"Add to the Basket" – Caritas Dubrovnik Launches Lenten Charity Drive
The Caritas of the Diocese of Dubrovnik is once again organizing its traditional Lenten campaign, "Add to the Basket," which started yesterday on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
The campaign is carried out in collaboration with several retail chains and stores in Dubrovnik and surrounding areas, aiming to collect aid for those in need.
Everyone who is able is invited to participate by donating essential goods to help families and individuals facing hardship. While shopping, customers can select food and hygiene products and place them in designated baskets marked with Caritas posters at store exits.
All donated items will be distributed to Caritas beneficiaries. As in previous years, the campaign includes retail chains Konzum, Pevex, Studenac, and Tommy, as well as stores "DB Kantun" and "Mokošica."
The campaign will run until Easter, offering an opportunity for all who wish to help to show kindness and support to those in need during this Lenten season.
Croatian Audiobooks Take Center Stage at the London Book Fair 2025
Zagreb, March 5, 2025 – book&zvook, the Croatian platform for audiobooks and digital editions, in collaboration with the publishing house Sandorf and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Media, announces its participation at the London Book Fair, one of the world’s largest publishing trade fairs, taking place from March 11-13, 2025.
This innovative Croatian platform and app, which is transforming the way we read and listen to books, will present its catalog to a global audience along with its technological framework. By the end of 2024, the platform boasted nearly 150 audiobooks, over 20,000 active users, and more than 40,000 app downloads!
Listen to Croatia!
A special focus at the fair will be on the expanding collection of contemporary Croatian literature in English translation. This collection provides a sharp insight into Croatia’s literary scene, featuring refined audio design tailored for an international audience while preserving the authenticity of the original works.
As part of Croatia’s exhibit at the Audio Village section of the London Book Fair’s technology zone, authors Maša Kolanović and Monika Herceg will be special guests, representing contemporary Croatian literature in audiobook form.
Lana Deban and Ljubica Letinić - Photo by ©Vedran Peteh
"Our mission is to bring books closer to new generations of listeners and to build a bridge between traditional publishing and the digital age," said Ljubica Letinić, co-founder of book&zvook. She added, "The London Book Fair is an ideal opportunity to showcase our rich audiobook library, highlight the incredible potential of contemporary Croatian literature, and connect with international publishers, authors, and literature lovers."
LBF 2025 – A Major Step Forward for Croatian Publishing
Croatia’s return to London has been in the works since last year, led by Sandorf and Mljet National Park, which previously introduced the Ulysses' Shelter literary residency program held on Mljet.
What is book&zvook bringing to LBF 2025?
✅ book&zvook English Edition – A collection of Croatian literature in English, available on the book&zvook platform and major global audiobook services.
✅ Tech Theatre Panel – A discussion on the challenges and innovations in audiobook publishing for small languages.
✅ Partnerships with publishers – Open for collaboration with international publishers looking to bring their books into the audiobook format.
✅ Panels & Workshops – book&zvook will participate in discussions on the future of digital publishing, book technology, and the reading habits of new generations.
✅ Live Platform Demos – Visitors can experience the audiobook creation process, listen to book&zvook audiobooks, and explore app functionalities.
✅ Exclusive Promo Codes – Free access to select Croatian audiobooks for fair attendees.
Why Is Audiobook Publishing the Future?
A groundbreaking study conducted by Ipsos for book&zvook revealed that 7% of respondents listened to audiobooks in the past year, with the main motivation being the ability to multitask while listening.
- Most popular genres: Popular science, contemporary fiction, and classic literature.
- Language preference: Croatian remains the most popular language for audiobook listeners.
- Future growth: 25% of respondents believe they will or could start listening to audiobooks in the future.
The global audiobook market has been growing for ten consecutive years, with forecasts predicting annual growth of over 20% in the next five years. With the increasing demand for digital content and audiobook platforms, book&zvook is poised to expand its regional success onto the global stage.
