Destination Update: Diana movie tour of Croatia, Record-breaking dancing in Dubrovnik and Lošinj commended for sustainable tourism
On Location in Opatija, Zagreb and Rovinj for Diana film
Follow in the footsteps of Naomi Watts as Diana in Croatia. The film may have received a cold reception from the press, but these stunning locations used for the film are sure to win over even the harshest critics. Your own movie tour of Croatia could start in Opatija, a gorgeous town on the Adriatic coast. Its breathtaking location and favourable year-round climate make it a fashionable tourist destination. Take a walk along the promenade and marvel at the majestic villas. For a faster pace, Zagreb is bursting with culture, music, gastronomy and architecture, making it an ideal city break. Finally, Rovinj, located in Istria, is one of the Mediterranean’s last true fishing ports. It is a popular spot during the summer months. For more information on the filming locations, please see here.
Dubrovnik dances its way into the Guinness Book of Records
During the first week of October, 274 Linđo dancers took to the streets of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to twirl their way into the world record books. Accompanied by the music of Dubrovnik’s Brass Band, hundreds of spectators lined Stradun Street to catch a glimpse of this traditional folklore dancing. Linđo dancing is present throughout Croatia, and each region has its own dance ensemble. For more information, please see here.
Lipizzaner Paths successfully implemented
The 98km walking and biking Lipizzaner Paths have been celebrating a successful first summer after the project was completed in July 2013. Aided by European Union funding, the project took 18 months to complete and offers a great way to explore the areas of Lipik and Pakrac, within the Slavonia region. Improving the tourism infrastructure of both towns, it is hoped that 2014 will see tourists heading inland to enjoy some of Croatia’s hidden beauty. For more information, please see here.
The Arcotel Allegra Hotel in Zagreb celebrates its 10th birthday
Zagreb’s first lifestyle hotel, The Arcotel Allegra, has been celebrating ten years of business. Compromising of 151 rooms, four business suites, and three conference halls, the hotel caters to both business guests and tourists. The popular hotel is located in the Branimir Centre of Zagreb, a few minutes’ walk from the main square where you can find a wide selection of bars, restaurants, shops, and cinemas to suit your mood. The hotel is conveniently located 200m from the main railway station. For more information, please see here.
Lošinj recognised for its commitment to sustainable development
The island of Lošinj received the prestigious Skål International “Sustainable Development in Tourism” award on 29 September. It received top marks in the Cities category from three independent members of the panel. For more information, please see here. Behind Lošinj’s success lies the careful development, management and cooperation between the town and tourism office. The island is an example of how tourism development can prosper while respecting the principles of sustainable development. For more information on the award, please see here. For more information on Lošinj, please see here.
Enjoy Croatia this autumn
Autumn is a great time of year to visit Croatia. Rainy days are rare in Dubrovnik, temperatures are mild and the autumn leaves are magnificent. As Dubrovnik enters its quieter season, you can really appreciate the city’s history and beauty, particularly the Old Town. For more information, please see here. In Zagreb, autumn marks the start of seasonal festivities with a number of cultural, entertainment, and sporting events. In the surrounding area, the autumn colours provide a beautiful backdrop for a walk through the countryside or a visit to vineyards and parks such as Medvednica. For more information, please see here.
Events and Festivals
7 – 31 October 2013: Abrakadabra Zoo, Zagreb
Every evening throughout this period, mythical creatures including witches, wizards and fairies descend upon Zagreb Zoo. Abrakadabra Zoo is an educational programme for children and the theme this year is actions and consequences. Characters from Croatia’s history, fairy tales and legends also make appearances throughout the evenings. For more information, please see here.
20 – 27 October 2013: Zagreb Film Festival
This major cultural event in the Croatian calendar, now in its eleventh year, plays host to over one hundred films from all over the world this year. As in previous years, Bib for Kids returns with a host of cinematic adventures, and the Great 5 programme is back with films from the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The Film Festival culminates with the awarding of the coveted Golden Pram award. For more information, please see here.
31 October – 2 November: Croatian Film Festival, London
The Croatian Film Festival will return to London this autumn after a break of several years. Hosted by the British Croatian Society, the festival will take place at the Lost Theatre and will show seven films over three days. The festival celebrates Croatian culture with a diverse range of screenings from a touching father and son documentary to a film on traditional bullfighting and its modern day critics. For more information, please see here or here.
Early November 2013: Dubrovnik Gastro Table Event
This annual culinary event takes place on a Saturday at the beginning of November. Hotels and restaurants throughout Dubrovnik provide a wide variety of delicious treats and dishes for you to sample. Held on Stradun Street, visitors can taste local foods at around 15 Kuna per portion, and wine at about 10 Kuna a glass. With a varied cuisine on offer, this event is a must-go for any keen foodies out there. For further information, please see here.
8 – 29 November: The Romberg Music Evenings, Belišće
Throughout November, composer Sigmund Romberg is honoured through a series of musical evenings in Belišće. Romberg is often cited as one of the most significant composers of the early twentieth century and some of his most popular work includes the film score of White Lilac. Having spent part of his childhood growing up in the town, he is remembered fondly by local residents. Belišće is located on the River Drava in the region of Slavonia and its riverside location makes it the perfect place to try out rowing, kayaking or canoeing. For more information, please see here.
16 November 2013: European Theatre Night
Now in its fifth year, the European Theatre Night is dedicated to showcasing local theatre and performing art. The event takes place throughout Croatia and is held simultaneously in 11 European countries. Events will take place in more than 30 towns, across 80 venues. Visitors will be able to watch performances and take part in workshops and tours. With over 40,000 visitors last year, this is always a popular event. For more information please see here.
-Ends-
For further press information please contact:
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Tim Thackray
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927
E: [email protected]
About Croatia
Croatia; the Mediterranean as it once was, offers 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriatic coast, boasts 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites and eight national parks as well as an excellent tourism infrastructure. From the café culture of its historic cities to the rugged landscapes of continental Croatia, with a packed calendar of festivals and events and a host of home-grown gastronomic delights, Croatia is the ideal holiday destination.
For more information visit www.croatia.hr or call on (0)20 3440 8930
