Global hotel group Accor has expanded its presence in Southeastern Europe with the opening of Novotel Zagreb, the first hotel under the Novotel brand in Croatia.

Located in the eastern part of Zagreb, the new four-star property is just 20 minutes from Franjo Tuđman Airport and 15 minutes from the city centre. It features 163 rooms, six conference halls, a wellness area with a gym and sauna, a private garden and terrace, and a restaurant and lounge bar.

“Through our partnership with Rox, we have created a destination that meets the needs of both tourists and the local community,” said Jean Wendling, Vice President of Operations for Accor Eastern Europe.

The launch strengthens Accor’s regional footprint, with Novotel now operating more than 600 hotels in 60 countries worldwide.

Bank loans to Croatia’s domestic sectors reached 49.3 billion euro at the end of September, up 800 million euro from the previous quarter and 4.4 billion euro higher than a year earlier, according to the Croatian National Bank (HNB).

The annual growth in total loans accelerated to 9.9% in the third quarter, compared with 9.1% at the end of June, the central bank said.

Household borrowing remained the main driver, with total loans to households rising to 26.8 billion euro, including 13.3 billion euro in housing loans and 10 billion euro in general-purpose cash loans. Annual growth in housing loans increased to 14.5%, while overall household credit expanded 14.0% year-on-year.

Loans to non-financial companies totalled 16.9 billion euro, marking a 1.9 billion euro increase from a year earlier.

The HNB, which introduced measures in July to cool borrowing and curb inflation, noted that despite these steps, credit activity — particularly in the housing sector — continues to grow steadily.

Meanwhile, bank deposits rose to 69.2 billion euro, a quarterly increase of 4.5%, though annual growth slowed slightly to 8.2%.

The countdown to the festive season has begun as Dubrovnik prepares for another spectacular Dubrovnik Winter Festival, running from November 29 to January 3, 2026. The city’s streets will sparkle with lights, music, and holiday cheer, culminating in a New Year’s Eve celebration on the world-famous Stradun.

Headlining this year’s celebration is regional superstar Dino Merlin, joined by Hiljson Mandela and rising Croatian talent Jakov Jozinović, whose heartfelt performances and soulful voice have quickly made him one of the most beloved young artists in the region.

“It’s a huge honour to perform in Dubrovnik alongside Dino Merlin and to be part of such a special New Year’s Eve story,” said Jozinović. “Stradun is one of the most beautiful stages in the world, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the crowd as we welcome the new year together.”

The festival opens on November 29 with a concert by Doris Dragović, followed by performances from Đani Stipaničev with klapas Ragusavecchia and More, Vanna, Parni Valjak, Dražen Zečić, and Željko Bebek. For the youngest visitors, Jacques Houdek will lead the Children’s New Year’s Eve celebration, while the first days of 2026 will feature Petar Grašo and Tomislav Bralić & Klapa Intrade.

Beyond the music, the festival promises a full lineup of cultural, gastronomic, and family events. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas train, skating rink, open-top holiday bus, creative workshops, festive concerts, theatre shows, and exhibitions — all adding to Dubrovnik’s magical holiday glow.

Organised by the City of Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, in collaboration with local cultural institutions and public companies, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival continues to be a celebration for all generations — bringing together tradition, joy, and community spirit.

For full programme details, visit www.dubrovackizimskifestival.comor follow @dubrovnikwinterfestival on Instagram and DuWinterFest on Facebook.

@du.winter.festival ????Još malo nas dijeli do kraja 11. DZF, a u reelu se prisjetimo lijepih trenutaka koji su nas oduševili proteklog tjedna diljem Grada.????❄️ @Grad Dubrovnik @experiencedubrovnik @vspvideo #dubrovackizimskifestival #dubrovnikwinterfestival #11DZF #11DWF #dubrovnik #experiencedubrovnik #winteriscoming #winterindubrovnik #wintervibes #winterfun #croatia #advent #adventugradukolendara #zima #zadjecu #djecjiprogram #djecjifestival #forkids #kidsprogramme #kidsfestival #family ♬ original sound - Dubrovnik Winter Festival

The Dubrovnik Museums have unveiled a new catalogue, “The History of the Dubrovnik Tramway 1910–1970,” at a presentation held on Tuesday in the Rector’s Palace.
Authored by Dino Lokas, Tonko Marunčić, and Jan Mark Novalija, the 300-page bilingual (Croatian/English) publication accompanies the ongoing exhibition celebrating 115 years since Dubrovnik’s first tram and 55 years since its last ride.

