benefits of salt and its effects on people's health and came to surprisingly positive results. The result was the opening of a speleo-center ("speleo", Greek for cave), as an alternative method of healing the ailments of respiratory organs, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, or sinusitis.

Russian scientists created a way of making a natural microclimate so that people wouldn't have to go to salt mines, which aren't common, and located far away from many people. So the haloroom was created, or the salt room, where the walls are covered in salt, with halogenerators that crush salt particles to offer all the health benefits that natural salt caves offer. Today, there

are many salt rooms throughout Europe, and there is also a constant growing trend of this respiratory treatment method in the USA and Canada.

From massages to meetings The salt room is a very pleasant, relaxing room, and several people can stay in one at once. It isn't necessary to remove your clothing, all you have to do is enjoy the comfortable chairs with a drink, a book, music, and it is even possible to organize meetings in the room to combine business and pleasure. Since the treatment lasts 40 minutes, there are various games prepared for children. Regardless of what you do during your stay in the salt room, the most important thing is that the entire time you

are undergoing a treatment which stimulates your immune system, revitalizes you, and is gentle to your health.

Salt rooms help with ailments such as asthma, allergies, colds, bronchitis and sinusitis, as well as with skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. This method mollifies the ailment in daily life. For example, allergies are no longer common only in spring, but all year long, and going to a salt room will help you relieve shortness of breath, lack of concentration, itchy nose and throat,

burning eyes, etc. Recently, salt rooms have come up with programs such as Pilates Yoga and relaxing massages.

Everyone can use salt rooms: children, adults, pensioners, and there is no limit as far as age is concerned. ď ś

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Zagreb Revisited tip: Would you like to get to know more about Zagreb, the Croatian metropolis, and prepare for coming to this charming European city? Send us your information (name and surname, address, telephone and e-mail) to info@tiptravelmagazine.com and the fastest amongst you will get this interesting book as a gift.

Who could tell you something new about the capital city of Croatia if not the legendary Zvonimir MilÄ?ec, the most Zagrebian writer of writers?! In this book, he writes about his Zagreb, or what's left of it, both in keepsakes and in memories, as well as in our true reality. www.vbz.hr

Brijuni NP Photography Workshop

Subtitled Tuesdays in Kino Europa

TICKETS

Photo: Copyright Marko Vrdoljak, Brijuni NP Photography Workshop

Starting this year, every Tuesday at Zagreb's Kino Europa films will be shown from their regular repertoire with the standard Croatian subtitles, but also with English subtitles.

In collaboration with Kino Europa, we have prepared 1x2 tickets for Subtitled Tuesdays for one of you.

All you have to do is send us an email, where you tell us which Tuesday you would like to go to the movies plus your contact information to info@tiptravelmagazine.com, and hurry because the tickets go to the fastest reader!

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The Brijuni NP Photography Workshop will be held from April 30 to May 3, 2015, under the guidance of professional photographer and cinematographer Marko Vrdoljak, at this Croatian national park. Get to know more about the mysterious world of this island, find out how part of the world's history was written on this island, and in just a few days improve your knowledge of photographing nature, wild animals, historical buildings, archeological sites, landscapes, and much more. A trip to the island of Mali Brijun and the "Saline" ornithological reserve, rarely accessible by the public, has also been organized as part of the workshop. Find out why Luciano Pavarotti, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Fidel Castro, British Queen Elizabeth II, many presidents, and heads of state stayed here...

Photo tourism - a tourist product In collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism and photographer Marko Vrdoljak, representatives of the Union of Croatian Independent Travel Agents (UNPAH) launched a series of round tables titled "Photo tourism - a tourist product". The first of the series was held in Prvić Luka, on International Tourism Day, on September 27, 2014, and continued in Nin with the topic of "How to prepare a destination for photo tourism", and in Ozalj, with the same topic. The fourth, with the topic "Photo tourism a tourist product", was held in Zagreb.

The goal of these gatherings was to emphasize the role of creativity, promotion, and preserving the excellent esthetic areas of Croatian cultural landscapes and identity in the context of the widespread competitive ambiance in the European Union. Photos and video are the greatest promotional medium, stressed famous photographer Marko Vrdoljak, and so when preparing destinations for photo tourism, it is important to have a clear plan in creating photo tours, from the guides - experienced photographers to collaboration with the travel offer of the destination. The organizers have announced that they will continue to hold workshops on photo tourism throughout Croatia.

13 - 15 March 2015 Zagreb - CROATIA - Boćarski dom

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CULTURAL SCENE

LADO

LADO consists of 37 dancers, who are also outstanding singers, and 15 musicians.

CULTURAL SCENE

Global Croatian Ambassadors With an impressive choreography and musical repertoire, superb dance, singing, and musical performances and a presentation of the diverse folk costumes from all parts of Croatia, the National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia - LADO fills halls and squares all around the world every year. Get to know more about Croatia's global artistic ambassadors, who have been successfully conducting their duty for 65 years...

Conducted by: Vlatka VuŞić Photos: archive of LADO

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O

n stage, LADO presents the public with superb dancers, singers, and musicians.

Behind the scenes are those who create the show program, organize trips, care for the costumes...

How many people stand behind the LADO project?

The LADO ensemble has a little more than 70 employees, most of which make

up the artistic body, while the others work in administration and management. The organization and logistics of performances and other activities is demanding, but the knowledge and effort of the employees enabling the performance conditions at the highest level contribute to the professionalization of the performance.

Performances in Croatia are organized by the National Sales Manager, and those

CULTURAL SCENE abroad by the International Relations Manager. There is also the technical crew, the Folk Costume Manager, and wardrobe lady, legal advisor, accounting department, Head of Procurement and Maintenance, secretary and Head of PR and Marketing.

The performance schedule is always packed, but also diverse. Last year, the ensemble held four evening-long concerts in Hong Kong. What were the impressions?

Each tour is a challenge of its own, and visiting a foreign country or city for the first time is definitely the greatest challenge. For our visit to Hong Kong, we prepared specially for the performance, but also for the wider meaning of the presentation of our cultural-historical heritage to an audience that didn't know much about it. The "Hong Kong Cultural Center" is one of the most beautiful halls in Asia, and we had the honor of opening the well-known "International Arts Carnival" in 2014, aimed at families.

