Sunday, 09 February 2025
Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.

Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com

In Croatia, 4,461 new passenger cars were sold in January this year, the same as in January 2024, according to data from Promocija plus published on Tuesday, which also shows that Volkswagen had the highest number of sales.

A total of 548 Volkswagen vehicles were sold in the first month of this year, securing a market share of 12.3%. Škoda ranks second with 529 new cars sold and a market share of 11.9%, while Suzuki is third with 344 units sold, accounting for 7.7% of the market. Dacia holds fourth place with 308 vehicles sold, and Opel is fifth with 286.

The best-selling model last month was the Volkswagen T-Cross, with 263 units sold. The Suzuki Vitara and Opel Corsa were each chosen by 188 buyers, while the Škoda Octavia and Kodiaq were purchased by 184 and 124 customers, respectively.

In January 2025, Croatian buyers preferred petrol cars the most, with 1,995 units sold, making up 44.7% of total sales. Hybrids were also in demand, with 1,751 units sold, representing 39.3% of total sales. Diesel vehicles ranked third, purchased by 492 buyers (11%). LPG was chosen 142 times, while fully electric cars attracted 81 buyers, accounting for 1.8% of total sales.

The popular travel portal European Best Destination has published a list of the best activities and experiences across Europe, highlighting two must-visit destinations in Croatia that offer tourists an unforgettable experience, reports N1

Krka National Park

European Best Destination recommends refreshing yourself in Krka National Park, describing it as a paradise on Earth. Covering an area of 110 square kilometers, this park is considered one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders and ranks among the top activities and tours in Europe.

Croatias Natural Wonders Among Europes Best Travel Experiences 1

Magnificent waterfalls cascade into turquoise crystal-clear lakes, creating an idyllic setting perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a breathtaking escape.

Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park has been recognized by travelers worldwide as the most beautiful national park in Europe. Visiting this spectacular site is simply one of the best experiences Europe has to offer.

Nestled between two remarkable cities—Zagreb, named the best Christmas destination, and Zadar, voted the best destination in Europe—this national park stands as one of the most breathtaking places to visit in the region.

The Festivities of St. Blaise was once again enriched by the traditional Tombola, a beloved event that brings joy to all generations. Offering fun and excitement, the Tombola also featured the popular orange-throwing tradition.

This year, a total of €5,540 was raised, with all proceeds from ticket sales donated to the Deša Association – Fund for Victims of Violence.

Tradition with a Cause St. Blaise Tombola Raises 5540 for Charity 1

Greece’s Aegean Airlines is set to increase flights between Athens and Dubrovnik this summer. The airline, clearly feeling generous, will operate a daily service in June, July, and August—up from last year’s six weekly flights in June and July, and a notable improvement from the four weekly services offered last August.

But the expansion doesn’t stop there. April and October will also see a boost, with an extra weekly flight bringing the total to four per week—because why should summer travellers have all the fun?

Aegean has so far scheduled its trusty Airbus A320s for the route, ensuring passengers can expect the usual blend of efficiency, comfort, and the occasional battle for overhead luggage space. 

In celebration of the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the Mayor of Dubrovnik, in an open letter to the citizens, extends heartfelt greetings and reflections on the significance of this beloved tradition. This message honors the deep-rooted connection between the city and its patron saint, highlighting the unity, faith, and shared pride that continue to define Dubrovnik through the centuries.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of Dubrovnik,

With great joy, on behalf of the City of Dubrovnik and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of the City of Dubrovnik and the Festivities of Saint Blaise, our heavenly patron.

For the 1,053rd time, we gather to celebrate the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the most important day for our city, which the people of Dubrovnik have proudly and lovingly honored for centuries. Saint Blaise is not just the protector of our city—he is a symbol of our faith, freedom, and unity, a guardian of our history, and a guiding light for our future.

Dubrovnik and Saint Blaise have been inseparably linked for over a millennium. This eternal bond has shaped the identity of our city, woven into every stone, every street, every story, and tradition. Saint Blaise is not only an intercessor for the people of Dubrovnik but also a symbol of our enduring fight to preserve what we hold dear—our city, our heritage, our freedom. He inspires us to persevere through challenges, just as generations before us have done.

