Tour guides in Dubrovnik are fuming after changes to Croatia’s tourism law opened the door for foreign guides to work in the country without having to live here or even prove they speak Croatian.

The new rules, passed to align with EU and OECD standards, mean guides from those countries can lead tours at once-protected sites, sparking anger from local professionals who fear being pushed aside.

On World Tourism Day, Patricia Cvinar, president of the Tour Guides Association, urged colleagues to stage a spontaneous protest outside Dubrovnik’s Gradska Kavana. “If enough of us show up with our licenses, we’ll make it clear this fight has only just begun,” she wrote.

Criticism also rained down on Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković, who voted for the changes in Parliament despite previously insisting guides must know Croatian. SDP councillor Anita Bonačić Obradović blasted him on Facebook, writing: “He said guides must know Croatian, but when it came to voting he followed the party line. Power is sweet, isn’t it?”

Franković defended himself, insisting he still supports language standards and has called on the ministry to set minimum requirements for training and fluency. But with the law now passed, Dubrovnik’s guides say their livelihoods and cultural heritage are at risk.

In an age where our senses are overwhelmed by the endless scroll of screens, hashtags, and fleeting trends, it is easy to forget what is closest to us. We chase sunsets in Bali, order coffee in Paris, post from beaches in Thailand – all the while overlooking the extraordinary landscapes, stories, and characters that surround us at home.

The new four-part video series “Posjeti me – Visit Me” is designed as both a gentle reminder and a powerful invitation. Crafted with a distinct artistic vision, it showcases four Croatian regions – Korčula, the Zadar Hinterland, Podravina, and Lika – in ways that transcend the ordinary travelogue. These are not just films about places; they are meditations on identity, belonging, and the rich sensory fabric of everyday life.

The series is built on a bold directorial concept: sound as the heartbeat of storytelling. Every frame, every cut, every detail is guided by the rhythms of local life – from the rustle of olive branches to the laughter of fishermen, from the echo of church bells to the crackle of bread crust breaking at the table. In doing so, the series does more than show Croatia. It lets you hear it, feel it, almost breathe it.

Rediscovering Who We Are

The idea at the heart of “Posjeti me” is deceptively simple yet profound: in the chaos of modern life, we’ve lost sight of who we are. We have become spectators of global trends, seduced by “Instagram destinations,” and in the process forgotten the hypnotic charm of our own backyards.

The films aim to reverse that gaze, to remind us that beauty, authenticity, and identity are not things to search for abroad. They are here, along our local roads, in the markets, in the hands of artisans, in the forgotten rituals of villages, and in the smiles of strangers who feel like family.

Through soundscapes and images, the series does not simply invite viewers to travel. It encourages them to reconnect – with themselves, with their heritage, and with the places that continue to shape them.

Korčula: An Island of Stone and Nectar

The first film transports us to Korčula, the island where scarcity has always been met with resilience. The rocky soil, seemingly stingy, has nurtured generations of islanders and their guests, producing wines that quench thirst and spirits alike.

Here, tradition, past, and present intertwine like the intricate stone walls that crisscross its fields. On Korčula, every season has its offering: the cool shelter of pine forests, the irresistible blue of the sea, and the enduring warmth of hosts whose hospitality is as much a cultural heritage as the island’s medieval towers.

The sound of waves against the rocks, the clinking of glasses in a konoba, the soft shuffle of dancers during Moreška – each moment becomes an eternal refrain. This is not just a destination. It is an inheritance.

Zadar Hinterland: Between Olive and Stone

Leaving the coast, the second film carries us inland, into the Zadar Hinterland, a region where olive groves, vineyards, and stone villages whisper stories of resilience. It is a land where silence is punctuated by the rhythm of agricultural life: the thud of olives falling into baskets, the creak of press wheels, the call of farmers across fields.

Here, traditions are not relics but living practices still shaping daily life. Forgotten customs find voice again – in songs sung around the table, in recipes handed down through generations, in the simplicity of bread baked in embers.

The landscapes themselves, both rugged and generous, become backdrops to a culture that has survived through adaptation without losing its soul. The film invites us to pause, to listen, to feel the pulse of a place that is both ancient and immediate.

