Promotion of Dalmatian destination, ethno heritage and gastronomy
Dubrovnik, Stradun 17th October
Eco-ethno manifestation ''Following the Heritage and Customs of Dubrovačko-Neretvanska County'' was held on 17th October 2012, on the eve of Tourism Day on Stradun, in Dubrovnik. Manifestation was opened by the deputy of Minister of Tourism Mr Oleg Valjalo, while the importance of these manifestations was stressed by Mr Milan Perić, Dubrovnik tourism director and Mr Maro Kristić, Dubrovačko-Neretvanska County tourism director. Visitors enjoyed the performances of folklore and artist organizations as well as the tasting of autochthonous delicacies of Dubrovačko-Neretvanska County organized by DEŠA organization. During the day an exhibition ''Precious hands of Dubrovačko-Neretvanska County'' was organized, a project of Croatian Economy Chamber organized by Dubrovnik Entrepreneur Centre. Performers were: folk assembly Linđo from Dubrovnik, folk association Kumpanija from Vela Luka, Staglin klapa from Slano, KUD St Juraj Osojnik from Osojnik, young violinists from Vela Luka and KUD Ponikovska poskočica. Audience also enjoyed in two fashion shows. First show presented folk costumes of Dubrovačko-Neretvanska County. The models were famous Dubrovnik journalists: Ines Vlašić, Lucija Komaić, Lorita Vierda, Marijana Puhjera, Sandra Lacković, Ivana Brailo and Azra Hadžić. The second show presented old -fashioned underwear and ethno jewellery by Vinka Mitrović.
This interesting manifestation aroused great attention of domestic and foreign visitors who, for a memory of Dubrovnik, photographed this event. The event was organized by Dalmatia Event Association & Dalmatian Hot Spots Magazine.
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Public discussion ''Tourist Destination Management"
New educational program of Aspira College –‘TOURIST DESTINATION MANAGER
Public discussion on topic ''Tourist Destination Management – the driver of tourism development and tourist season extension'' was held on the 13th of December 2012 in Atrium Hotel. It was organised by College of Management and Design "Aspira". Co-organizer was Tourist Association of Splitsko-Dalmatinska County with the support of Republic of Croatia Ministry of Tourism. The goal of this public discussion was to point to the role and importance of destination management in development of Croatian tourism and the extension of tourist season and to show how destination management could also be a response to increasing competitiveness of the surrounding countries.
The participants of the public discussion were: Davor Ižaković, assistant of Minister of Tourism – Department for tourist associations system and tourist destination management, Joško Stella, director of Tourist Association of Splitsko-Dalmatinska County, Zdenka Šutak, Ministry of Tourism and Pave Župan Rusković, destination management expert. Moderator of the discussion was Ružica Mikačić.
New educational program of Aspira College –‘TOURIST DESTINATION MANAGER’ was presented on this public discussion together with the proposal for organization scheme for administration of destination management companies (DMC) and destination management organization (DMO).
Hotel Adriatic **** - Luxury captain's residence for your holiday
Welcome to the Boutique Hotel Adriatic filled with history, luxury, comfort, love and experience in hospitality that Mikulic family cherishes more than four decades.Hotel Adriatic used to be captain's residence and now is a 4-star hotel with charm and elegance. Rooms are carefully designed to the smallest details with impeccable service. With us the guest is in the centre of attention in order to feel as at home.
Hotel Adriatic with its authentic interior decoration keeps the atmosphere of the historic residence. We transformed hospitality and care for our guests into an art form.
Boutique Hotel Adriatic is a romantic 4-star hotel with spacious and elegant rooms. It has an excellent restaurant where guests can enjoy the traditional specialties, prepared according to local recipes, and Pelješac finest wines.
Adriatic Hotel offers its guests priceless feeling of staying in the historic captain's residence. It is a warm and comfortable place in which we take care of our guests professionally and with passion.
Staying in a beautiful hotel full of charm as Hotel Adriatic is unforgettable experience. You will leave full of impressions connected with a rich history of the hotel, refined antique furniture and hospitality of our staff
Your hosts, Sabina and Igor Mikulic, devoted special attention to the restaurant. As world travelers, over the years they have gathered valuable experience and become true experts of fine food and wine. Their extensive experience combined with local tradition is the guideline of restaurant "Old Captain".