"We see huge potential in audiobooks—not just as a medium for enjoying literature, but also as a tool for education, language learning, and personal development," added Letinić. "Our bookstore has recorded a significant rise in audiobook sales, proving the growing interest in listening to books."
With a diverse catalog and cutting-edge features, book&zvook is redefining the way we experience books in the digital age.
"Audiobooks beautifully combine oral storytelling, the foundation of all literature, with the fast-paced exchange of information and adaptable formats of the digital era. In London, we will showcase Croatia’s achievements in this field over the past few years," emphasized Sršen.
About book&zvook
book&zvook is the first Croatian digital platform and app for audiobooks, dedicated to Croatian and other South Slavic languages. Professionally produced audiobooks bring literature to life, blending advanced technology with exceptional narration. The platform ensures seamless distribution, a global reach, and the preservation of linguistic and cultural heritage.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković appeared this morning on Croatian Radio’s (HRT) program A sada vlada, discussing the state of affairs in Croatia, Europe, and the world, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.
At the start, Plenković noted that significant changes have occurred in Europe and globally following President Trump’s election victory in the U.S.
A Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
“There has been a shift in U.S. policy regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. President Trump views the two Russian aggressions on Ukraine—one in 2014 and the current one from 2022—as events that occurred under Democratic presidents. From his perspective, he does not identify with this war in the same way as Democratic presidents did. Instead, he blames them for their weakness, as Putin dared to violate international law during their terms. From Trump’s point of view, there was no Russian aggression during his presidency,” Plenković said.
“Trump's position is that he wants to be the president who brings peace—both in Ukraine and the Middle East—while focusing on U.S. domestic policy, including the imposition of trade and customs barriers, even against long-standing allies. This, along with the ideological and cultural issues that dominated his campaign, is his main focus,” he added.
On Zelensky’s Visit to the White House
Plenković also addressed Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to Washington.
“The meeting at the White House should not have taken place in front of the cameras in that way. Ukraine is a country under attack, and while the whole world is supporting it, he was treated as if he does not want peace,” Plenković said. He emphasized that Ukraine is seeking security guarantees to prevent another Russian aggression in the future.
“Ukraine feels betrayed because it abandoned its security program and, in return, did not receive adequate protection.”
Regarding the European Union’s role, Plenković stressed that the EU must not remain on the sidelines in these negotiations.
“The EU must have a seat at the table because it has provided Ukraine with all possible support. However, what is lacking is high-level institutional dialogue with the U.S. For example, Kaja Kallas did not meet with Rubio during her visit to the U.S., which is not a good sign. Unusual developments are unfolding.”
Europe’s Re-Armament
The European Union has announced plans to strengthen its military capabilities, and Plenković stated that Croatia will be able to meet the new financial demands.
“These five points on re-armament are part of the ‘Re-Arming’ program. Let’s not forget that the EU is a peace project, and we have not faced a threat like this since the Cold War,” Plenković said, highlighting the extensive support Croatia has already provided to Ukraine.
Technological developments and the digital revolution made entertainment more accessible to people. Now, to play casino, you do not need to visit a traditional casino. All you need to do is pick up your phone, open a casino app, and start playing.
Moreover, there are enormous entertainment options if you take into account the speed of technological development. However, with a sheer number of online casinos available online, it is easy to get scammed or face security issues.
Therefore, safety is important while you are playing online casino games. Therefore, to get online casino safety tips, read on.
Online Casino Safety: Why Is It Important?
When you play online casino games, it is crucial to ensure the best safety practices. This is because many online casinos are prone to scams and fraudulent activities. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the problem points and take proactive measures.
Also, since there are probably millions of online casino games available online, it is important to understand which one to choose. In fact, there are many casinos that do not have proper licensing and security regulations.
On the other hand, you can come across certain online casinos where there are no strong security measures. For instance, in an online casino, you have to keep funds and stakes in games. Hence, you must ensure that the platform is secure with proper password and authentication processes in place, just like Mr Green Casino online.
