The US President, Joe Biden, has nominated Nathalie Rayes as the new Ambassador to Croatia, as announced on the White House website today.

"I am deeply honoured to be nominated as Ambassador to Croatia. Thankful for the opportunities to serve our country. If confirmed, I will work to strengthen our important relationship with the people and government of Croatia," Rayes wrote on Twitter.

Rayes is currently the president and executive director of Latino Victory, a member of the board of the US Institute of Peace, and the leader of the HOPE (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) group.

She has previously served in the US embassy in Cairo and worked as the deputy chief of staff to the mayor of Los Angeles, where she managed the Office of Intergovernmental Relations, International Trade and Protocol and established the first Office of Immigrant Affairs in Los Angeles.

According to the White House website, Rayes is the author of numerous publications, has received many awards during her career, is fluent in Spanish, and proficient in Arabic. The current Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Croatia is Mark Fleming.

I am deeply honored to be nominated as Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia. I thank @POTUS for the opportunity to serve my country. If confirmed, I will work to further strengthen our important relationship with the people and the government of Croatia. https://t.co/Wl2pSKKZon

— Nathalie Rayes (@NathalieRayes) May 2, 2023

As the tourist season is fast approaching in Dubrovnik, more and more workers are coming to the city every day, leading to an increasing need for work permits.

This morning, a large crowd gathered in front of the police building on Ilijina Glavica, waiting in a long line to enter and obtain the necessary document without which they cannot work.

These photos were taken by Dubrovacki Vjesnik this morning, but this has been the case for the last month.

So far this year Croatia has issued around 38,000 work visas to foreign nationals.

Dubrovnik has become one of the most visited cities in Croatia as well as on the Dalmatian coast because of its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and vibrant culture.

If you are looking for something fun besides your gambling fun on Everygame Poker for your next holiday, take these tours around Dubrovnik and learn about all the city's hidden treasures.

1. Game of Thrones Tour

Visit the capital of Westeros with a knowledgeable native who can fill you in on all the details behind the show's production. See the places where the show was filmed, including the Red Keep and Blackwater Bay. While your guide tells intriguing stories and shows you memorable shots, you can try to place every scene in the Game of Thrones show in its proper location.

This trip takes you to the magnificent Lovrijenac Fortress, where Tyrion Lannister with Varys walked the interminable defended walls.

After that, you can visit the Pile Gate, where King Joffrey was showered with dung during an uprising, or you can follow Cercei as she is publicly shamed across the city. Don't forget to have your picture taken while sitting on the iconic Iron Throne, either!

2. Speedboat Tour

The Elafiti Islands are a popular tourist destination, and you can see them on this exclusive boat cruise from Dubrovnik. Make your own plans for the tour, but there will be a skipper there to help out if you run into any trouble and ensure you have a good day.

This half-day cruise is ideal for people seeking adventure close to Gruž, as it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the Elaphite Archipelago coming from the city's major port. The best part is that you get to customize your trip and decide which islands to visit.

Blue Cave is a great place for snorkeling and swimming at the peak of the summer season, notably in July and August. Should you want to spice up your trip with a dash of adrenaline, the skipper can tell you where to go cliff-jumping around the islands. We highly recommend spending a day touring the Rector's Palace on ipan Island and historic Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3. Day Trip to Montenegro

The coast of Montenegro is a destination of unspoiled natural beauty as well as historical sites, yet it's only an hour away from Dubrovnik. Take a day excursion to beautiful Montenegro from nearby Dubrovnik to see a completely new environment and way of life.

Perast, Budva, and Kotor are the stops for the day on this excursion. The journey begins from Dubrovnik through the scenic Konavle area. Relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island from this vantage point. Once you've crossed into Montenegro, you'll be able to take in the stunning scenery along the country's shore.

The picturesque town of Perast is the first destination. While in the area, stop by Our Lady of the Rocks Island and take in its natural beauty. Following that, there will be a driving portion of the tour. While taking in the sights, your guide will fill you in on the history and culture of Montenegro.

4. Scuba Diving

This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone who has ever been curious about scuba diving to finally get their feet wet. In just two hours, you can feel the rush and freedom of scuba diving among the incredible marine life below.