Over the past year, we have marked significant anniversaries—45 years since Dubrovnik's historic core was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 15 years since the Festivities of Saint Blaise was recognized on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the inclusion of the Dubrovnik Republic’s archival records in UNESCO’s Memory of the World program. These milestones remind us of the immense cultural wealth entrusted to us, as well as the responsibility we bear—to preserve our city and its values for future generations.

The Festivities of Saint Blaise, which inspired our ancestors in times of hardship and uncertainty, remains a beacon of our tradition and unity today. Every flag that flutters, every bell that tolls, and every prayer offered to our beloved saint is a testament to our deep connection with him. Dubrovnik’s people, no matter where in the world they may be, carry the spirit of the Festivities in their hearts, drawing strength, faith, and hope from it.

Once again, the Festivities of Saint Blaise calls upon us to come together, to take pride in and cherish our city. It is more than a celebration—it is a vow and a message to safeguard everything we are and everything we represent. Our cultural and historical heritage compels us to continue protecting our city, its legacy, and all that makes Dubrovnik unique in the world.

May Saint Blaise’s powerful intercession continue to protect and guide us through every storm and into the light of a new day. May he watch over us, our families, and our homes.

Long live Saint Blaise!

 

According to data from the eVisitor system, a total of 11,946 tourist arrivals and 36,689 overnight stays were recorded in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County during January 2025. This represents a 2% decrease in arrivals and a 12% decrease in overnight stays compared to January 2024.

The highest number of overnight stays was recorded by guests from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Germany, and the United States.

Hotels accounted for the largest share with 18,410 overnight stays (50% of the total), followed by private accommodation with 9,978 overnight stays (27%) and non-commercial accommodation with 5,351 overnight stays (15%).

Currently, 1,900 tourists are staying in the county.

The total number of employed persons in the industry sector in December 2024 decreased by 0.4% compared to November and by 2% compared to December 2023, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

According to the National Classification of Activities, employment in the manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly 92% of total industrial employment, fell by 0.6% compared to the previous month.

In mining and quarrying, which makes up just under 2% of total industrial employment, the number of employees remained unchanged from November. Meanwhile, employment in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, which holds a 6.1% share, increased by 0.3%.

On an annual basis, the number of employees in the manufacturing sector declined by 2.3%, with the steepest drops recorded in the production of clothing (-21.7%) and leather and related products (-12.8%).

Increased Labor Productivity

At the same time, the highest annual employment growth was recorded in tobacco product manufacturing (+7.2%), computer, electronic, and optical product manufacturing (+5.9%), and the production of other transport equipment (+5.4%).

From December 2023 to December 2024, employment in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply fell by 0.2%, while the mining and quarrying sector saw an employment increase of 6.4%.

Overall, employment in the industry sector in 2024 was 2.2% lower than in 2023. However, labor productivity in the sector increased by 0.3% compared to the previous year.

Unemployment Rate Below the European Average

Eurostat data for December 2024 shows that Croatia remains among the EU countries with the lowest unemployment rates at 4.5%, compared to the EU average of 5.9%.

Spain (10.6%), Greece (9.4%), and Finland (8.7%) recorded the highest unemployment rates, while the lowest were in the Czech Republic (2.6%), Poland, and Malta (3%).

Notably, Croatia had one of the highest unemployment rates in the EU until 2018, when it was as high as 12.5% in 2016. Since then, it has steadily declined, dipping below the EU average in 2023.

 

With the reading of the Laus, the offering of gifts, the raising of the Saint’s banner accompanied by the singing of the patron saint's hymn "Čuj sv. Vlaho", and the release of doves, the 2025 Festivities of Saint Blaise was officially opened by Dubrovnik Bishop Mons. Roko Glasnović.

“The banner waves, and white doves take flight, spreading the joy of our Feast of Saint Blaise across the world. Our society and individuals alike face various problems and challenges in seeking answers to many existential questions. We witness threats to life, human and Christian values. From all corners of the world, we hear about natural disasters, wars, violence, internal and external enslavement, various diseases, and we ask ourselves how to find meaning in it all. Without God, we cannot. We need Jesus and the intercession of Saint Blaise to heal us from all afflictions and protect us from all evil,” said the bishop in part of his opening address.

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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