The audience also had the chance to get to know more about the ensemble and traditional Croatian culture at workshops where they had the chance to try to dance some of our traditional national dances.

When travelling abroad, do the ensemble members have free time to tour the destinations and get to know more about the local community?

The primary task of the ensemble is to do its job when visiting, and the artists are always given free time, which they mostly use to sightsee and get to know the local culture.

What is the cooperation between the ensemble and Croatian diaspora like?

Cooperation with the Croatian diaspora is always of great importance and assistance for the ensemble. Still, the primary aim of the ensemble is to represent traditional Croatian culture to the local population of the country it is visiting. One of the interesting anecdotes from the recent trips are the incredibly successful dance workshops where a total of nearly 400 Japanese dancers participated, which shows that the Japanese are highly interested in Croatian heritage.

What national folk dance ensembles from other countries does LADO cooperate closely with?

We have collaborated with many professional folk dance ensembles in the region. Last year, we participated at the "Actors in Zagvozd" festival with our friends from "Tanec", the Macedonian national ensemble, and our visit to Poland two years ago was due to the invitation and the initiative of the Polish ensemble "Slask".

What are the ensemble's plans for this year? How many performances can LADO plan independently on average throughout the year, and how many does it prepare according to invitations you receive?

In 2015, we plan on having ninety concerts, and we will expand our dance repertoire with a choreography by Branko Šegović, "Dubrovnik contra dance". After ten years, we will also renew our "Hod kroz god", where we present the most important traditional Croatian customs and holidays. We will also perform at

LADO has a unique collection of original folk costumes (more than 1200 in total), some of which are more than a hundred years old.

During the concert season, they have an average of a hundred performances.

"Pasionska baština", at the Amadeo stage, during the Dubrovnik Summer Games, and at other festivals. Through cooperation with the Croatian Musical Youth, LADO will also have a show for the youngest, and in cooperation with the Archeological Museum, it will bring a multimedia audiovisual project to life, which will be presented during the tourist season. Recording a representative DVD and setting up an exhibition with artwork by LADO dancers/singers is also in plan. 

The authors of the two most original answers will receive an album as a gift.

February - April 2015

CULTURAL SCENE

tip: Would you like to win one of the LADO albums shown above? Write us why and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com

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Travel writers

ANJA MUTIĆ

Photos: a boy in Kenya (top); Anja during a trip to Cape Verde (left).

I feel at home and

in my place in New York Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić ◆ Photo archive: Anja Mutić, www.everthenomad.com

She is a traveler who writes and a writer who travels. Anja Mutić is a woman, many will say a lucky woman, who travels the world exploring the most diverse destinations, which she then describes and reveals to all those who head out with a Lonely Planet guide in hand. She shares the beauty of travel in her travel stories that she publishes in print and online media and on her website.

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Y

ou were born and raised in Zagreb, and today you're a "citizen of the world". When did you first come to the realization that your path is to travel and write?

I blame my parents for making me a wanderer and for making travel my greatest passion. Ever since I was little, they took me and my brother on various trips, and those trips were a kind of education, a broadening of our horizons.

After completing secondary school in Zagreb, I went to Great Britain to work as an 'au pair'. After that, I enrolled at the University of Kent in Canterbury, and after getting my degree, I went to the USA. In 1999, I arrived in New York, where I got my first job in travel guide publishing. After I came to the realization that my dream job would be one where I was able to combine my two passions - travel and writing, I saw a job ad in the New York Times for the position of website editor for "Rough Guides", I applied, and that was the start of it. As editor, I hired travel writers to write reports for RoughGuides.com, and I edited them, and in time, a freelance opportunity popped up for me. Although I was afraid of what life would be like without the security of full time employment, I decided to take a risk and head out into the world.

Along with the travel stories you publish in various print and online media, you also edit travel guides. How did you start writing for the guides?

When I worked as editor for "Rough Guides", I wanted to have on-site experience and write guides because I considered it to be important for the development of my career. I gathered up the courage to ask my boss, and in less than a month I was sitting in a plane

Photos: scenes from Anja's many trips around the world - in Cambodia (top left), on the attractive island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia (top right), in Kenya, where she couldn't resist going on a safari (middle).

to La Paz, where they sent me to gather information to update the chapter on Bolivia for the "Rough Guide to South America". After I started my freelance career, I worked for several publishing companies: from Time Out to Fodor's.

I have mostly worked for Lonely Planet as a freelancer for the past nine years. I make one or two guides for them every year, and I also write for several other publications at the same time.

Besides your native Croatia and the neighboring countries, as an author you have specialized in presenting South America and Portugal. Why those destinations?

I didn't decide on them, I would say that those destinations chose me :)

I have always had a special kind of connection to South America. My first "exotic" trip was to Peru. After that, the story with Bolivia took place, followed by trips to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile... I even got hooked on the tango so I went to Buenos Aires for three months to dance the tango at the source. I first visited Portugal in 2005 and I was immediately thrilled. There is something special about that country.

Several years later, during my second trip to Lisbon, I met my life partner. I travelled through all of Portugal, from north to south, so it so happened that I became an expert on the destination.

You presented the beauty of Croatia, Istria in particular, through "Lonely February - April 2015

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Travel writers

ANJA MUTIĆ

Photos: fishermen in Kenya at dusk (top left); in Kenya, Anja visited several cities and took pictures of many scenes on their streets (top right); boys in Cambodia (middle).

Anja has also received several writing awards, including the following: the prestigious 2013 Lowell Thomas Award (bronze in the Short Travel Story Category for an article titled "Starry-Eyed in Chile's Atacama Desert", written for BBC Travel) and the 2012 North American Travel Journalists Association (gold in the category: Destination Travel, Domestic Newspaper" for an article titled "In Croatia, Retreating into Her Past", written for The Washington Post).

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Planet travel videos". Why Istria? What other destinations would you like to present in that way?