Participating in a scuba diving activity will help you gain valuable experience and education in the profession. The entire time you'll be working alongside a trained guide, and he'll show you the ropes of underwater navigation. You can dive down depths of 5 meters after completing an open water diving course.

In Dubrovnik, you can go scuba diving for two hours and see a wide diversity of marine life. The Adriatic Sea's pristine clarity will astound you.

5. Buggy Safari

Experience the thrill of a new buggy ride while enjoying the beautiful scenery around Dubrovnik. The two hours of your buggy tour will fly by as you race over the hills and fields.

You will be given a brief overview at the Port Gruž meeting point before setting out on a thrilling trip. Stop for breathtaking photos of the harbor, Elaphiti Islands, and Lapad peninsula as you drive across the world-famous Dubrovnik Bridge.

Ride up the iconic Mount Sr, continuing along the Dubrovnik River. Get to the cable car center by traversing through several towns and villages.

Clear your head while you ride across rolling hills and open pastures. Explore the woodlands, animals, and forts together with former minefields and scenes from the recent battle. Before heading back to town, take in the breathtaking panorama of the islands along with the mountains that surround you.

Conclusion

During your visit to this magnificent city, you can choose from a wide variety of spectacular excursions in Dubrovnik. You are welcome to take a leisurely boat excursion, during which you can gaze in awe at the breathtaking vistas of the Elaphiti Islands and the Adriatic Sea.

If you are interested in learning more about the city's history and discovering why the Old Town of Dubrovnik is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are tons of museums and historical tours awaiting you in the city.

Nurses and technicians across Croatia today will protest today and during their own break, they will gather in front of four Croatian hospitals, including Dubrovnik General Hospital.

Cleaners, cooks, laundry workers and other non-healthcare staff in the healthcare system will also join the protesting nurses and technicians. They are all demanding a wage increase of at least ten percent and improved work status.

On Wednesday, under the slogan "We are also healthcare," nurses, technicians, and non-healthcare staff will hold peaceful protests in front of four hospitals in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.

The half-hour protests will take place in Zagreb, in front of the Merkur and Dubrava clinical hospitals, in Split in front of the Clinical Hospital Center, and in Dubrovnik in front of the general hospital.

The protests are being organized by the Croatian Association of Nurses and Medical Technicians and the Independent Union of Employees in Health Care and Social Welfare, who are dissatisfied that the government's decree last week did not give their members, like doctors, a ten percent increase in coefficients, but only between three and 5.4 percent.

The unions have announced a series of mini-protests from Wednesday, May 3. They will protest daily from 11 am to 11:30 am during the lunch break, in front of various hospitals throughout Croatia.

The protests will continue until May 12, when a large central protest is scheduled in Zagreb on International Nurses Day.

Cleaners, cooks, laundry workers and other non-healthcare staff in the healthcare system will also join the protesting nurses and technicians. They are all demanding a wage increase of at least ten percent and improved work status.

The President of the Independent Union, Stjepan Topolnjak, also stated that the union is inclined towards a strike if the government and the relevant ministry ignore their demands.

In the first quarter of 2023 Dubrovnik Airport handled 82,184 passengers. Dubrovnik is very much an aerial destination so figures through the airport give a good indication of the state of tourism across the south of Croatia.

In March alone the Dubrovnik Airport welcomed 50,456 passengers, which is also twice the number of passengers that were handled in the same month last year.

In Croatia as a whole by far the busiest airport was the capital’s airport, Zagreb Airport, which saw 694,956 passengers pass through. Zagreb was followed by Split Airport which had 113,004 passengers in the first quarter of 2023.

As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are once again opening their borders to tourists, and visitors are flocking to popular destinations around the globe. In 2023, some of the most visited countries in the world include France, Spain, the United States, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, and Germany. Among these popular tourist destinations, Thailand remains a top choice for travelers from all around the world.

As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries are once again opening their borders to tourists, and visitors are flocking to popular destinations around the globe. In 2023, some of the most visited countries in the world include France, Spain, the United States, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, and Germany. Among these popular tourist destinations, Thailand remains a top choice for travelers from all around the world.