The richly illustrated catalogue offers detailed descriptions of exhibits, photographs, and tram equipment, while also exploring the tram’s cultural significance and the way it shaped Dubrovnik’s urban identity throughout the 20th century.

Director Dr. Marija Šiša-Vivek noted that the publication completes a project devoted to one of Dubrovnik’s most nostalgic symbols. The authors described the process behind the book — from archival research to curating and documenting each exhibit — while reflecting on key moments in the tram’s history.

Lokas recounted how the idea of introducing an electric tram emerged in the late 19th century and came to life in 1910, with five motor cars and two open trailers forming the first fleet. Marunčić reminded the audience of the tram’s struggles — financial difficulties, competition from other transport, and the fatal accident in 1970 that ultimately ended its operation.

Novalija spoke about the restoration of preserved tram cars at Libertas, explaining the challenges of reconstruction and the importance of community contributions: “The tram lives on in the songs and stories of those who once rode it.”

Following the presentation, visitors explored the exhibition, which remains on display at the Rector’s Palace until March 31, 2026.

The University of Dubrovnik has officially become a full member of the European University Association (EUA), following a decision made at the organisation’s general assembly on October 31.

By joining this prestigious European network, the University of Dubrovnik gains access to a wide range of European projects, initiatives, and policies focused on the advancement of higher education, science, and innovation. Membership also provides entry into a broad network of partners and resources across the continent.

The new status marks an important milestone for the university, opening fresh opportunities for collaboration, international knowledge exchange, and participation in shaping European educational policies.

The European University Association represents more than 850 universities and national rectors’ conferences from 48 European countries, serving as a leading voice for higher education and research in Europe.

Becoming a full member not only confirms the University of Dubrovnik’s growing international reputation but also reflects its strategic commitment to excellence, innovation, and global cooperation in higher education.

The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) announced on Tuesday that Croatia has been included for the first time in the OECD Corporate Governance Factbook 2025, marking a major milestone for the country’s regulatory and institutional development.

According to Hanfa, Croatia’s inclusion in the prestigious publication represents a significant acknowledgment of the agency’s and national institutions’ efforts in recent years to raise the quality of corporate governance and align domestic practices with the highest international standards.

The OECD Corporate Governance Factbook is a comprehensive global report that presents trends and the latest data on corporate governance across 52 countries. It serves as a key reference for policymakers, regulators, investors, and international organisations monitoring transparency, accountability, and sustainability in business practices.

The 2025 edition shows that corporate governance practices are increasingly monitored worldwide. Notably, 73% of countries covered by the report now prepare a national report assessing compliance with their respective corporate governance codes.

Additionally, the data reveal a growing emphasis on sustainability reporting:

• 90% of countries require companies to publish sustainability-related information, and

• 60% of them mandate independent verification or confirmation of those disclosures.

Hanfa stated that Croatia’s inclusion in the OECD Factbook “confirms that the reforms and initiatives undertaken over the past years are producing tangible results” and that the country is “on a clear path toward greater transparency, accountability, and investor confidence.”

The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) is showcasing the full breadth of Croatia’s tourism offer at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London — one of the most important global travel industry events — where partners have announced plans to expand their programmes for Croatia in 2026.

Running from November 4 to 6, the London fair gathers tourism professionals from across the world, with Croatia represented by a national delegation led by Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina and HTZ Director Kristjan Staničić, alongside 27 co-exhibitors at the Croatian stand.

“WTM offers invaluable insight into the trends that will shape tourism in 2026 — from traveller preferences and destination choices to budgets and general travel sentiment,” said Minister Glavina. “We’re presenting Croatia as a quality destination offering excellent value for money, authenticity, and year-round appeal, located just over two hours from the UK. So far this year, the UK has been among our top ten foreign markets, with very positive perceptions of Croatia as a high-quality destination offering true value for visitors.”

Glavina highlighted that Croatia’s strong reputation is backed by research from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), which ranks Croatia among the Top 15 destinations Britons wish to visit in 2026.

He also urged the tourism sector to remain mindful when setting prices for next year, noting that British travellers are increasingly opting for trips outside the traditional peak season and that economic challenges in the UK could influence travel budgets.

Jet2 strengthens ties with Croatia

On the opening day of WTM, the Croatian delegation met with major partners including Jet2.com & Jet2Holidays, EasyJet Holidays, ABTA, Travel Weekly, and the P-11 Group (Wimbledon).