I really love Istria so when Lonely Planet asked us guide authors to make short video clips a few years ago, I chose it. As a destination, Istria, especially its interior, wasn't that famous, so it seemed important to present it. I prefer less travelled areas of Croatia so I would rather present Lika or Gorski Kotar, or, for example, Zagorje, than the islands and the coast. I think the coast and the islands are already (too) popular, and that the Croatian interior is a world that has yet to be discovered.

Over the course of your career, you have met many travel writers from various parts of the world. How much do they know about Croatia?

When I first started working, Croatia was intriguing to people, but it didn't cause the excitement it has caused over the past few years when it became a great hit all of a sudden. For three years, I collaborated with the Istria County Tourist Board and

I would bring over small groups of the most famous American journalists, editors, and opinion makers for a study trip. I'm proud because in those few years, I got Istria publications valued at about 10 million US$, and the journalist's articles came out in leading publications such as National Geographic Traveler, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure and many others.

I enjoyed the task because it was a great combination - I presented a destination I love to my fellow colleagues, and they were thrilled and inspired.

Where, besides Zagreb, did you live the longest, and how did that city win you over?

Besides Zagreb, I spent the most time in New York. Although I haven't been there much over the past few years, I still feel it is my home base and my home. I have seen many metropolises worldwide, but I think New York is the most powerful. It is unbelievably strong, special, as if it were a continent of its own. It isn't easy to endure, and it isn't for everyone. For New York, you

Photos: many people in Kenya live in mud houses (left); luxurious water bungalows for tourist accommodations on the island of Bora Bora (top right); elephants Anja took a picture of during her safari in Kenya (middle); the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, USA (bottom).

have to be a dynamic, ambitious, hardworking extrovert, full of life energy and spirit. If you aren't such a person, the city eats you up. It is ideal for life in an intensive period. After that it can become tedious. I think that is the reason I have stayed away so much recently.

Have you been disappointed by any destinations?

Some Caribbean islands have disappointed me, because I feel they are artificial, without soul and authenticity. St. Barths, which is considered to be one of the most exclusive islands in the world, didn't impress me at all. Maybe it was nice a long time ago, before it was expanded and developed for tourists, but the island as it stands today - no, thank you, it's not my style.

Today you have a family with a young child. Do you see your "family nest" in a smaller area, or would you rather your child grew in a multicultural environment?

It is a big dilemma. We will make a decision on where to settle down when the time comes for our child to start school. He was born in Zagreb, but he will have four nationalities. He has family on all the continents, and is growing up in a trilingual community so he himself is multicultural :) It doesn't really matter where we live because we take the world with us.

What projects do you have in plan next?

I am at a professional turning point.

I would like to take the experience and skills I have gathered over the past eleven years and turn them into something different. It is time for change.

I have been sending signals in the hope I find the right way, and I hope that way shows up soon. There is also a book within me about a trip from a few years ago that was more than a trip - it is my identity, personal history, life story that is slowly coming out. I'll tell you more when the time comes. ď ś February - April 2015

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UNICEF

WORLD

Hope for a better life for Maksim, B端sra, Nyamal, and Mercy UNICEF / Holt

Text: UNICEF Croatia Photo archive: UNICEF

Photo: three-year old Nyamal in the refugee camp in South Sudan doesn't leave her bear's side.

230 million children live in areas of conflict worldwide.

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S

ix-year-old Maksim rarely speaks.

When he does speak, it's to his mother and one-month-old sister.

They stayed in their hometown of Bryanka, while he currently resides in one of the refugee shelters in Kiev, the capital city of the Ukraine. Since the start of the conflict in that country, nearly four thousand people have been killed, nine thousand have been injured, more than 400 thousand have had to move within the country, around 430 thousand have sought refuge in neighboring countries, and more than 5 million live in areas of conflict.

Toys - a connection to childhood More than a thousand kilometers to the south, in the Turkish city of Antakya, the family of nine-year-old B端sra sought refuge from war-torn Syria. While in exile, the little girl shares a room with her mother, father, and four siblings. Like her brothers and sisters, B端sra has never been

to school. Still, she dreams of becoming a nurse someday. Along with her home, belongings, and clothes, the thing she misses the most in the foreign city are her friends. The tragic sum of the conflict in Syria are 1.7 million refugee children and four times more children affected by the conflict. Three-year-old Nyamal lives even further south on the map, in a refugee camp in South Sudan. She shares her fate with another 750 thousand exiled children in that country. She doesn't leave her bear's side. It is as if the toy is her last connection to her childhood. There is not a trace of a carefree child in her gaze.

According to UNICEF estimates, around 235 thousand children under the age of five suffer from acute malnourishment in South Sudan. Almost 750 thousand children have left their homes and more than 320 thousand live in exile.

In western Africa, caretaker Helen says goodbye to a group of children waiting to be taken away to family or foster families with long hugs. Their stay at the children's center, where they were exposed to

UNICEF / Nesbitt

Ebola, in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, has ended. Helen survived Ebola, but lost eight family members. Luckily, her three-year-old daughter was not affected.

Nine-year-old Mercy lost her mother to Ebola. She lost her father long before. She stayed at the center in isolation with her 17-year-old brother for the incubation period of 21 days. Luckily, both are healthy. From now on, family friends will take care of them.

Hope for a better life Even though they live in different parts of the world, these children's stories have common denominator: lost homes and family members, life in exile and poverty, deprived of a carefree childhood. A total of 15 million children have been trapped in violent conflicts in their countries worldwide. The number of children who have had their childhood taken away is even scarier: it is estimated that 230 million children currently live in areas affected by war conflicts. The numerous crises in 2014 unfortunately decreased public focus, and many of them are not getting the global attention they need. Still, UNICEF's priority is caring for children growing up in some of the most dangerous places in the world. Refugee children worldwide get packages of food, medicine, clothing, but also psychosocial aid and education that UNICEF organizes on site. Thanks to donors worldwide, last year the organization managed to deliver nearly 68 million doses of oral immunization against polio to the countries of the Middle East to prevent an outbreak of the disease in Iraq and Syria. In South Sudan, more than 70 thousand children were treated for acute

UNICEF / Krepkih

malnourishment. In the Central African Republic, a campaign is underway to return 662 thousand children to school, as soon as the security situation allows it.

