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
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%).
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.
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 Bishop of Dubrovnik, Monsignor Roko Glasnović, blessed the new city banner of Saint Blaise ahead of today's ceremonial session of the Dubrovnik City Council, traditionally held at the Marin Držić Theatre to mark the City Day and the Festivites of Saint Blaise.
The silk flag was painted by Dubravko Kovačević, an electrical engineer by profession and a talented artist from Prijeko, known for his dedication to painting and preserving local history. A distinguished guardian of intangible heritage, he is also the author of Saint Blaise and His Festanjuli, a valuable contribution to the preservation of Dubrovnik's traditions and culture.
In Croatia, retail consumption rose for the 21st consecutive month in December on an annual basis, indicating stable economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
The Croatian Bureau of Statistics published a report on retail trade turnover on Thursday, showing that in December, according to seasonally adjusted data, consumption increased by 0.7% compared to the previous month, while compared to December of the previous year, it rose by 6.5%.
Thus, retail consumption grew for the 21st consecutive month on an annual basis, at a similar rate to the previous month, when the growth was 6.7%.
Retail turnover from the sale of food, beverages, and tobacco products increased by 2.6%, while turnover from non-food products (excluding motor fuels and lubricants) rose by 10.5%.
Throughout the entire previous year, retail turnover increased by 7.3% in real terms compared to the previous year.
Since consumption is the largest component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the strong retail trade turnover growth in December, as well as in previous months, indicates the continuation of stable economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
In the third quarter of last year, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased for the 15th consecutive quarter, growing by 3.9% on an annual basis.
Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, and Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, are on an official visit to Qatar aimed at strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries, reports HRT.
During the visit, they met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and participated in the Croatia-Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.
“We exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations, energy security, and current global challenges. I am especially pleased that the forum in Doha provided an opportunity to connect our businesspeople,” said Grlić Radman.
Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar emphasized that the discussions focused on energy issues and showcasing the potential of Croatian companies in the Qatari market.
“We are ready to collaborate in improving energy security and diversifying energy supply. We also presented the opportunities for Croatian companies in sectors such as defense industry, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and more,” said Šušnjar.
In the world of luxury tourism, top-notch service and personalized experiences are what set destinations apart. Enisa Grebović, head concierge at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, offers exactly these high standards of hotel service, with her knowledge, passion, and dedication to guests. She is currently in the process of earning the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or keys. We spoke with her about the role of a concierge for business and luxury guests, how it contributes to Dubrovnik's image as a premium destination, and why the Les Clefs d'Or keys are so highly esteemed.
• Could you briefly describe your role as the head concierge at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik? What does this role entail?
As head concierge, my task is to be the host for all our guests—the person you’ll often encounter at the reception and throughout the resort. I greet, organize, address inquiries and requests, and collaborate with other departments, always with the aim of making our guests feel at home and turning their wishes into reality.
I come to work every day with joy, excited for each new day and what it will bring. I have the privilege of working with a team of young, talented people, and my goal is to share my knowledge with them and help them grow in this profession, which for me is the most beautiful in the world. Our greatest success is when a guest feels a genuine welcome—because we greet them as if they were coming to our home.
• Concierge services are often associated with leisure guests. Are they in demand among business guests and event organizers (the MICE segment)? If so, what kinds of requests do you most often receive from business guests and conference participants?
Absolutely! Business guests often have pre-planned activities, but there are always those who seek something extra, something special. I’m talking about experiences that they can only have in Dubrovnik, carefully planned and completely tailored to their desires. This is our role—a concierge is here to turn the dreams of all guests into reality.
• How do you see the role of the concierge in enhancing the overall experience of Dubrovnik for business and private guests?
The role of the concierge is extremely important because individualized service and excellence are not just expectations today; they are the standard to which guests aspire. I believe it is crucial that all our hotels recognize the value of concierge services and work to include them in their offerings—and we are here to support them in that. This would mean a lot, not just for the guests, but for the entire destination, further positioning Dubrovnik as a luxury destination on a global level.
• What is the future of Dubrovnik in the luxury tourism segment, and what do you think is the most important factor that makes it competitive in the global market?
Based on my experience and the work I do, I am confident that Dubrovnik has a bright future in the luxury tourism segment. Today, more than ever, guests seek authenticity in the destinations they visit. They want a human touch, sensitivity, and the time we dedicate to them. We are here to enhance their stay and provide them with an unforgettable experience in our beautiful city. They will take with them only the most beautiful memories, and in the Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, we never say a final goodbye to our guests—we always say, “See you soon!”
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
The most important factor that makes Dubrovnik competitive in the global luxury tourism market is its authenticity and unique connection to history and culture. The city offers an unforgettable experience, combining rich cultural heritage with luxury services and amenities. Dubrovnik is globally recognized, and its unique charm, beauty, and high-quality service make it incredibly attractive to luxury tourists. Additionally, the personal touch, attention to detail, and authentic offerings are key factors that set it apart from the competition.
• You meet many different people and personalities in your job. Surely you have many interesting stories. Can you share an anecdote or unforgettable experience?
