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
On the Occasion of the Festivities of St. Blaise and Dubrovnik City Day, Mayor Mato Franković Sends a Message to Citizens
Dear ladies and gentlemen, esteemed people of Dubrovnik,
With great pleasure, on behalf of the City of Dubrovnik and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on Dubrovnik City Day and the Festivites of St. Blaise, our heavenly protector.
For over a millennium, Dubrovnik and St. Blaise have been inseparably connected. This centuries-old bond has shaped our identity, woven into every stone of our city, every family, every street, every story, and every tradition. St. Blaise serves as an inspiration for all of us, urging us to persevere through challenges, just as generations before us have done.
The Festivities of St. Blaise, which gave our ancestors strength in difficult and defining times, today stands as a beacon of our tradition and unity. Every banner that waves, every bell that rings, and every prayer offered to our beloved patron bear witness to our deep connection with him. Dubrovnik’s people around the world, no matter where they may be, carry this Feast in their hearts, finding in it strength, faith, and hope.
Once again, the Festivities of St. Blaise calls us to unity, pride, and love for our city. It is more than just a celebration—it is a vow and a message to safeguard all that we are and all that we represent. Our cultural and historical heritage obliges us to continue protecting our city, its legacy, and everything that makes Dubrovnik unique in the world.
May his powerful intercession continue to protect us and guide us through every storm and into the light of a new day. May St. Blaise watch over us, our families, and our homes.
Long live St. Blaise!
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board, in cooperation with the City of Dubrovnik, is once again organizing the traditional Tombola, a favorite event of the Festivities of St. Blaise. The event will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, starting at 4:00 PM. Tickets will be sold from 3:00 PM in front of Sponza Palace at a price of two euros. The Dubrovnik Tourist Board invites everyone to participate in this fun, charitable game, with all proceeds from ticket sales going to the Deša Association – Fund for Victims of Violence.
According to tradition tombola, as recorded by Dubrovnik historian Josip Bersa, dates back to 1842, is played in the afternoon of the Festivities of St. Blaise in front of Sponza Palace.
The Tombola on Stradun is a traditional event, as this game is deeply rooted in Dubrovnik’s tradition and family life. Even today, it remains a favorite pastime across generations. In the humorous spirit of Dubrovnik residents, who enjoy playful teasing, the game has historically involved "cheating," throwing bitter oranges and eggs, and lively commentary on each drawn number. The numbers are called from the terrace of Sponza Palace, with the audience reacting—some grumble, others cheer, but everyone is in good spirits and having fun.
The State Attorney’s Office of the Republic of Croatia announced on Thursday that the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, based in Washington, had rejected the lawsuit filed by Aaron Frenkel against the Republic of Croatia, which sought €225.1 million in compensation for the unrealized Golf Srđ project.
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković presented the announcement from the State Attorney’s Office at an extraordinary press conference, stating that this ruling finally marks the end of the years-long legal dispute between the investor and the Republic of Croatia.
"All issues have been fully resolved. The only remaining matter is the concession for the Imperial Fortress area. You know that arbitration in Zagreb ruled in favor of the City of Dubrovnik. However, there are other legal options they can pursue. But we should soon take possession," he said.
He emphasized that this was a major victory for the City of Dubrovnik and the Republic of Croatia and a significant defeat for Aaron Frenkel and all those who, he said, had been warning for years that Croatian citizens would have to pay the compensation.
Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show, the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious travel exhibition, celebrates its landmark 30th edition this year at Olympia London.
Sponsored by The Times and The Sunday Times, the event will welcome over 600 leading travel brands, including renowned tour operators and more than 90 tourism boards from around the world.
For the 13th consecutive year, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board will take part in this highly regarded event, joining forces with the tourism boards of Split-Dalmatia, Šibenik-Knin, Zadar, and Lika-Senj counties. Their joint 28 m² stand continues to draw considerable attention from visitors, proving to be an effective platform for promoting Croatia’s diverse travel experiences.
