Thursday, 13 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

For generations, Croatians have left their homeland in search of better opportunities. Today, an estimated 3.2 million people either emigrated relatively recently or have Croatian ancestry. The country’s accession to the European Union in 2013 opened the floodgates for migration, with many seeking work in wealthier EU nations. But while they may have left, they certainly haven’t forgotten home, reports TPortal.

Remittances—money sent back by Croatians living abroad—are growing year by year, now making up a significant portion of the country’s economy. In 2022, transfers from the diaspora accounted for a staggering 7.34% of Croatia’s GDP, the highest proportion of any EU country.

Figures from the Croatian National Bank (HNB) illustrate the scale of these financial lifelines. In 2020, remittances totalled €3.669 billion. By 2021, that figure had exceeded €4.2 billion. In both 2022 and 2023, the total surpassed €5 billion.

In the first nine months of 2024 alone, Croatians abroad sent back €4.641 billion. The full-year figure, expected in spring, could well top €5 billion again, reinforcing Croatia’s dependence on its expatriate workforce.

Germany Leads, but Ireland’s Role is Growing

Germany remains the dominant source of remittances, with over €1 billion arriving each year. In 2020, Croatians in Germany transferred €1.647 billion home, a number that climbed to €1.767 billion in 2021 and then nearly €2 billion in 2022. By 2023, the milestone was broken, with €2.146 billion recorded. In just the first nine months of 2024, the total stood at €1.78 billion.

But Germany isn’t the only player. In recent years, Ireland has emerged as an increasingly important source of income for Croatia’s economy. In 2020, remittances from Ireland stood at €270.5 million. By 2023, that figure had more than doubled to €607.4 million. In the first three quarters of 2024, €504.2 million had already been sent, suggesting another record-breaking year.

Another surprise is the Netherlands, which has seen a significant rise in remittances. In 2020, Croatian workers there sent home just €77 million. By 2023, that number had skyrocketed to €554.5 million—a remarkable increase.

Meanwhile, Austria and Slovenia—longstanding destinations for Croatian migrant workers—continue to contribute significant sums, albeit at a steadier pace. In 2020, each country sent around €180 million in remittances. By 2023, Austria’s contribution had climbed to €436.2 million, while Slovenia’s reached €285 million.

A Country Increasingly Reliant on Its Diaspora

Over the past five years, remittances have consistently accounted for more than 7% of Croatia’s GDP, making it one of the most dependent nations on its overseas workforce. In 2022, the figure hit a record high of 7.45%.

The flow of money is a vital economic buffer, particularly in a country grappling with a shrinking workforce and rising emigration. While remittances bring much-needed financial support to families, they also raise concerns about Croatia’s long-term economic sustainability. As more skilled workers leave, the economy remains heavily reliant on those abroad to support those who stay.

For now, Croatia’s diaspora continues to provide a financial lifeline. But with remittances outpacing revenue from tourism in some years, it raises a difficult question: what happens if the money stops flowing?

Dubrovnik Airport recorded 19,856 passengers in January 2025, marking an impressive 31.54% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

With an expanded network of routes and connections, the airport looks forward to continued growth throughout the rest of the year, as announced on its official Facebook page. "What a Great Start to the Year!" commented the airport on thier social media channels. 

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From February 13 to 16, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board is organizing a varied and rich program for Valentine's Day. An unforgettable Valentine’s Day in Dubrovnik will provide couples and all romance lovers with a unique experience through a series of events, such as Valentine’s Gourmet Days in Dubrovnik restaurants, a humanitarian concert by Marko Škugor in the special ambiance of the Marin Držić Theatre, and themed tours "Traces of Love from the Past," which take visitors back to Dubrovnik’s romantic history.

Plakat Valentinovo Gourmet Dani 2025

The Dubrovnik Tourist Board traditionally organizes Valentine’s Gourmet Days in sixteen Dubrovnik restaurants, running from February 13 to 16. The restaurants have prepared special, creative menus so that locals and their guests can enjoy gastronomic delicacies. From traditional local specialties to international culinary surprises, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for a unique gastronomic experience. You can browse the brochure with the special menus at the following link: Valentine’s Gourmet Days Brochure.

A special evening of this romantic week is reserved for a concert by Marko Škugor, which will take place on February 14 at 8:00 PM at the Marin Držić Theatre. This unique musical event, organized in collaboration with Lions Club Dubrovnik, is a blend of romance and humanitarian action. Tickets, priced at 20 euros, are a donation to the Down Syndrome Association of Dubrovnik-Neretva County and can be purchased at the Marin Držić Theatre box office. We invite all visitors to support this noble cause and create an unforgettable experience together.

All couples and history lovers will have the opportunity to explore the city's romantic past through the themed tours "Traces of Love from the Past" by Lidija Begić, taking place on February 8 and 13. These special walks will reveal fascinating stories and legends of love that have marked Dubrovnik’s streets for centuries. The tours start at 9:30 AM in English and 12:30 PM in Croatian from the TIC Pile. Due to the limited number of participants, reservations are required no later than the day before by 5:00 PM, via email or by phone at +385 20 312 011.

"We invite all visitors to join these special events, share moments of love, and support the humanitarian action to make Valentine’s Day even more special," stated the tourist board. 

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!

 

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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