Destination Update:
Croatia still a favourite with Brits in 2014
The first four months of 2014 saw a record number of UK visitors to Croatia with arrivals up six per cent compared to the same period last year. A total of 21,557 UK visitors headed to Croatia between January and April, while visits from Ireland also increased by one per cent. April was a particularly successful month for Croatian tourism with a 27 per cent increase in UK visitors compared to 2013 and a 17 per cent increase in visitors from Ireland.
Thomson introduces new flights to Dubrovnik for 2015
Thomson will increase flights from the UK to Dubrovnik from next year. Flights will be available from regional airports including Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Bristol. Thomas Cook, part of the Thomson brand, has also announced Bristol to Dubrovnik flights due to a steady rise in bookings to Eastern Europe in recent years. In addition, Thomson Cruises’ ‘cruise and stay’ success in Dubrovnik means that the port is scheduled to become the cruise liners’ home port for next season. For more information, please see here and here.
Rijeka to Dubrovnik ferry service returns for summer 2014
Jadrolinija ships has announced the return of the ferry service from Rijeka to Dubrovnik ahead of the peak summer season. The ‘Liburnija’ will transport visitors from the Kvarner region to southern Croatia, providing an easier and a scenic way to see Croatia from the stunning clear waters of the Adriatic. The route will begin in early June and twice weekly services will run until the end of September. For more information please see here.
Moondance festival expands in 2014
Launched last year, the Moondance Festival in Trogir is set to expand in 2014. The electronic music festival will now take place over two days with acts playing across two stages, and boasts a new official warm up and additional after parties. Located in the stunning middle age fortress of Kamerlengo in the historic coastal town of Trogir, the festival combines its beautiful location with a line-up of electronic artists from Croatia and around the world, including Nina Kraviz, Forest People and Anthony Rother. For more information, please see here.
Futuristic ‘Door of Zadar’ planned for Zadar
Plans to develop Zadar’s peninsula have been given the green light by the city’s mayor, Božidar Kalmeta. The ‘Door of Zadar’ is designed by Nikola Bašić, the famed architect behind the popular Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun art installations. The project will see canals dug through Foša and Jazine and the reconstruction of historic canals, which will turn the peninsula into an island with three pedestrian bridges connecting it to Zadar town. There are plans for several bars, cafes, a cinema, museums, concert halls, restaurants and an amphitheatre to be built along the canal. For more information, please see here.
Eco-friendly four star hotel opens in Istria
The eco-friendly Boutique Hotel Oasi has recently opened in Istria as the region continues to expand its range of high-end accommodation. Hotel Oasi is located in Pješčana Uvala in the Medulin area, a peaceful bay just a few kilometres from Pula. The eco-friendly hotel uses solar energy to generate hot water and indoor heating during the colder periods of the year. Featuring an outdoor pool and a wellness area, it also offers an onsite bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi and parking. For more information, please see here.
Events & Festivals:
23 May – 9 June 2014: European Geopark Fortnight, Papuk
Visit Papuk Geopark in Central Croatia during European Geopark week and discover the country’s rich ecological history, biological diversity and valuable cultural heritage. Papuk is also a great hiking destination with a variety of peaks with summits up to 900m above sea level. Visitors could also take part in mountain biking, geocaching, paragliding and horse riding while holidaying in the area. For more information please see here.
15 May – 2 June 2014: Dubovac Nobility Fair
For two weeks every year the small town of Dubovac returns to the Middle Ages to celebrate the vibrant trading history of the town. A procession takes place through the streets of Dubovac with locals in medieval dress, and visitors can take part in activities such as traditional crafts and novelty folk games, as well as trying ‘barley broth’, a barley soup with beans and sausages. For more information please see here.
17 – 18 May 2014: International Knights Tournament, Zelina
The International Knights Tournament ‘Sveta Helena’ returns to Zelingrad Castle in May and offers visitors the chance to go back in time and witness a series of show-stopping traditional knight duels. Knights can attempt to woo their damsel by taking part in archery and horse-riding, while others may opt to explore the castle grounds by carriage. Peckish spectators can try a range of medieval inspired dishes from duck with honey to hot kasha. For more information, please see here.
25 May 2014: Open Wine Cellar Day, Istria
The Open Wine Cellar day allows visitors to taste the best Istrian wines. Held on the last Sunday of May, the event takes place during World Wine Week with wine makers all over Istria opening their cellar doors to mark the occasion. With the majority of wineries situated along the Umag-Novigrad region, connoisseurs can enrich their taste buds with a glass or two of Muscat, the fruity white Malvasia or the full-bodied Red Teran and discover for themselves why Istria is known as ‘Croatia’s Tuscany’. For more information, please see here and here.
29 May – 1 June 2014: Croatian One Minute Film Festival
The One Minute Festival in Požega showcases short films from Croatia’s budding film makers. The event attracts young amateurs across the country to create a one minute film in any genre. Focused on developing the film skills of Croatia’s youngsters, all films will be viewed and judged by an international jury filled with industry professionals, after which medals and diplomas will be awarded to the best films. Audiences can also take part as they are given the chance to vote for their favourite film. For more information please see here.
May – September 2014: Grič Secrets, Zagreb
Discover Zagreb’s hidden secrets by night in the Upper Town. This hour-long tour takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings and provides a unique glimpse of the city under the night’s sky. Costumed guides will ‘guide’ visitors back in time as they stumble upon hidden surprises, urban legends and characters from Marija Jurić Zagorka’s novels – one of Croatia’s most popular authors of all time. For more information, please see here.
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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 seven 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