In countries affected by Ebola, the battle against the virus continues in local communities through support in care centers and units for treating Ebola.

UNICEF is training health care workers and conducting campaigns to raise awareness so that the risk of spreading is decreased and takes special care of the more than 3700 children who have become orphans.

All those campaigns give hope that the children who have experienced injustice, violence, poverty, and huge loss very early on in life will have the chance to build their lives on better foundations.

Photos: Helen hugging Mercy (top left); six-year-old Maksim currently resides in one of the refugee shelters in Kiev (top right); BĂźsra from Syria currently resides in the Turkish city of Antakya, and dreams of becoming a nurse someday (bottom).

Those campaigns wouldn't be possible without the help of donors who know that every child has the right to a fulfilled and happy life where they can achieve their full potential. ď ś

UNICEF / Yurtsever

February - April 2015

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WORLD Photo: Robert KunĹĄtek

News and announcements

More than 1.1 billion tourists travelled in 2014

Photo archive: Atout France

Photo: J. KodriÄ?, Mostphotos (source: Ljubljana Tourist Board)

Photo archive: Booking.com (source: Dialog komunikacije)

Last year, 1.14 billion tourists travelled the world, which is 51 million, or almost 5 percent, more than in 2014. This year, a further global increase of up to 4 percent in travel abroad is expected, announced representatives of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in late January 2015. Commenting the data, Secretary General of the UNWTO, Taleb Rifai pointed out that 2014 is the fifth consecutive year that the increase of arrivals is greater than expected, considering that the UNWTO's long-term forecasts to 2020 are based on an annual growth of about 3 percent per year. He also added that globally, a billion foreign tourists is a great contribution to the economic recovery of many countries.

Photo archive: UNWTO

Tourism and culture new partnership Booking.com opened an office in Ljubljana In February 2015, Booking.com, the global agency for online reservations of accommodations, opened its first office in Slovenia with headquarters in Ljubljana. The new office will supplement the network of the three existing offices in the region, and contribute to the development and strengthening of the expertise the agency offers. Besides being a support system for existing accommodations in the region, the five employees of the Ljubljana office will also work on discovering new and inspirational destinations and accommodations.

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More than 900 participants, including 45 ministers and deputy ministers of tourism and culture, international experts, scientists and guests from a hundred countries, gathered from February 4 to 6, 2015 at Siem Reap, Cambodia, at the first joint conference of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and UNESCO. At the conference, with the aim of creating new partnerships between tourism and culture, it was emphasized that cultural tourism increases the competitiveness of destinations, opens new jobs, stops rural migration, and generates revenue for the protection of cultural attractions, as well as caring for sustainable development.

Rendez-vous en France On March 31 and April 1, 2015, Paris and the region of Ile-de-France will be the hosts of the tenth Rendezvous en France travel fair, which, organized by the French agency for tourism development, Atout France, promotes the beauty and travel offer of the country. Every year, around 680 exhibitors, representatives of French tourism boards, hotels, restaurants, national parks, travel agencies, etc. gather at the event to present their offer and make deals with almost 900 representatives of foreign tour operators. Over the course of the two-day fair, nearly 22.5 thousand pre-arranged meetings will take place.

Photo source: Messe Berlin

Mongolia is the ITB Berlin 2015 partner country

Photo: Chuck Janda, Oscar Einzig Productions (source: IPW, U.S.Travel Association)

Photo: GĂźnter Kargl (source: Wachau Gourmet Festival)

One of the largest travel fairs in the world, ITB Berlin, will be held from March 4 to 8, 2015, in Berlin, and this year's partner country of the fair is Mongolia. At the fair, which traditionally gathers representatives of the travel industry from the entire world, many lectures will be held on global tourism trends, novelties and innovations in tourism, along with many meetings and special events. Annually, around 11 thousand exhibitors from 180 countries present themselves at the fair, which attracts around 170 thousand visitors, and is also an excellent B2B platform.

Photo: Luka Ĺ malcelj

Wachau Gourmet Festival For the eight consecutive year, the lower Austrian valley of Wachau is the favorite destination of fans of superb gastronomy and selected wines. This spring, from April 9 to May 23, the Wachau Gourmet Festival, a unique festival of flavors and aromas, will be held. If you take into account that Wachau is famous for its white wines and is known as one of the best wine regions in the world, and that the best restaurants in the region are the backbone of the festival, then it is absolutely clear why this festival is considered to be one of the most attractive Austrian eno-gastro events. The central part of the festival is the wine tasting in the Dominican Church in Krems on April 10 and 11.

Hotelier summit in Budapest

International Pow Wow 2015

On May 28 and 29, 2015, the Leaders in Hospitality CEE & CIS Summit will be held in Budapest, and it will gather representatives of leading hotels, hotelier experts, investors, and government representatives from the region. At the summit, there will be discussions on key hotelier issues and the importance of collaboration between new generations of hoteliers in solving the key challenges of the sector, and some of the topics include innovation and ways of improving leadership. The summit will also be a chance to gain new knowledge and the newest information from the sector, as well as for connecting participants with the goal of achieving excellent collaboration.

This year's edition of the largest American travel fair, IPW-International Pow Wow 2015, organized by the U.S. Travel Association, will be held from May 30 to June 3 in Orlando, Florida.

Visitors from more than 70 countries from around the world meet with representatives of the American travel market at pre-arranged meetings at this prestigious fair.

The fee of 1195 US dollars includes registration, a five-night stay in a hotel, airport transfer, and meals as a part of the official program. At last year's IPW, held in Chicago with more than a thousand American exhibitors, deals in the amount of 4.7 billion dollars were made.

February - April 2015

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Skiing

OBERTAUERN

Photo: winter in Obertauern lasts from late November to early May.

What do you say to a scene like this: a hundred kilometers of ski slopes, idyllic snowy landscapes, warm mountain cabins with delicious Austrian delicacies and aromatic mulled wine, cozy family hotels and suites, wellness delights, numerous sports boutiques, excellent après ski entertainment, energetic night life, and most importantly - a lot of snow?

What do you say to winter in Obertauern?