France

France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with over 89 million tourists in 2022. The country is famous for its beautiful landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, as well as its fine food and wine. Paris, the capital of France, is one of the most popular destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. But France has much more to offer than just Paris - the country is home to beautiful countryside, historic villages, and stunning coastlines, making it a popular choice for visitors who want to explore all that France has to offer.

Spain

Spain is another country that is always popular among tourists, and it is expected to receive over 90 million visitors in 2023. The country is known for its sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are just a few of the cities that are popular with visitors, but Spain also has a wealth of smaller towns and villages that are worth exploring. From the beautiful architecture of Gaudi to the Moorish influence in Andalusia, Spain is a country that is rich in history and culture.

United States

The United States is a vast and diverse country that offers something for everyone, and it is expected to receive over 80 million visitors in 2023. New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are just a few of the cities that are popular with tourists, but the US is also home to stunning national parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. The country's music, film, and sports scenes are also world-renowned, making it a popular destination for travelers who want to experience American culture firsthand.

China

China is a country that is rich in history and culture, and it is expected to receive over 70 million visitors in 2023. The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors are just a few of the famous landmarks that draw visitors from around the world. But China also has much more to offer than just its ancient history - its cities are modern and dynamic, and its cuisine is delicious and varied.

Thailand

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country that has been a popular tourist destination for many years, and it is expected to receive over 40 million visitors in 2023. Known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and friendly people, Thailand is a country that truly has something for everyone. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis that is home to some of the country's most famous landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Phuket, on the other hand, is a popular destination for beach lovers, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Other popular destinations in Thailand include Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui.

Italy

Italy is a country that is known for its art, history, and cuisine, and it is expected to receive over 60 million visitors in 2023. Rome, Florence, and Venice are just a few of the cities that are popular with visitors, but Italy also has a wealth of smaller towns and villages. 

As travel restrictions continue to ease and the world starts to return to some level of normalcy, it is likely that tourism will continue to be a major contributor to many countries' economies, and visitors will continue to flock to these popular destinations. However, it is important to remember to travel responsibly and respect the local culture and environment. Sustainable and responsible tourism practices can help ensure that these destinations remain beautiful and vibrant for generations to come. With so many incredible countries to choose from, travelers have a wealth of options when it comes to planning their next adventure, and the most visited countries in 2023 offer a taste of the diversity and wonder that the world has to offer. 

Due to the increased number of visitors and guests staying in Dubrovnik, guidance ropes with direction indicators have once again been installed at the Pile Gate, the busiest entrance into the historic city centre.

“In order to ensure a better flow and prevent large crowds and congestion, this method will regulate the entry and exit of pedestrians from the historical centre,” stated the City of Dubrovnik.

The instalment of ropes is often a subject that divides local citizens. But love them or hate them they’ll be here all summer.

“This helps no matter how much someone complains” – “I don't know whose great idea that was, but ever since the rope was put in place, there is no longer congestion in either direction” – “It would be easier to make a one-way passage. Entrance at Pile and exit at Ploce,” - were just a few of the comments on Facebook about this.

After a magnificent year in which they performed 73 shows in front of over 600,000 people across Europe, Simply Red is not slowing down. In fact, a list of new European shows planned for summer 2023 has just been announced, and among the 29 scheduled concerts taking place from June to August on the summer stages in 11 European countries, Croatia is included. They will perform their biggest hits in one of the most beautiful concert arenas in the world, the Pula Amphitheater, on June 21, 2023, once again justifying their status as one of the biggest performers of today. Tickets are on sale from Friday, November 11, via the Eventim system.

"We look forward to returning to Europe next summer to perform for all of you. I want us to enjoy playing, to get the audience on their feet and enjoying the rhythm of our music, and for us all to dedicate our hearts to music,” said Mick Hucknall.

Mick Hucknall has been the songwriter and frontman of Simply Red since the beginning in 1985, alongside the essential longtime saxophonist Ian Kirkham, who has been with the group since 1986. The current lineup has not changed in the last twenty years, and the new tour will showcase all of their strength and what has made them recognizable on the global music scene for almost four decades.

Part of their incredible string of concerts last year included the UK and Ireland, including two unforgettable performances at London's O2 Arena. As part of the summer leg of the tour, they will prepare to perform some of their biggest hits such as "Stars", "Holding Back The Years", "Fairground", "Money's Too Tight To Mention", and many more."