The event also saw the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between HTZ and the Jet2 Group, represented by Kristjan Staničić and Jet2’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability David Neill.

“This year, we’ve recorded growth in both arrivals and overnight stays from the UK, confirming Croatia’s rising position among the most desirable Mediterranean destinations for British travellers,” said Staničić. “British tourists are excellent guests — they travel throughout the year, make quick travel decisions, and seek safe, authentic, and high-quality destinations. Our partnership with Jet2, which already connects eight UK cities with Croatia via 16 routes, plays a vital role in increasing accessibility and promoting Croatian destinations.”

Staničić added that reliable air connectivity is essential for extending the main tourist season and strengthening Croatia’s year-round tourism offer.

Positive trends from the UK market

According to data from the eVisitor system, the UK market recorded 825,000 arrivals and 4.1 million overnight stays in Croatia during the first ten months of 2025 — up 1% in arrivals and 2% in overnight stays year-on-year.

British visitors most frequently stayed in the Dubrovnik-Neretva and Split-Dalmatia counties, with leading destinations including Dubrovnik, Split, Konavle, Župa dubrovačka, Rovinj, and Zadar.

Authentic Croatia takes centre stage

“WTM is crucial for further strengthening Croatia’s position on one of our most important markets,” said Bisera Fabrio, Director of the HTZ Representative Office in London. “British travellers appreciate Croatia for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, excellent cuisine, and high accommodation standards. Through events like this, we highlight these values while promoting sustainable tourism, authentic experiences, and the cultural richness of our regions.”

Fabrio added that media and partner interest in Croatia continues to grow each year, proving that consistent promotional work and collaboration with the UK market deliver tangible results.

Croatia debuts at WTM Trend Fest

A highlight of this year’s fair is the new WTM Trend Fest, a vibrant cultural zone showcasing gastronomy, wellness, pop culture, sport, and adventure through live performances, sensory experiences, and chef demonstrations.

Representing Croatia were Rudolf Štefan, Michelin-starred chef and owner of Pelegrini in Šibenik, and Ante Udovičić, head chef at the luxury Lemongarden Hotel on Brač and member of Jeunes Restaurateurs (JRE). Their presentation blended Croatia’s rich culinary heritage with contemporary trends, highlighting the diversity of local ingredients and the creativity defining the country’s modern gastronomy.

The culinary showcase continued at the Croatian stand with tastings of Croatian wines, cheeses, and artisanal products, organised in cooperation with the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).

Adding a relaxed local touch, this year’s stand also featured a “Find Your Pomalo” corner — an inviting space designed to introduce international partners to Croatia’s signature slow-living philosophy and offer a brief escape from the bustle of the trade fair.

@croatiafulloflife ???? Sun-kissed walls & Adriatic breeze… Dubrovnik really is the ultimate fall escape ???? #CroatiaFullOfLife #Dubrovnik @experiencedubrovnik ♬ I Don't Wanna Stop - The Bamboos

Croatia has recorded a 52% decrease in illegal border crossings so far this year, confirmed Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović during an official visit by Joachim Herrmann, Bavaria’s Minister of the Interior, Sports and Integration, reports HRT

The two ministers visited the Cetingrad Border Police Station before attending a tactical and technical police demonstration in Buhača, highlighting the high level of surveillance and technology now deployed along Croatia’s external EU border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Minister Božinović emphasized that every metre of the border is now under control, thanks to advanced monitoring technology — including aerial surveillance vehicles that serve as the “brains” of the border protection system.

“We conduct complete control over aerial vehicles. When illegal activity is detected, we receive coordinates from the pilot, which are then relayed to field commanders who deploy border units directly to the site,” explained Davor Pazman from the Intervention Command.

The integration of drones and unmanned aerial systems has dramatically increased the efficiency of Croatia’s border patrols, making illegal crossings “almost impossible,” according to officers on the ground.

“If it’s night and we have indications of movement, we can launch a drone within five minutes and begin searching for the person,” said Nikola Radočaj, a border protection officer.

Fixed-wing drones can scan several hundred square kilometres and remain airborne for up to 12 hours, offering continuous surveillance capability across challenging terrain.

Croatia’s deployment of cutting-edge technology — including drones, thermal imaging, and aerial reconnaissance — reflects its role as a key external border of the European Union and its commitment to strengthening security and cooperation with EU partners such as Germany’s Bavaria.