Apart from that, many online casinos do not have multiple payment options, which can again pose security problems. In addition to that, a crucial factor is data protection. For instance, if a site has good security measures, it will ensure data protection for users.
Another important factor is fair play assurance. Here, an online casino platform must clearly write all the terms and conditions in an easy-to-see manner. Moreover, in other cases, many gaming platforms do not rely on fair algorithms. Hence, as a beginner player, you must understand which platforms are unreliable and rigged.
Online Casino Safety Tips for Beginners
To ensure safety while playing online casinos, consider the following safety tips:
1. Check the Licensing of the Online Casino
When you choose an online casino, you need to ensure that it comes with legitimate licensing. If a casino has a legitimate license, it shows that it has the allowance to conduct business as a casino in a particular area or platform like the online aviator game stribe.
For instance, if a website has licenses, it goes through regulatory inspections. Also, it is easier to make the website accountable in case of misconduct. On the other hand, unlicensed websites are not subjected to such inspections. Hence, there are big chances of fraud, scams, and financial loss.
2. Verify the Security of the Platform
If you want to play an online casino game, you need to share your name, email address, and payment method information. Hence, it makes sense to choose an online casino with strong IT and security measures. Apart from that, it also needs to have robust encryption processes and secure data storage.
Moreover, the website you choose must have two-factor authentication measures. In fact, the best online casinos always ask for identity verification before transactions. Hence, you do not need to worry about unlawful transactions or data loss.
3. Ensure the Platform Offers You Strong Authentication Measures
After verifying the licenses and security measures of a platform, you can choose your online casino game platform. Then, you need to register for an account if you want to start playing.
So, when you choose an account password, you need to ensure that you use a strong combination. In fact, the platform will continuously prompt you to have a strong password.
Also, ensure you do not use your name or any other personal information in your password. For instance, if a password contains a name, it is easier to crack. Hence, consider using a password manager or free browser extensions that are freely available.
Basically, by using a browser plugin, you can build a strong password that is difficult to crack. Apart from that, these password managers safely keep your passwords.
4. Payment Method Security
An online casino must have multiple payment method options. The best way to ensure this is to choose a reputable and trustworthy platform. Generally, a reputable platform has a reputation to protect. Hence, they will go to lengths to ensure your data and payment information are protected.
Moreover, you must also check whether the payment procedure is straightforward, brief, and efficient. Here, check whether these options are available or not:
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- e-wallets
- Bank Transfer
- Cryptocurrency
5. Fair Play Measures
All gambling platforms have terms and conditions that they will require you to follow. Basically, these terms and conditions contain rules of play, playouts, and bonuses. Hence, if you know about these points, you can prevent scams, and the platform guarantees fair gameplay for participants.
Moreover, a reputable platform will rely on fair algorithms for gameplay. On the other hand, you must stay away from sites where you find rigged games and unreliable gameplay. If you want to play casino games, you at least need the platform, to be honest.
6. Free Trial Options
Many top online casino platforms offer free trial options for new players. Apart from that, new players also get starting bonuses when they first cash in. Those platforms take these steps to attract new players to play games on their platform.
However, if you want to check a platform and its gameplay, you must go through the free versions of the game. This will also help you get an idea of whether you like the game or not. Moreover, get more information about customer service of the the platform.
Play Responsibly
Casino games are designed to be addictive in nature. Hence, you must know when to stop. For instance, if you lose a game, take some time to reflect before you try to win your money back. Also, when you are playing casinos, you must always stick to a strict budget.
Do you have more suggestions for security tips? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
The way of gaming has changed over the past few decades. Initially, people used to play and confined gaming to just a hobby or a way to boost local gatherings.
But, in today’s time, it has moved beyond some casual games and fun moments.
Gaming is now a global sensation and has a vibrant community of millions of people across the world.
In fact, it’s an industry worth billions of dollars, driving artists, enthusiasts, players, and commentators to several events and gatherings throughout the world.