British tourists remain the most frequent visitors to Dubrovnik-Neretva County and the city of Dubrovnik. In 2024, the region recorded 300,141 arrivals and 1,466,899 overnight stays by British travelers—representing a 14% increase in arrivals and a 12% rise in overnight stays compared to the previous year. This sustained growth underscores the region’s enduring appeal as a premier travel destination.
A new list of products with price caps will now include 70 items, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković confirmed on Thursday, following a meeting with representatives from retail chains and manufacturers to discuss revising the list of capped products and the next steps for consumer protection.
Plenković highlighted data showing that Croatia is experiencing above-average economic growth, but he also noted that despite improvements at the macroeconomic level, many citizens are struggling to meet their basic needs.
The government, he explained, has taken measures to safeguard the standard of living by introducing fiscal policies and imposing price limits on certain products. The new list, which now includes 70 products with price restrictions, is the latest step in this effort.
“The state has acted, but others must also step up,” Plenković said, adding that no one would suffer if prices were moderated.
Finance Minister Marko Primorac dismissed claims that the government is benefiting from high inflation rates to boost the state budget.
“I categorically reject this claim,” Primorac stated, explaining that it is the national budget that has been absorbing the cost of various aid packages for both citizens and businesses, including the one for the state-run electricity provider, HEP.
He also rejected the notion that tax policy is to blame for inflation, pointing out that Croatia’s income and corporate taxes are among the lowest in Europe.
While acknowledging that Croatia’s general VAT rate is one of the highest in the EU, Primorac argued that this should not be used as an excuse for inflated prices, especially as the government has already lowered VAT to 5% on a wide range of “farm-to-table” products, from agricultural inputs to final goods.
The government, he reiterated, has no interest in seeing inflation rise, as it undermines policy objectives. Furthermore, he argued that there is no justification for suggesting that Croatia’s tax policies are responsible for food prices being higher than in the rest of the EU.
The first weekend of February in Dubrovnik will bring unsettled weather, with grey skies and scattered showers expected on both Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will remain mild, ranging between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius.
However, for the most cherished day on the city’s calendar—the Festivities of St. Blaise on February 3rd—the forecast looks far more favorable. Conditions are expected to be calmer and warmer, with pleasant highs reaching 18 degrees, ensuring a more enjoyable celebration of Dubrovnik’s beloved patron saint.
Croatia’s top government officials have quietly pocketed massive salary increases since June, with some seeing their pay skyrocket by over 75%, according to the latest asset declarations, reports N1.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has seen the biggest boost, with his net salary soaring by €2,423 to €5,685.94 per month—up from last year’s €3,262.82. And it’s not just his paycheck growing—his savings have ballooned by €10,000, now sitting at €230,000.
Defense Minister Ivan Anušić isn’t far behind, enjoying a €2,328.97 pay hike, a 77% increase. Meanwhile, government spokesman Marko Milić saw his salary jump from €1,836.72 to €3,274.58, an eye-watering 78% rise.
Even Zvonimir Frka-Petešić, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, has benefited handsomely—his salary jumped by €1,690.28, a 76% boost, now reaching €3,894.04 per month.
Croatians are hitting the slopes with their digital wallets in hand! A new survey reveals that 61% of winter travelers are ditching cash in favor of cards, smartphones, and smartwatches. And they’re ready to splash out—49% are planning a winter getaway, with nearly half budgeting between €50 and €150 per day, reports Poslovni Dnevnik.
But there’s a catch—many ski resorts and tourist spots are still lagging behind on digital payments. The biggest pain points? Restaurants (23%), parking (22%), and ski passes (14%). A whopping 37% of consumers say the lack of cashless options could make them spend less or even take their money elsewhere!
Despite this, Croatia remains the top winter destination for locals, though Slovenia (20%) and Austria (16%) are strong contenders. And it’s not just skiing—travelers are increasingly splashing out on spa treatments, gourmet dining, and cultural experiences.
Visa’s Croatia boss, Renata Vujasinović, warns businesses to step up their game: “Without digital payments, they risk losing customers—especially in competitive hotspots like ski resorts.”
With 60% of Croatian skiers now preferring a completely cashless experience, the message is clear—adapt or get left out in the cold!