Podravina: The Land of Colours and Folk Songs

From Dalmatia’s stone heart, the series drifts north into Podravina, a landscape defined by rivers, fertile plains, and the colours of folk art. Podravina is a canvas where naive painting thrives, where ordinary lives become extraordinary in bold strokes of red, green, and gold.

The soundscape here is lively: the chatter of markets, the hum of bees over meadows, the strains of tamburica drifting from village squares. Podravina’s gift lies in its intimacy. This is a place where every encounter feels personal, where stories are shared with the same ease as bread and wine.

It is a reminder that culture is not confined to museums; it lives in kitchens, in songs, in the gestures of grandparents teaching grandchildren. The Podravina film shows us that authenticity is not a performance for visitors. It is life, lived richly and without pretence.

Lika: Wilderness and Silence

The journey concludes in Lika, a land of raw beauty and elemental power. Vast forests stretch toward mountains, rivers cut through valleys, and silence itself becomes a sound.

Lika is defined by contrasts: harsh winters and abundant summers, frugality and generosity, solitude and community. The film captures the crunch of boots on snow, the crackle of firewood, the lowing of cattle in pastures.

These are sounds of survival, of a place where nature commands respect and rewards resilience. Here, traditions are not merely preserved; they are necessary – from cheese-making to storytelling, from communal meals to the passing of strength across generations.

More Than Travel

Together, the four films are not just invitations to visit destinations during quieter seasons. They are portraits of identity, designed to awaken the senses. By focusing on people, customs, and emotions first, and locations second, the series makes a radical point: travel is not about checking places off a list. It is about being touched, transformed, and reminded of who we are.

In the pre- and post-season, when the crowds thin and life resumes its natural rhythm, travellers can experience the essence of these destinations without the noise of mass tourism.

An Invitation to Ourselves

“Posjeti me” is not only a campaign for visitors. It is a call to ourselves – to rediscover, to listen, to be proud of the abundance that surrounds us. At a time when identity feels fragile and trends fleeting, the series reminds us of something enduring: Croatia is not only a destination for others. It is home.

By the end of these films, one message lingers above all: in every smile, every custom, every note of a song or splash of colour – Croatia whispers, shouts, and sings the same refrain. Visit me. Remember me. I am yours.

@croatiafulloflife Sun, stone streets, and perfect sea views. Wander through history, sip something local, and soak up the vibes. You’ll know when you’re there. Stay tuned for the full video — it’s coming soon #Croatia #CroatiaFullOfLife #PosjetiMe ♬ original sound - croatiafulloflife

The wait is over – Fjällräven, the cult Swedish brand behind the world-famous Kånken backpack, has finally opened its first store in Croatia. The doors swung open at Zagreb’s Z Centar, giving local outdoor lovers the chance to snap up the gear that hikers and hipsters alike swear by.

Born in the small Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik more than 60 years ago, Fjällräven has built a global following for its rugged jackets, durable trousers, and, of course, the square-shaped Kånken, seen everywhere from Arctic trails to fashion runways. The brand’s philosophy? Simple: buy less, wear longer, and get outside.

Harald Heim, the man behind Fjällräven’s push into Croatia, said the country was a no-brainer: “Croatians were already ordering our products online in huge numbers. Add in your mountains, coastline, and love of nature, and we knew it was time to bring Fjällräven here,” he said.

Sustainability is the buzzword. Fjällräven prides itself on making kit that lasts for decades, not seasons. Since 2009 the company has been phasing out harmful chemicals, while its legendary G-1000 fabric can be waxed to survive anything Mother Nature throws at it – rain, snow, or gales.

The opening drew outdoor personalities like Mario Valentić and brand ambassador Ana Soldo Dučić, who raved about gear that’s followed her “from Patagonia to Alaska” without ever letting her down.

With its rugged kit, eco-friendly ethos, and timeless Scandi design, Fjällräven’s arrival in Zagreb means Croatian adventurers can finally gear up like the pros – and look good doing it.