But how did this evolution come to be? What was the roadmap that led to the creation of such a global phenomenon around online gaming?
If you’re interested in taking a deep dive into the evolutionary history of online gaming, give this article a quick read.
From LAN Parties to Connected Communities
Here’s a detailed evolutionary history of the gaming world –
Early Days of Gaming: LAN
In the early days of gaming, there were home consoles and single player experiences dominating the market.
Players used to enjoy titles such as Mario Bros. and Pac-Man alone. If they had siblings and friends who could come over, they could include them in the gaming party. But that wasn’t online.
But with progress in technology, LAN networks came as the first solution to playing together. It helped players share experiences that mattered to people.
In fact, LAN parties were also a means for gamers to engage in social gatherings. Some popular names they would play included Doom and StarCraft.
In fact, these parties were the means to gather camaraderie and help players compete. As a result, the stage for what was to come in the world of online gaming.
These games aren’t as easy as playing Game-Aviator and earning rewards. But what appeared as LAN gaming paved the way for the first phase of the world-class gaming community. But it was meant to come.
The Rise of Esports Tournaments
eSports started to gain traction around the 1990s. Games are used to play and discuss their favorite LAN games online. However, remote gameplay is no longer how the entire gaming communities communicate about these new sensations.
Humble beginners of online gaming are now full-time game streamers, and they are playing across the boundaries of their respective countries. In this article, we’ve discussed how the gaming landscape is changing and affecting and connecting people around the world.
Once, the LAN parties that used to keep gamers awake throughout the night have now turned into large-scale global tournaments.
There’s no need for lugging heavy desktops to local LAN parties to play together. Now, players can play from the comfort of their homes and put on a show worth cherishing for global audiences who love to watch online games.
A Shift from LAN to Online
What started with LAN shifted to an internet-based game where there’s a new door for the players to open.
With Dial-UP connections, there were better opportunities for the gamers to communicate. It helped players access and talk to other players across vast distances.
As a result, it leads to the birth of the very first era of gaming. It started with the rise of early online games such as Ultima and Online and EverQuest.
When the guilds form, they allow the gamers to communicate, strategize, and collaborate. They can build a strong relationship with their friends as well.
The Present and Future of Esports
MMOs brought a new shift in the world of gaming. It connected the global gaming industry and made the experience more expansive and immersive. The interesting features of these games include their capability to host thousands of players at once. As a result, the dynamic environments are filled with quests.
There are several chances of quests, social interactions, and gaming challenges available through the MMOs. Nowadays, you can even play online casino games like RocketPlay Canada through your smartphone and other smart devices.
But MMOs aren’t like online casino games. These are for hardcore gamers who are there for the thrill and the gaming community. Most players would enjoy playing titles such as Final Fantasy XIV or World of Warcraft.
They also engage in gameplay. These games encourage engagement and also help foster a strong and vibrant community. Gamers bond over shared experiences and discussions regarding popular games.
Infrastructure & Gaming Support
The growth of eSports and online gaming platforms also started to flourish due to different country’s governments taking initiatives to support them.
Governments started to back these communities up with several infrastructural improvements so that the gaming industry could grow.
Governments started to invest in different things like training facilities, arenas, and all other necessary things to host major tournaments.
These initiatives not only provide professional players with better resources but alos attract tournaments around the world.
What Does the Current Scene of Online Gaming Look Like?
Online gaming encompasses a great and diverse field with different genres and platforms merging and combining.
Aside from desktop and computer gaming, games played on smartphones have gained a new level of traction and audience.
In addition, many other trends are also changing and reshaping the gaming landscape. For example, VR adn AR are new additions to the world of gaming technologies. It helps creators build an immersive gaming experience.
Furthermore, the addition of cloud gaming platforms to the equation has made games more accessible to players. There’s no need to carry around heavy hardware equipment to play.
Cloud gaming services are poised to eliminate hardware barriers. With these barriers, it’s easier to play from anywhere the player wants to play.