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Tourismusverband Obertauern and Željka Kunštek

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Obertauern's snowy wonderland

T

he snow bowl of Austria, otherwise known as Obertauern, a skiing mecca located in the Austrian region of Salzburger Land, which cannot be resisted by recreational skiers of all generations nor professionals, awaited us as it should: under a blanket of snow. Although, when we left warm and sunny Zagreb it was hard to believe that after only a five-hour drive we would find a completely different story: an idyllic winter wonderland. Due to its favorable location at two thousand meters above sea level, Austria's winter hotspot can truly boast a long winter, which lasts from late November to early May every year. It is a fact well known by skiers and other fans of winter sports who visit Obertauern, not only for its fantastic ski slopes of various difficulty levels, but also for its other features such as the many

events that take place here throughout the entire winter, as well as for the one great advantage that skiers especially like. All slopes and cable cars or ski lifts (a total of 26, with two gondolas), can be accessed from every accommodation facility without the use of a car or a bus.

I admit, that amenity suited us so, every morning, after breakfast, we left the hotel with skis on our feet, and came back after we were sure that the last cable car had closed for the day.

Every slope - a new experience Like most of the other skiers, we spent the day exploring and riding the slopes, often bathed in sunshine, trying to choose a new one each time, with which we gained a new experience. Also, we chose a different cabin for lunch each day

Photos: Obertauern has a hundred kilometers of ski slopes of various difficulty levels, suitable for all generations of skiers.

tip: Obertauern's half-day or day ski passes are also good for skiing at the GrossekSpeiereck ski resort, located in Mauterndorf, 15 kilometers away.

February - April 2015

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Skiing

OBERTAUERN

Photo: one of the great advantages of Obertauern is that you can access the slopes from all the accommodation facilities without the use of a car or bus.

tip: Your kids can still sign up for "Bobby's Snow Adventures", a ski and snowboarding school for the youngest, from April 4 to 11.

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on one of the slopes, and once again gave Austrian cuisine the chance to surprise us with diverse delicacies. However, keep in mind - whatever you choose, from soups to dessert, in any of the restaurants, count on the fact that the portions are truly large and tasty, and the value for money is definitely justified here.

After skiing and a hot shower, it was time for a winter adventure in Obertauern, which led us to an après ski party in the low-lying cabins, "forced" us to pop into some of the sports boutiques, of which there are plenty here, and "kept us back" with its dancing rhythms and great atmosphere to the wee hours in some of the pubs and bars. Since we were here during Advent, we couldn't resist visiting the Christmas fair, where, with a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate in hand, we toured the stalls with original Christmas ornaments and souvenir. We

were also surprised by the arrival of the scary krampuses who came down the mountain, and they are a part of the tradition and folklore of this region.

For families and adventurers Obertauern is gladly visited by families, who spend most of their time in the "Bibo Bär" family ski park, with three specially prepared slopes of varying difficulties that offer various content and possibilities for learning to ski.

Bobby the Snow Bunny has the main role on the slopes and helps the youngest learn the skills needed for skiing and snowboarding. Those amongst you with an adventuring spirit will find the specially made snowboarding trails here, while those with a romantic soul can enjoy the horse-drawn sleigh ride through the idyllic snowy mountain

tip: The "Beatles Anniversary Week" will be held from March 14 to 21, and be in Obertauern from April 16 to 19, for the largest treasure hunt in the alpine region.

tops of the region. This ski region offers the possibility for snowkiting, snowbiking, snowshoe hiking, ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, attractive night skiing...

Winter experiences until early May If you still haven't joined in the winter fun this winter, you still have time to in Obertauern! Moreover, die-hard skiers will tell you that the greatest time to ski is in March and April, when the crowds have died down, there is still plenty of snow, and sunny slopes are guaranteed so you can often ski in your vest, with the mandatory addition of sunglasses and sunscreen. This winter in Obertauern is special for a very important event: the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the recording of the movie "HELP!",

which the legendary Beatles filmed here.

All will come together in the Beatles tribute week, which will definitely renew the memories of many, which will "rock" Obertauern from March 14 to 21. Mark March 17 in your calendar, when the musical "All You Need is Love", inspired by this timeless music band, will be held.

From March 22 to 28, the IntersportAlpenglĂźhen, the hottest ski test in Europe will be held, followed by a special treat from April 16 to 19. At that time, the "Gamsleiten Criterion", the largest treasure hunt in the Alpine region, will be held, where several thousand treasure hunters will head out on a fun treasure hunt for the keys to a new BMW Active Tourer automobile. The keys to the new car will be buried in the snow on the Gamsleiten2 slope, where they will wait for one of the resort visitors to find them.

Why wouldn't that be you? ď ś

Photos: the treasure hunt (top left); there are several mountain cabins that will thrill you with typical Austrian delicacies (top middle and right); the "Bibo Bär" family ski park is a favorite amongst the youngest skiers (bottom left); this year's winter in Obertauern is in the sign of the legendary Beatles (bottom right).

Trip enabled by:

February - April 2015

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2015 DGTL FESTIVAL

Photo: Robert KunĹĄtek

Photo archive: DGTL Festival

Photo archive: DGTL Festival

Events

Amsterdam in the Beat of

Electronic Music

In Amsterdam, on April 4 and 5, the DGTL Festival, one of the best electronic music festivals in Europe will warm up many fans with its electronic music delights.

Photos: Every year, the DGTL Festival attracts and ever growing number of electronic music fans (left and top right); Amsterdam (bottom right).

tip: Find out more information about the DGTL Festival program, tickets, accommodations and other festival details at: www.dgtl.nl

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D

uring Easter weekend, on April 4 and 5, 2015, more than 80 musicians from various parts of the world will present the large audience with the best of innovative electronic music. Wellknown artists will also be amongst them including: Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, Dixon and Ten Walls, as well as representatives of the underground music scene: Michael Mayer, Move D and John Talabot. This two-day festival, which will be held on 12 different stages, will mark the beginning of the festival season in the city. The NDSM hangar in Docklands, a former shipyard, is the venue, and it is located only ten minutes away from Amsterdam's central train station. Along with music, the festival also unites art and a sustainability program, so you will also see innovatively designed stages, art installations from around the world, and the DGTL Revolution Project. The

topic of this year's project is power and renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar energy, so this part of the festival will present the newest solutions for sustainable energy. In order to bring together technical innovation and warehouse-based nostalgia, the DGTL ART program, which will also be an integral part of the festival, will present innovative lighting, futuristic sculptures, and interactive performances. The topic of this year's ART program is Kinetic Art, and for this program, the organizers have prepared twenty various-sized art installations.