I have so many stories and anecdotes that I like to say that when I retire, I will definitely write a book. The experience, with its funny, beautiful, and sometimes sad moments, stays in your heart. If I had to pick a few… perhaps the story about a prince who, despite having everything, considered his most beautiful day the one when I organized a cooking experience at a local home. There have also been numerous marriage proposals I have organized at various attractive locations. I also remember a conference participant who wanted a spicy sauce he had received as a gift in America. The photo was unclear, but I didn’t give up. After he left, I found the sauce in Pašman, in a small family business, and sent a package to America.
There are many such stories—from organizing luxury experiences to taking care of famous personalities. There have been globally recognized actors and singers, and when you end up as a special guest at a concert, you know you’ve truly done something special.
The bigger the challenge, the greater the satisfaction—that’s where the magic of this job lies, and with the help of colleagues in our concierge world, nothing is impossible.
• Where are you in the process of obtaining the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or keys? What does this process entail?
My keys will soon arrive in Dubrovnik, and we’re only waiting for the final date. The process has taken a bit longer than usual due to specific circumstances and the fact that Croatia does not yet have its own branch, but that only makes the achievement of this goal even more rewarding.
The process of obtaining the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or keys is truly demanding because you have to meet many conditions. You must be employed at a luxury hotel, have at least five years of experience, including three years as a concierge. You also need letters of recommendation from all your employers, both current and past, and of course, you must have worked under the mentorship of Les Clefs d'Or concierges.
I have been fortunate to have outstanding mentors and colleagues such as Jasmina Huskić, Sarah Buljat, and Gloria Luna Steiner, who have been with me every step of the way, assisting me in this process.
• What does membership in Les Clefs d’Or and ownership of the keys mean for you personally, for Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, and for Dubrovnik as a destination?
For me, this will be the pinnacle of my career—a symbol I will wear with pride because every story and every year of work will be woven into those two golden keys. All my experience and effort are encapsulated in those badges, which guests recognize as a sign of quality and trust. When they see the keys, they know they are in safe hands. This year I am also celebrating my fiftieth birthday, so these keys will be the best gift and motivation. They are the wind in my sails, pushing me to proudly carry the keys, share my knowledge with younger generations, and work with my colleagues to achieve our common goal—establishing the Croatian Les Clefs d’Or branch.
For our resort, these keys represent additional recognition of excellence, confirming that we provide service at the highest global level. They are a symbol of trust that tells our guests that they can expect unforgettable experiences and attention to every detail.
For the destination, the golden keys bring prestige and confirm that Dubrovnik is not just a beautiful destination, but one that can offer world-class, personalized service. This is a step forward in positioning Dubrovnik as a luxury destination, where every guest can find the perfect blend of history, culture, and exceptional service.
• Croatian members are part of the Les Clefs d'Or Italy branch, and their congress was successfully held last year in Croatia, in Opatija. Are there any plans or desires to organize such or similar events in Dubrovnik?
Yes, I am extremely pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in organizing the congress in Opatija, with the support of my previously mentioned mentors and dear colleagues who did a truly magnificent job. The result was impressive—we literally left our Italian guests speechless.
Opatija, with its timeless charm and beauty, was the ideal backdrop for such an event, and the organization under the auspices of Les Clefs d'Or had to be flawless.
Who knows, maybe one of the future congresses will be held right here in Dubrovnik—especially now that the golden keys are shining in our city.
There is certainly interest in organizing such events, and Dubrovnik, with its global reputation, will surely attract a lot of attention.
• You have worked in Canada, which has certainly shaped your approach to working with guests from different cultures. How do you apply that experience today at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik?
I spent half of my working life in Canada, and I consider myself an incredibly rich person because I had the opportunity to meet different cultures, gain invaluable experiences, and form friendships that last to this day. Nothing brings people and cultures closer than living abroad and the practical experience that comes with it.
I lived in Vancouver, a city known for its multiculturalism, and I often say that it felt like I lived in many different countries at the same time. However, my desire has always been to return home and do what I love in my own city. Representing and promoting what you love is one of the most beautiful things in life.
Guests often ask me why I returned, and I always tell them the same thing: just look through the window of my workplace. It’s clear—who can pay for such beauty?
This article was published in collaboration with the Convention Bureau of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board
The long-abandoned Kupari resort near Dubrovnik is finally being transformed after three decades of neglect. Once a luxurious military retreat, the complex was destroyed during the Homeland War and left in ruins. Today, demolition preparations are visibly underway, with security fencing installed, heavy machinery arriving, and workers clearing debris.
Prepoartions for demolition work underway - Reader's photo
Singapore’s Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) will oversee the redevelopment, preserving the historic Grand Hotel while adding two luxury hotels and four villas, totaling 380 beds. The €200 million project must be completed within 48 months of obtaining a construction permit.
Infrastructure improvements will include new power networks, stormwater drainage, and the reconstruction of the Taranta River. Demolition materials will be recycled to minimize environmental impact.
Despite ongoing works, pedestrian access to the beach remains open. Kupari’s long-awaited transformation is now in motion, turning a war-torn relic into a world-class luxury destination.