Presentation of tradition and beauties of the island of Korčula
Within the presentation of tradition and beauties of the island of Korčula on the Croatian mosaic held in Rome, the old traditional sword dance "Kumpanjija Smokvica" was presented. Members of the Society of Smokvica thrilled the numerous audience with their chivalrous game in their beautiful characteristic costumes. Presentation of the island of Korčula and the performance of Kumpanjija were organized by company DEA Caeli, and the project leader was Tina Rubeša. Media partner was Dalmatian hot spots magazin.
PROMOTION OF DALMATIAN DESTINATIONS, ETHNO HERITAGE AND GASTRONOMY
A return to history, treasuring the tradition, culture and customs- this would be a summary of Dalmatia Eco-ethno Night that took place in Split Meštrović Gallery. Family house with atelier of famous Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović became a stage for manifestation held in order to promote cultural and enological treasures as well as Croatian manufacturers and keepers of old crafts.
Audience, among who County Ruler’s deputy of Splitsko-dalmatinska County Visko Haladić and director of the County’s Tourist Association Joško Stella were present, enjoyed the rich program filled with presentations of crafts and products and also entertainment. Performers were: Knight’s Society Kumpanija from Smokvica, the island of Korčula; men’s Donjaci-Martinci klapa from the island of Šolta; female band KUD Salona from Solin and KUD Vrgorska krajina from Vrgorac. A fashion show of Dalmatian folk costumes worn by journalists and editors of Slobodna Dalmacija newspaper: Nataša Bakotić, Nives Bašić-Dorotka, Silvana Uzinić, Jasenka Leskur-Staničić, Olgica Ivić-Grizelj and Duška Čolović also took place. Wonderful sea motives jewellery by Vinka Mitrović was also presented. In this blend of tradition and quality audience enjoyed the exhibition part the most. Decorative items and souvenirs were exhibited while small manufacturers from all over Dalmatia enabled audience to taste natural jams, liqueurs, ravioli, Mediterranean herbs, olive oil, gingerbread, wine and prosecco.
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Two sisters below the olympic rings – Ana and Lucija Zaninović, rulers of the world's tatamis
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Remarkable sportswomen for a top destination
The two sisters, Hvarian by birth, world and European champions in tae kwon-do, will perform at the Olympic Games in London 2012. Except sports, they will also defend brand of Hvar as a hot spots destination.
By monitoring global tourism trends, editorial department of the Croatian tourist magazine "Dalmatian hot spots" decided to choose Hvar for a 2011 hot spots destination and for a cover of the winter edition.
Top athletes, world and European champions in tae kwon do, sisters Ana and Lucija Zaninović, along with numerous trips and obligations were able to dedicate one day to our magazine, to be photographed for the cover.
- Year of sports success is behind you, medals were won - have you achieved your goals?
Ana and: Yes, we are satisfied ... very pleased. This is for us a year of great success, a dream come true.
Lucija: Since we started playing we dreamed that we will qualify for the Olympics. And these Olympics at which we both participate is the crown of many years of work.
- Now you have suddenly found yourselves in the role of promoter of sports life, but your personal life generated media attention as well - how do you deal with that? Is it hard to be a role model for young people?
Lucija: So far we encountered only sympathies – both from the media and fans. We want to show young people, through our own example, how perseverance and positive thinking can attain great results.
- You are also promoters of our country, and now also of tourism on Hvar, since you come from Velo Grablje?
Ana: We speak of our country only in superlatives ... We traveled all over the world and nothing can compare to the beauty of our coast.
- You often travel around the world - are there any queries about the beauty of Hvar and the Croatian coast?
Lucija: In foreign countries, especially in the East, people have heard for Croatia over athletes and sports successes. In gatherings after the event we often show pictures of our coast. Split is a candidate of the organization of World Championships in Tae-kwon-do for 2013. We have already heard stories that we are favorites, along with Mexico, Turkey and Azerbaijan, which would be a great success, because Croatia has never hosted such a big competition.
- In addition to sports obligations you are both studying - you are students of Aspira how do you fulfill all tasks, those of sports and those of students?
Lucija: We execute our athlete obligations as best we can, through continuous and recurrent training and participation in all major competitions. Aswell as those of a student... Specifically, Aspira – The College of Sports Management has a lot of understanding for top athletes. With good organization everything can be done.
- One cannot live on sports, except when it comes to football. Acquiring knowledge is essential - where do you see yourself after removing the kimonos?
Ana: Tae kwon-do is a poorly paid sport. But even after the end of our career and with a degree in hand, we can see ourselves in club activities, or in some state sports structures.
- But now all your thoughts are directed to London 2012 and the Olympic Games. You are expecting a lot - how are the preparations going?