To Happy Gaming
Gaming or playing eSports is different from traditional sports. But there’s also a significant level of energy spent during intense gameplay. While the athletes need to stay active and in shape to be able to participate and play competitive games, it’s not too different for the eSports players.
They have to keep using strategic thinking and strong hand-eye coordination. Their motor skills in their hands, and quick reaction time during gameplay are extremely necessary. That’s why it’s also important to keep the mental and physical health of gamers in check for them to operate more efficiently.
Dubrovnik-Neretva County and Dubrovnik Tourist Boards Showcase at ITB Berlin 2025, Promoting Croatia’s Tourism Excellence
The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board will participate again this year at the world’s most important tourism fair, ITB in Berlin, held from March 4-6, 2025.
This year’s ITB fair carries the slogan “The World of Travel Lives Here” and, since 2023, has been open exclusively to tourism professionals.
In cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, daily tastings of Croatian wines and cheeses will be organized at the stand.
For more than 60 years, the name ITB has been synonymous with industry knowledge 365 days a year, networking, and trend-setting events, whether in virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats.
Despite the not-so-favorable political and economic developments in both Germany and globally, the organizers emphasize optimism in the entire travel and tourism industry.
This optimistic outlook is supported by completely filled halls and a record number of 5,800 domestic and international exhibitors, which is a 5% increase compared to last year.
Exhibitors come from more than 170 countries, further emphasizing the global reach of the world’s leading tourism fair.
In Berlin, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonči Glavina, and the Director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, will be present. They will receive awards from the European Best Destination portal, which named Croatia as the best destination for 2025.
In 2024, Dubrovnik-Neretva County was visited by 153,615 tourists from Germany, a 1% decrease compared to 2023. They achieved 668,952 overnight stays, which is a 2.5% decrease compared to the previous year.
Dubrovnik Shines at the Oscars: Targeted Campaign Boosts City’s Global Filming Appeal
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board successfully carried out a geotargeted promotional campaign during the prestigious Oscars, aiming to establish Dubrovnik as a top filming destination that attracts international productions.
The campaign, launched on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, targeted all attendees and visitors at the Dolby Theatre, the venue of the Oscars, as well as the surrounding audience. Through this promotional activity, Dubrovnik reached 67,898 users, effectively showcasing the city's beauty and its cinematic locations while further sparking interest in future film projects.
Related - Historic Oscar Nomination for Croatian Film The Man Who Couldn’t Stay Silent, But No Win
The primary goal of the campaign was to raise global awareness of Dubrovnik as an ideal filming destination. The promotional ads were strategically targeted at users during peak audience concentration in front of the Dolby Theatre—both during the arrival of film stars on the red carpet and throughout the awards ceremony itself.
"This initiative further enhanced Dubrovnik’s visibility on the global map of filming locations, positioning it as a must-visit destination for film productions while promoting its rich history and unique atmosphere as a perfect setting for movie projects," stated the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.
Help Shape Dubrovnik’s Digital Nomad Future – Take the 5-Minute Survey!
Dubrovnik is calling all digital nomads!
As the city transforms into a hub for remote work, it wants to know what would make your stay even better.
The Dubrovnik Long Stay community has launched a quick 5-minute survey to gather insights on everything from co-working spaces to community events.
Your input will directly shape the city’s digital nomad offerings, making Dubrovnik an even more vibrant place for remote workers.
Take the survey now and be part of the change: Survey Link.
Dubrovnik Showcases Year-Round Appeal at Roadshow 2025 in Asia
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board successfully participated in the Roadshow 2025 in Asia, organized with the support of Miki Reps, one of the leading tour operators from the Far East. This roadshow is part of a strategic promotion of the region as an attractive destination for travelers from Asia, and this year it included Manila, Bangkok, and Jakarta.