@kamar.mils2 wah warnanya cantik bgt bess! start from 200k aja ✨???? tahun baru tas baru yuk check out???????? #fyp #kanken ♬ La La La - Sped Up Version - Naughty Boy & Sam Smith

Nearly 10,000 students applied for accommodation in Zagreb’s student dormitories this autumn, but more than 3,200 were left without a place and forced onto the private rental market—where prices for a studio range from €450 to €600, and two-bedroom apartments often cost €650 to €900.

According to the Zagreb Student Center, there were 9,756 applications for dorm rooms. Of those, 6,515 students secured a spot, though 6,880 beds were available in this year’s competition. The shortfall leaves thousands scrambling for expensive private housing just as the academic year begins, reports HRT. 

The Student Union warned that the situation is nothing new, pointing out that the last major investment in Zagreb’s dorms was back in 2016, when “Stjepan Radić” and “Cvjetno naselje” were renovated with EU funds. Since then, no significant projects have been launched, even as demand for housing continues to climb.

“The shortage is chronic, and the state needs to take a structured approach to building new student housing in Zagreb, where the need is most urgent,” the union said.

@zagrebtouristboard A day trip to Zagreb = a lifetime of unforgettable memories Come for a day, stay in your heart forever. IG dreamersinlove #VisitZagreb #LoveZagreb #Zagreb ♬ original sound - Visit Zagreb

The streets of Dubrovnik’s Old City were once again filled with crowds this weekend, as large groups of tourists gathered at the city gates and along the historic stone streets.

A reader of The Dubrovnik Times sent in photos showing long lines at the Pile Gate entrance and busy scenes around the Stradun and side streets, underlining the continued popularity of Dubrovnik even at the end of September.

Despite the official end of the peak summer season, the city remains a magnet for international visitors, with cruise ship passengers, organized tours, and independent travelers all contributing to the lively atmosphere.

The bustling scenes serve as a reminder that Dubrovnik’s appeal extends well beyond July and August, with the shoulder season bringing in strong visitor numbers.

World Tourism Day is being celebrated on Saturday across Croatia under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” Events highlight tourism’s potential as a driver of positive change, stressing the importance of responsible management, strategic planning, innovation, and education.

Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina said Croatia is already recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism thanks to reforms that balance economic, ecological, and social impacts. “We’ve shown that tourism can grow while remaining sustainable, resilient, and beneficial for local communities,” he told Hina.

This year’s global conference takes place in Melaka, Malaysia, while in Croatia activities ranged from free tours and cultural programs in Zagreb, to expert gatherings in Rastoke, Opatija, Labin, Medulin, and Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik event focuses on sustainable coastal development, responsible tourism management, and preserving traditional culture.

World Tourism Day has been celebrated annually since 1980, organized by the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).

Graham Potter is no longer the manager of West Ham United, the London club officially confirmed.

According to reports from England, the club has already held talks with Nuno Espírito Santo, who is currently without a club after leaving Nottingham Forest. However, his appointment could prove too costly.

The most realistic option at this stage appears to be a return for Slaven Bilić, at least until the end of the season. The Croatian coach, who was dismissed by West Ham in November 2017 but is still remembered for leading the club to seventh place the season before, is reportedly waiting for a call.

Bilić, unemployed since parting ways with Saudi side Al-Fateh in August 2024, is said to be considering potential staff appointments and enjoys support from figures close to the club’s ownership. His charisma, British media suggest, could re-energize a squad that currently looks short of confidence and direction.

Through last year’s participatory budgeting cycle, residents of Dubrovnik’s Lapad district voted to install public drinking fountains, a project that has now been successfully completed. A total of seven fountains have been placed along the route from the Lapad Post Office to the Babin Kuk promenade, including playgrounds in Solitudo and on Babin Kuk.

Each fountain offers three options: direct drinking, bottle refilling, and a lower outlet for pets. The works, carried out by ATIS Dubrovnik d.o.o., were valued at €56,200 including VAT.

Participatory budgeting allows citizens to directly influence how part of the city budget is allocated, shaping development in their local communities.

Meanwhile, voting is underway until September 28 for this year’s round of proposals. Residents can choose from 74 projects submitted across eight city districts and 17 local committees via the VoxPopuli online platform, accessible through the e-Građani system. Winning projects will be funded in 2026.