For all those who would like to experience the entire weekend of music and innovation, accommodations have been organized in houses located only a five-minute walk away from the festival stages. Accommodations cost 33 euro per person per night, and the number of houses is limited, so hurry! ď ś

m ed ia Ba o: ot sa Ph an h ft Lu

se

Chicago Chicago, or the "Windy City", as the locals often call it, is located on Lake Michigan. It is famous for, amongst other things, skyscrapers, and the tallest one is Willis Tower (442 m), with 108 floors. Due to severe cold in the winter and high temperatures in the summer, it is best to visit Chicago during April and May, or in September and October, when the temperatures are more pleasant.

Lufthansa

A New Flying Experience

ore than 60 million travelers worldwide choose Lufthansa for their trips every year. Do you ever ask yourself why this airline company is their first choice? As many will tell you, for many reasons, and we name just a few here. Freedom, safety, and the possibility to travel whenever, wherever, and however you would like are definitely one of the greatest advantages of this company whose planes fly to 202 destinations in 77 countries worldwide. Superb comfort and service quality, both in the sky and on the ground, are just another one of Lufthansa's advantages, and you can choose between first, business, economy, or premium economy class,

Photo: mediaBase Lufthansa

M

PROMO

which is a novelty in Lufthansa's long-distance flights as of last year.

It is a combination between business and economy class, which will ensure you have an even more comfortable trip, with 50 percent more room, and many added services. Besides a more spacious and comfortable seat, you will also be able to take two pieces of luggage with you, and, if you wish, you can access almost all Lufthansa business lounges for an additional fee. You can fly to North America in this class for a price starting at 1299 euro. ď ś

You can find special deals on flights to USA and Canada, but also other destinations in Europe and abroad, at: LH.com February - April 2015

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SPOTTERS

Photo: Nikola Kovačević

Presenting

A Passion for Planes Beauty is in the eye of the photographer. Planes are in the eye of the spotter.

Written by: Vlatka Vužić Photos: Goran Novačić

Photos: Goran "at work" at the Zagreb Airport (top left); Eurocopter AS-532UL Cougar Payerne in Switzerland (top right); at the Zürich Airport (bottom left); Tupolev Tu-154 at the Rijeka and Ljubljana airports (bottom right).

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T

here are many professional photographers worldwide, and even more of those who find photography as their ideal activity in their free time. Amongst them are spotters, photographers who look for beauty on the airport runway through their lenses.

There are about a hundred photographers in Croatia who consider themselves spotters. They are mostly men, even though there are a few women amongst them who have found their passion in taking pictures of airplanes. Most of them are amateurs for whom photography is

a hobby they are ready to spend every minute of their free time on, standing next to the fence of a runway. In Croatia, most of them take pictures in Zagreb, although a few regularly visit some less frequented Croatian airports. They also take organized trips to spot airplanes at some larger European airports, and visit two to three ever year. They also regularly go to regional airshows, and to countries such as Italy, Hungary, and Germany.

Early on, their hobby was a little "suspicious" to many, so several years ago some of them ended up being questioned by the police after a citizen

turned them in after noticing "a group gathering at the fence of the airport and pointing 'some objects' at planes", said Goran Novačić, a spotter. They were large photo lenses that today the police, but also the airport employees, consider to be an everyday thing.

It has been like that abroad for a long time now. For example, the Zürich airport has a hole in the fence for lenses, and allows photos to be taken from its terraces. Photos can also be taken from the airport terrace in Frankfurt, and spotters can experience something special in Salzburg, where they have a 'spotter's hill', which is a great place to take photos from in the snowy, winter months. Spotters also take photos of civil aircraft, and Novačić says the most attractive are those that fly in from "eastern countries". The most important thing for the spotter's lens are the plane's livery, color, registration... The greatest

airplane attraction in Zagreb's airport for the public, but especially for spotters was the "Antonov 225", which many spotters from neighboring countries also came to photograph.

Airports, which have understood that their 'eyes' are on the runway, are more and more inclined to cooperate with spotters. In cooperation with the Split Airport, on the first weekend in August, Croatian Spotters organize what is now the traditional "AERODERNEK", and they also collaborate very well with the Pula Airport. The "Aerosvijet" magazine, the official publication of Croatian airports, follows their work and publishes their photos. Recently, collaboration started between the spotters, the Lufthansa airline company, and famous Croatian photographer Damir Hoyka, who will publish the spotter's photos daily on his website, and the best one will be chosen on a monthly basis. 

Photos: FA-18C Hornet Payerne in Switzerland (top left); Air Tractor AT-802AF at the Zadar Airport (top right); Boeing 737-500 at the Zagreb Airport (bottom).

Spotter Goran Novačić is also a collector of model airplanes and has around 90 in his collection. His favorite plane to photograph is the Airbus 380.

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Photo source: Emirates

Amongst the twenty most punctual airlines in the world in 2014, 13 are European, five are Asian, and two are from the USA. According to a report from OAG, a company for monitoring airlines, the 'winner' (both globally and in Europe) for punctuality is Latvian low-cost airline, airBaltic. In the AsiaPacific region, Japan Airlines is most punctual. Second place, according to the OAG report is Hawaiian Airlines, which was also named the best in the USA for 2014. The second American airline to make the top 20 is Alaska Airlines. The top 20 also includes, amongst other, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Emirates.

On the other hand, according to the report, the airline company that is the least punctual is Etihad, despite offering the most luxurious services.