From February 24 to 28, the roadshow gathered key stakeholders and professionals in the tourism industry, who had the opportunity to learn about the diverse tourist offer of Dubrovnik – from UNESCO World Heritage sites, cultural and adventure experiences, to luxury accommodations and authentic gastronomy. Dubrovnik, with its rich cultural and historical heritage, stood out as a top destination for group travel, offering unique experiences. Through themed events, luxurious gala dinners, and authentic local experiences, Dubrovnik provides programs that combine prestige, history, and top-notch service.
All presentations concluded with the awarding of attractive prize stays at Valamar Riviera d.d., Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, and Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. Over 80 enthusiastic agents and tour operators participated in Manila, more than 50 in Bangkok, and the roadshow concluded with a presentation to agents in Jakarta.
The presentations were attended by renowned travel agencies and organizations, including INTours, Visit Ljubljana, Maistra Hotels, Sava Hotels, IHG Hotels (Intercontinental Hotel Ljubljana), TZ of Istria County, the City of Zagreb Tourist Board, Fortuna Tours (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board. These markets are characterized by continuous demand for travel throughout the year, and Dubrovnik’s promotion is particularly focused on the period from November 1 to May 1 to encourage visits outside the main season and ensure year-round tourism.
After the contract for the reconstruction and renovation of Gradac Park was signed about ten days ago, a presentation of the urban-architectural-landscape design project was held today. The goal was to inform the Dubrovnik public in a timely manner about the details of this significant capital investment in the city's green infrastructure, which is funded through non-repayable ITU mechanism funds.
The award-winning design for the restoration of Dubrovnik’s largest and oldest park, along with its wider urban landscape, was presented in the City Council Hall by lead designer Antun Sevšek and landscape architect Vesna Hrga Martić, along with arborist Fran Poštenjak.
Mayor Mato Franković emphasized that this marks the first comprehensive and systematic renovation of the park since its opening in 1898. He explained that the City of Dubrovnik organized the public presentation to allow the project’s experts to showcase the complete vision.
Lead architect Antun Sevšek outlined the architectural and construction interventions, noting that the goal is for the park to appear unchanged at first glance while significantly improving its functionality, usability, symbolism, and visual appeal. "New elements include a renovated children’s playground in the northwest zone, two new entrances, and the revitalization of a historic cistern. A small outdoor amphitheater will be created for gatherings and events, and a new pathway will be introduced in a previously unused section of the park. Various small-scale improvements will enhance the park’s ambiance while maintaining a non-invasive approach to construction and planting," Sevšek explained.
"We see this park as a pine kingdom, and it will remain so. The competition requirements and conservation guidelines mandated the preservation of its evergreen character. While a small number of trees will be removed, over 300 new trees will be planted, including 270 cypress and pine trees, along with additional trees that reflect the park’s original design," stated landscape architect Vesna Hrga Martić.
The project includes the preservation and revitalization of 350 existing trees and the planting of 388 new trees, comprising more than 30 different species. Additionally, over 13,000 plants—including perennials, shrubs, succulents, ornamental grasses, hedges, climbing plants, aquatic plants, and ground cover from over 100 species—will be introduced. All existing pathways will be restored and upgraded.
A multifunctional, formally designed public stage will be built to support various temporary events. The existing fountain will be renovated, and a new children’s playground will be installed.
The park will be equipped with a fire hydrant network for improved fire safety, as well as an irrigation system that will collect and store rainwater from surface runoff. Other planned improvements include the restoration of stone sculptures and historical boundary walls, the renovation of the public restroom with a new drinking fountain, the redesign of a rest area, and the addition of two new viewpoints. The park will also receive new benches and updated LED lighting, featuring 22 tall lamps, 67 low lamps, and 42 wall-mounted fixtures.
Covering approximately 17,000 square meters, the project is valued at €4,414,625 (including VAT). It is part of the Green Infrastructure Network initiative, which also includes the renovation of Pile Park and the Platanus trees at Brsalje. The total non-repayable ITU funding allocated for these projects amounts to €5,558,382.
The Voice of Dubrovnik