Lucija: As the event approaches, nervousness will be growing: therefore we plan to prepare ourselves abroad, in order to be exempt from public pressure and 100% focused on training and achieving results. Our only wish is to preserve health, to annul injuries. So everything is possible in London.
- Are you going to attend any other competition prior to Olympic Games?
Ana: We intend to participate in a stronger tournaments in Europe, first in Belgium and then in Germany, as well as in the Student Championships in Korea. However, everything still depends on our health and physical readiness!
Hvar major Pjerino Bebić, this year's laureate for the best potestatem
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Together to the top of the world!
A lot of the collective effort of all Hvar people and their longtime hard work brought results, so the city is the number one tourist destination. However, while in some respects they are at the very top, in some others they are like the last hole on the flute, when it comes to the attitude of Jadrolinija towards these islanders, who are, without good transport links – dying…
For a long time has the name of Hvar been a synonymous of top quality tourism, of holiday on the sunniest island, in a city which boasts the oldest theater in Europe, beautiful beaches, Pakleni Islands - a paradise for boaters, and since recently they also have the best potestatem.
Reason enough for a discussion with the first man of Hvar, Pjerino Bebić.
-Are you flattered by the title of the best mayor, the prize that was assigned to you on the past Days of Tourism held in Šibenik?
It is very flattering because it is awarded from relevant institutions and jury. But I see it as a collective award to the whole city. In pretty rough time of transformations in Croatia, it knew how to direct positive energy and work in its own interest and for the benefit of local families, which is in our city strongly intertwined. People raised loans, believed in improving the quality of service, sincerely supported infrastructure projects that enabled us to make a real quantum leap for Hvar. To me, it would be a highest recognition when anyone in Hvar would be aware of their contribution to every award which is given to our city. Similarly, on the whole island there are fantastic examples of a payoff of many years of work and effort. All this, organized in a complex story, helped our city and the island to become a top destination, without which no travel chart can pass.
- How much effort does it takes to receive the award by the profession?
A lot of collective and long-term effort! In these projects, one is like none. I hope that I will never fail to congratulate, again and again, to everyone in the town of Hvar who cares about common good and the quality life of the community. Remember that we, in fact, do not have tourists, rather friends who were won over by Hvar and who cannot stop talking to their friends of a great time they had here.
- Since you became potestatem of the city on the sunniest island, were the tourist offer and the structure of services – changed?
In terms of infrastructure, the answer is no. We are still city of several thousands of people, which must have the infrastructure for the 25 000. But in terms of logistics, management and media promotion, I can say that it has changed completely. Sometimes I have a feeling that people “rediscover” Hvar, and that they appreciate it even more.
- According to your opinion, what is the future of tourism on Hvar: elite, nautical, congress, medical, sports?
It is based on the diversity of all these forms. I like to call it Hvarian tourism. Namely, we are developing the concept of how to subsidize rapid transport from the airport (which is under construction) to Hvar to attract congresses, because without them there is no enlargement of the season. Together with the Port Authority of Split County we not only improve the harbor for yachtsmen, but also for local boat owners. From a sports complex, we never gave up ... indeed. And when we talk about elite tourism, I am very happy that our city is visited by royal families and the global jet-set, but Hvar is very accessible to everyone in its own way. The offer is really good and now it can only go better.
- What is necessary for retaining the number one position, and that the name of Hvar still carries a HOT SPOT prefix as the most popular tourist destination?
An airport and subsidized lines. We need an Islander at the top of Jadrolinija. Unfortunately, I have to conclude that there is the incredible lack of understanding of island life by the Jadrolinija administration. Interestingly, on the other hand, our friend who works at ferry line is the winner of this year’s City award, because people do try. But the administration is truly amazing. How does one explain that you can buy a parking ticket over the mobile phone in every bigger city, but there’s no chance to buy a ticket on a route Split-Hvar on a heavily visited weekend, let alone in the peak of a season. So, from some aspects, we are the very top, and from some others, the last hole on the flute!
- You had lots of problems with the Sunčani Hvar (Sunny Hvar) project. What is the situation now?