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Yellow - a marketing trick of the Habsburgs Yellow faรงades are a Viennese trademark, but only a few know the real story hidden behind this color. It is, actually, a really good marketing trick of the former Habsburg monarchy. The golden yellow color that graces the most visited Viennese site, the Schรถnbrunn castle today, isn't anything more than simple golden ochre. This tone was chosen, after many mistakes (the castle was once even painted pink), for the black-yellow color combination in the Habsburg crest, which is supposed to symbolize the glamour and size of the monarchy. That color combination dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. After the castle was painted yellow, all the other official buildings in Vienna were also painted that color, and the middle class also felt a bit aristocratic when they painted their faรงades yellow.

However, this yellow tone can also be seen in distant countries, such as Brazil, and the reason behind that was the expansive marriage policy the Habsburgs had. So, when Duchess Maria Leopoldina married the Portuguese heir to the throne Dom Pedro, and in 1822 became empress of Brazil, and so the yellow color made it onto the Brazilian flag.

Photo source: Dubai Airports

Most punctual airlines in the world

Photo: PID/Schaub-Walzer (source: COMPRESS Zagreb)

WORLD

Photo source: airBaltic

Interesting facts

Dubai airport busiest in the world In 2014, the Dubai International Airport recorded 6.1 percent more passengers, or 70.4 million, than the previous year, which made it the busiest airport in the world for the first time. It topped London's Heathrow, which recorded around 68.1 million travelers, announced CNN. "It is our goal to make Dubai a global hub, which it is close to being thanks to the 'open sky' policy, the growth of friendly business surroundings, and its attractiveness as a center of trade and tourism, but also thanks to the quick expansion of airlines such as flydubai, and properly timed investments in infrastructure", said president of the Dubai airport, Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The Dubai airport also expects good results for this year, with a result of up to 79 million passengers.

Cappadocia

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One of the most unusual natural landscapes in the world is definitely Cappadocia. This medieval region is located in what is now Turkey, and it is special for its natural attractions - cone-shaped fairy chimneys.

The caverns of this unusual rock formation contain an underground settlement that dates back to the 4th century, along with churches and monasteries.

The landscape of the unusual volcanic rocks, together with the historical sites in the Cappadocia rocks, make up the Gรถreme National Park, which was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1985. Every day, hundreds of hot air balloons occupy the sky above Cappadocia so that tourists can best experience this natural attraction.

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We're taking you to...

SVALBARD

Arctic Ocean

SVALBARD (NORWAY)

Longyearbyen

Barents Sea Greenland Sea

Norwegian Sea

Photo: a house covered in snow and ice.

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Written by: Sandro Erceg, Ekspedicija.net Photo archive: Ekspedicija.net

SVALBARD NORWAY

An Arctic story

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We're taking you to...

SVALBARD

In early 2012, I started my doctorate studies in Tronheim, Norway, and in October of the same year, I found myself near the geographical top of the world as part of the "Arctic Offshore Engineering" course. I stayed there for three weeks and tried to experience the charms of arctic loneliness. To say I fell in love with the simplicity of life there, and that I plan on returning to Svalbard soon, is an understatement.

Photos: a view of Longyearbyen (top); colorful houses defying the white landscape are a feature of Longyearbyen (bottom).

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H

alfway from continental Europe to the North Pole, the average net salary is approx. 3260 €, half a liter of beer is approx. 1.17 €, and there is no VAT. On the other hand, a kilogram of the cheapest chicken is more expensive than a carton of Marlboro, cereal is made with milk that costs approx. 5.2 €, and from October 26 to February 15, the sun can only be seen

on television. There is no trace of crime, but it is still recommended to take a gun when you leave the community.

The northernmost city in the world Svalbard is the northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway. It is located in the Arctic Circle, and the largest and most important place, Longyearbyen, is the northernmost city in the world. The

population of the islands is just more than 2900, while it is estimated that there are more than three thousand polar bears in the archipelago. During the three weeks I spent on the largest island, Spitsbergen, I met several hundred people, and, of course, not a single polar bear. Hope was futile. However, I was aware that October wasn't the best time to meet this friendlylooking and often deadly mammal. Polar bears often use sea ice as a partner in catching seals, and generally for finding food, and at that time of the year, sea ice can only be found on the western side of Spitsbergen, in Fram Strait, on the way to Greenland. Polar bears don't visit inhabited areas (they visit Longyearbyen twice a year on average), but they can be deadly. So carrying a gun is advised even when leaving the community for a short time. The polar bear is a protected species and killing it is only permitted in self-defense. It is necessary to first do everything possible to chase the bear away without hurting it. The pelts of several shot adult polar bears, approximately 2.5 x 2 m in dimension, can be bought in Longyearbyen at a price of approx. 13 thousand euro.

Photos: Longyearbyen from a bird's-eye-view (top left); town signs (top right); a polar bear pelt can be bought here at astronomic prices (middle); it is recommended to carry a gun when leaving the settlement, even for small distances, due to polar bears (bottom left); polar foxes are also local inhabitants (bottom right).

Arctic desert Regardless of the fact that it is only a thousand kilometers from the North Pole, thanks to the warm North Atlantic Current, the island enjoys a relatively mild climate in comparison to the other areas at the same latitude. So, in Longyearbyen

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We're taking you to...

SVALBARD

Photos: equip yourself with sturdy shoes and warm clothing to explore Svalbard (top); drinks can be cooled on ice a hundred, thousand, or hundreds of thousands of years old (bottom left and middle); a typical wooden boat (bottom right).

Visitors to Svalband island used to consuming alcoholic drinks, who plan on staying a longer period of time, must carefully plan their alcohol consumption, since there is a precisely regulated amount each person may buy.

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during the polar nights, the temperature dips down to -14째C on average, while in summer, during the midnight sun, at an average of 6째C, it is best to wear a light down jacket. The polar day (midnight sun) and polar nights are natural phenomena common in the area within the polar circle, characterized by the fact that the sun is not located under, or above the horizon 24 hours a day. So during the winter months of the year, Svalbard is "in the dark", while in the four months of the Arctic summer, it is impossible to differentiate between noon and midnight. As far as precipitation is concerned, because it only gets 200-300 mm annually, the island is often referred to as the Arctic desert. There are several communities in this desert. They are not connected by roads, so boats, planes, and snowmobiles are the main forms of transportation.