We worked hard with the government to protect workers' interests and assets of the company. Unfortunately, the number of workers there is such that no more can the enterprise be called the carrier of the city economy. The Sunny Hvar is an enterprise lowered to the level wanted by a private investor in terms of capacity and number of employees. We shouted and shouted, under great pressure, but without any real formal power. Government supported such a vision and financed all together. This issue is obviously absorbed in this manner, because what was allowed was allowed, except if the government miraculously restarts certain issues. The town of Hvar will continue to seek partners for joint projects and I know that we will find them. The situation with Sunny Hvar has shown us that somebody quite rudely snatched one part of the past. There are no more protagonists of this story – some of them are at court, some are hiding, some in prison, but we must go on along with the enterprise.
- Lack of seasonal staff – how do you solve this problem?
We never had an excessive problem with that and vice versa, no one ever had a problem with finding the job in Hvar during the season, but we need more permanent jobs. Nobody plans to establish a family based on a seasonal work, and we need an island that is alive, which we are, and which we want to be forever. We need more islanders!
- What does city offer - wild parties for the young, quiet holidays for families with children or a peaceful vacation for retirees?
The town of Hvar is a place of enjoyment and the rare are those who do not enjoy it. There's nothing that cannot be found here. Hvar offers everything and we always make sure that we not withhold anyone in any way.
- Further branding of Hvar - the present course?
The huge tradition of hospitality and tourism has made of Hvar an ideal choice. Among the targeted groups, the truth is there are many young people who recognize the city and the island of Hvar, and his double life: relaxed at the daytime, exciting at the night. There is a very important group of lovers of hidden coves on the island and on the Pakleni islands, which enjoy an exclusive Robinson tourism. All of this is also recognized by celebrities and business elites, as well as their families.
- The scale is raised high - do you have the willingness and the strength, but also the support of citizens and of the state, to realize your goals?
Hvar is still a mundane destination. We have never dealt with politics, rather with our city: we changed the bulbs in public lighting, dug the sewers, but also welcomed to our dock marine vehicles of the global elite. For a tenacious and sometimes stubborn work on the future of our town, we have always found friends at every level of political power, and I think that will always be correct. In fact, we love to thank these people.
1st meeting of the traditional Dalmatian vessels – The feast of Forska Pulena
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Hvar: metropolis of the sea
A city that proudly carries the title of one of the earliest centers of organized tourism, together with Opatija and Kaštela, does not live on the old fame - it is moving on to new challenges - in October it hosted a meeting of old ships, and starts building a galley of Hvar.
Hvar Metropolis of the Sea Association and Hvar Town Sailing Club Zvir embarked together on a new project.
In addition to the 1st meeting of the traditional Dalmatian vessels – The feast of Forska Pulena held in October, they are at the beginning of realization of yet another great idea, all in order to promote tourism on Hvar.
Namely, they want to renew a legendary St. Jerome galleon, with world's only preserved figurehead from this era (the bow ornament from the ship of a dragon name, Zvir).
For many years, the Lepant battle and its participants, including Hvar galleon, are the subject of the research of Ph. D. Tonči Tadić. According to his design, we collect documents to build a real galley, the 16th century wooden one. It's a boat, very shallow, 42 meters long and 5 meters wide, with 26 seats where there were three rowers, which means that 138 rowers acted as a galley drive, with soldiers and cannon armament which was at the time necessary for the battle. Our idea, with the support of the town of Hvar and the Mayor Pjerino Bebić, is a galley for tourist purposes, but also a real attraction in our Adriatic sea - we find out the details of a dream from the Secretary of the Association Tonči Buzolić Lojko.
Because a city that is proud of the title of one of the earliest centers of organized tourism together with Opatija and Kaštela, does not live on the old fame - it is moving on to new challenges and one of them was certainly meeting of traditional boats.
Hvar’s locals took on crewmembers of those wooden beauties that each have at least fifty years in their life calendar, and thus Hvar’s dock made room for leuts, gajetas, trabakuls, batanas, pasaras, braceras…
By this return to the past, we preserve our rich maritime heritage, and next year we are expecting the arrival of the falkusa and all wooden sailing ships, for which applies only one rule - to be as faithful to the original, without many upgrades - Darko Šoša, the president of the Hvar Metropolis of the Sea Association.
Festival for a moment brought back to the past both Hvar's residents and their guests, who love to dwell on the sunniest island in the Adriatic, but new programs, new challenges that can be offered to tourists, certainly did not amiss as the reaction to this event where everyone had nothing but praise was immediately seen.
Festival, in fact, delighted everyone - a real hit was the presentation of the wooden beauties, who, according to the years in the calendar are not exactly in the flower of youth, but their beauty woven into the hands of our diligent shipbuilders, sailors and fishermen, will never fade.
Source: TZ grada Hvara
Photo: Boris Kragić