There are more snowmobiles registered on the island than there are people. The

northernmost permanently inhabited city in the world is located on the western coast of Spitsbergen, in the Isfjorden bay. Longyearbyen has a population of around two thousand people, and is also the administrative, cultural, touristic, and scientific research center of Svalbard.

It is surrounded by a thousand-meterhigh mountain range. Besides the Norse, Russians, and Far Easterners, Croats are also moving to the northernmost city in the world. Two families from Osijek and Bjelovar have been making a living on Svalbard for twelve years. As soon as their savings fill up their piggy banks, they will buy one-way tickets home.

Longyearbyen is also home to the northernmost university in the world.

The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) offers study programs in Arctic biology, geology, geophysics and technology, at all academic levels. In most Scandinavian countries, removing one's shoes upon entering homes is done automatically

Photos: idyllic night scenes of Longyearbyen (top); a view of an icy landscape (bottom).

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We're taking you to...

SVALBARD

Photos: Longyearbyen is home to the northernmost university in the world, The University Centre in Svalbard (top left and right); a scene from the vicinity of Longyearbyen (bottom).

tip: April and May are the best months to visit Svalbard, and the peak tourist season here lasts from June to August.

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and considered to be part of the culture, but even there, removing shoes in public institutions and office spaces is considered radical. Interestingly, not in the building of the university center on Svalbard, the largest building in the city.

Mining communities A little further to the south are Barentsburg and Sveagruva, Russian and Swedish mining communities.

Barentsburg is permanently inhabited by a mostly Russian population of around 500, while a total of three hundred miners

migrate to Sveagruva from Longyearbyen, mostly on a weekly basis. Along with coal mining as the most important, the other main economic branches on Svalbard are tourism and scientific research work. Fifty kilometers north of Longyearbyen is Pyramiden, a Russian mining community abandoned in 1998.

Today, the ghost town is a popular tourist destination, and the name Pyramiden comes from the nearby pyramid-shaped mountain peak. The Arctic climate has preserved the northernmost statue of Lenin located there. McDonald's has just recently beaten the number of his

statues with the number of its fast food restaurants. Besides the wooden barracks built in Siberian style, a large number of the buildings are relatively atypical for the Arctic. Even those who didn't know would guess that the buildings were Russian due to the large concrete and brick buildings.

The fact that there was once a heated garden where vegetables were grown, despite the arctic tundra inhospitable for plants, shows how comfortable life was there.

On the other side of the fjord is Nordenskiรถld, one of the largest glaciers on Svalbard. It doesn't produce a large

number of icebergs like some glaciers on Greenland or in Russia, but it is interesting to try whiskey cooled on absolutely pure ice that is several hundred, thousand, or hundred thousand years old. The glacier moves towards the sea at a rate of about fifty meters per year.

Photos: Pyramiden, a Russian mining community, is now abandoned and a ghost town that tourists love to visit.

Polar lights The locals say April and May are the best months to visit. The sun is high in the sky, the days cannot be longer, the snow hasn't melted yet, the kayaks are ready

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We're taking you to...

SVALBARD

Photos: the surroundings of Longyearbyen, with attractive views of the empire of snow and ice and fascinating sunrises and sunsets, are equally interesting to researchers, hikers, photographers, and tourists.

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tip: One of the special features of Svalbard are the polar lights, aurora borealis, which can be experienced in the darker months. It is best seen if you get further away from settlements, sources of artificial light.

to be launched, and the seals lounge on floating ice unaware they are inviting long-haired white beasts to take a bite.

The peak tourist season lasts from June to August, when the snow that fell long ago starts to melt through the fog in the day-long sun accompanied by the sound of the chirping migratory birds that have returned. What makes Svalbard special, something that is only possible to experience in the darker months, is the magical dance of the polar lights, one of the most attractive phenomena, which is my personal favorite. The polar lights, better known on the northern hemisphere as "aurora borealis", are the appearance of lights in the night sky, which occur during magnetic storms where the Sun's wind collides with the Earth's magnetic field. The visual result of this collision are three auroral colors: green, red, and blue. Since life in central Norway treated me to this polar magic fifteen times, I'll dare to note that green is by far the most emphasized in the visible spectrum, while the purple-red combination is only visible during high auroral activity and at high ISO values with long exposures. Also, it isn't hard

to conclude that in order to experience polar lights the best, it is necessary to get as far away from sources of artificial light as possible. Of course, on Svalbard, that is extremely risky. So, on two occasions during the green sky show, I was shaking much less from cold than from the fear that I would become a bear snack. And believe me, it was cold.

Alright, it could have been colder. The warm Gulf stream makes life up north much more livable. Other places at that latitude, for example, in Canada or Russia, could have temperatures up to twenty degrees colder than here. A much bigger problem is the fact that people don't feel the sun on their skin for more than a hundred days a year, but it seems that they make too much money to consider suicide. In such a depressive state caused by a long, dark winter, the most common solution is to escape to lighter, warmer, and less secluded parts of the world, like almost everywhere else.

Svalbard is 'the end of the world'. The island is definitely worth visiting. It's an experience completely different from everything we're used to. ď ś

Photo: polar lights are one of the most attractive natural phenomena and one of the main features of Svalbard.

i

Svalbard

... is an archipelago in the Arctic sea north of continental Europe and about halfway from Norway to the North Pole. It is the northernmost region of the Kingdom of Norway, and only three islands in the archipelago are inhabited: Spitsbergen, Bjørnøya and Hopen.

Capital city: Longyearbyen Official language: Norwegian Area: 61.022 km2 Population (2014.): 2.562 Currency: Norwegian krone Area code: +47 Time zone: UTC +1, UTC +2 (summer)

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World attractions

ANNECY

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Palais de l'Isle In southeast France, in the Rh么ne-Alpes region, you will find Annecy, a romantic town recognizable for its interesting stone building, Palais de l'Isle, located on a triangular isle in the middle of the Thiou channel. Over time, this former residence of the head of Annecy changed its roles, so it was also the headquarters of the Count of Geneva, then a courthouse, followed by a mint, and for a long period of time it was a prison. Today, it houses a history museum.

Palais de l'Isle is definitely the most photographed site in town, surrounded by many tourists on a daily basis.

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