Dubrovnik’s enduring appeal as a top tourist destination has once again made international headlines, with The Dubrovnik Times featured in a recent article by the UK’s Mirror. The piece highlights how our historic city continues to thrive as a Game of Thrones hotspot, drawing fans from around the world even years after the series ended.

The Mirror article underscores the significant impact of Game of Thrones tourism, noting that between 2012 and 2015, around 240,000 tourists visited Dubrovnik specifically because of its connection to the show, injecting an estimated 126 million euros into the local economy. As we reported, this fascination has not waned. Tour operators and local businesses continue to benefit from the global fanbase eager to walk the real-life King’s Landing.

As the Dubrovnik EXPO approaches on March 20-21, three students from Dubrovnik—Ana Brnadić, Jakov Šutalo, and Bruno Pregelj—are actively involved in promoting university life, proudly highlighting the benefits of student experiences. They share insights from their studies at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management with prospective students from their hometown.

After graduating from Dubrovnik Gymnasium, Ana Brnadić took full advantage of student exchange opportunities and traveled the world. “ZŠEM has partnerships with as many as 170 universities worldwide. In my first year, I attended a two-week Winter School program at KEDGE University in Paris. This experience strengthened my bond with fellow students, helped me become more independent, and allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture. Besides Paris, this year I also participated in a Winter School program in Dubai. I believe such programs are excellent preparation for further education and professional growth. I plan to go on exchange during my fourth year, but before that, I want to make the most of my university opportunities—learning, connecting with professors, and gaining work experience!” says the versatile Ana, who recently started working in the university’s International Office.

Student life can be challenging, especially at the beginning of one’s studies. “My student experience has been extremely positive. From the very start, the professors and staff were approachable and ready to help, making my adjustment to the new environment much easier. Their expertise and dedication create a professional atmosphere that encourages learning and personal development. Also, my fellow students are very friendly, which adds to the pleasant atmosphere at the university,” says Jakov Šutalo. He adds, “Right now, I’m most excited about student travel opportunities, and I’m particularly looking forward to my upcoming trip to the Spring School in Cappadocia in April. I expect it to be an extraordinary experience that will allow me to explore a new culture and broaden my horizons!”

Bruno Pregelj has had a fast track from high school to his professional career, already working as a junior buyer for one of Croatia’s largest retail chains while still studying.

“After my first year, thanks to my strong academic performance, I was honored to receive the Dean’s Award. Shortly after, I became a scholarship recipient of the Ivan Hodak Foundation. I also decided to join the mentoring program for first-year students because I knew from my own experience how challenging it can be to adapt to life in Zagreb—both in terms of academic responsibilities and the everyday challenges of moving away from home,” says Bruno Pregelj. He adds, “In my second year, we had a mandatory one-month internship. After attending several Student Future Day events and speed-dating sessions organized at ZŠEM, I became interested in several positions and decided to apply for an internship in the retail industry, which is one of the most developed sectors in Croatia!”

All three students from Dubrovnik share the same positive message with future university students: one of the most beautiful periods in life can be even better with quality education and a great academic environment.

The Fitch agency confirmed Croatia's 'A-' credit rating on Friday, maintaining a stable outlook. The agency highlighted Croatia’s fiscal discipline and strong economic growth but noted the country's small economy makes it vulnerable to external shocks.

A rating of 'A' signals to investors that Fitch considers the risk of debt non-repayment to be low, with strong repayment capacity, though potentially more vulnerable to adverse economic conditions than countries with higher ratings.

By assigning a stable outlook, Fitch indicated that Croatia's rating is expected to remain at 'A-' in the foreseeable future.

Economic Strengths and Weaknesses

According to Fitch, Croatia's credit rating reflects a "credible" legal framework supported by EU and Eurozone membership, demonstrated fiscal discipline, and adherence to EU fiscal regulations, as well as strong economic growth.

However, weaknesses include a GDP per capita that is 24% lower than the median of 'A'-rated countries and a small economy, making it more susceptible to external shocks.

In recent years, Croatia has improved its institutional capacity and governance, narrowing the gap with other 'A'-rated nations.

Growth Above Eurozone Average

Croatia’s economy continued to grow faster than regional peers, accelerating to 3.8% in 2024, driven by strong real wage growth, government stimulus, and EU fund inflows.

For 2025, growth is expected to slow to 3.2% due to weaker private consumption, lower investment, and increased external uncertainty. Nevertheless, Croatia’s growth is projected to outpace the Eurozone average (1.2%) and the median for 'A'-rated countries (2.3%).

By 2026, growth is forecasted to slow further to around 2.5%.

External Risks and EU Funding

Fitch identified increased protectionism as a potential risk for Croatia, particularly through secondary effects, as the country has limited direct trade exposure to the U.S.

However, expected fiscal easing in Germany and the EU, aimed at boosting defense spending and infrastructure investment, could increase demand for Croatian goods and services.

Croatia continues to lead in drawing funds from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility. The agency expects the country to secure its full allocation by mid-2026. EU funds will remain a key growth driver until 2030, supporting structural reforms and boosting economic potential.

Defense Spending and Fiscal Deficit

Croatia’s fiscal deficit rose to 2.1% in 2023 due to higher wage costs. The government estimated that defense spending reached 2% of GDP in 2024, with a commitment to increase it to 2.5% by 2027.

Fitch assumes that, given heightened geopolitical risks, Croatia may increase defense spending beyond current projections.

The budget deficit is expected to remain at 2.1% of GDP in 2025—lower than government targets. New taxes on real estate and rental income are projected to generate additional revenue equivalent to 0.3% of GDP, with growth in subsequent years.

However, Fitch warned that the deficit could exceed current estimates due to heightened "external uncertainty" and potential higher spending ahead of local elections. By 2026, the deficit is expected to decline to 1.7%.

Public Debt on a Downward Trend

Public debt as a share of GDP fell to 57.4% in 2024, aligning with the median of 'A'-rated countries.

Debt is projected to continue declining, albeit at a slower pace, reflecting "normalization of nominal GDP growth, a balanced primary fiscal position, and expected increases in defense spending." By 2029, the debt ratio is forecasted to drop to 53.5% of GDP.

Interest costs on government debt are expected to average 3.6% of budget revenues in 2025 and 2026, slightly below the median for 'A'-rated nations.

Potential Rating Adjustments

Fitch could downgrade Croatia’s rating if economic growth significantly underperforms current forecasts due to "structural shocks in key sectors" or declining competitiveness.

A downgrade could also occur if public debt rises significantly due to prolonged fiscal loosening or weaker economic prospects.

Conversely, Croatia’s rating could be upgraded if public debt declines significantly. Fitch would also view favorably an improvement in GDP per capita and governance quality to align with the median of 'A'-rated countries in the medium term.

“Is it always like this in Spring?” questioned the travel journalist from an English tabloid newspaper as we sat together over an espresso in front of Gradska Kavana.

I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the bright warm sunshine or the half-empty streets still relatively devoid of tourists.

We were chatting about overtourism, which seemed rather bizarre as the streets were empty. “You are comparing oranges and apples,” I started, “when you compare tourism in Dubrovnik and Barcelona.”

He had mentioned the classic Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik clump of three destinations that have been plagued with overtourism.

Yep, Spring must have started as I was again talking about the upcoming season. Apparently, the 20th of March is the first day of a new season, although it depends on which season calculator you follow.

Rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal, resurrection, and regrowth—and so, is it a time to throw out the clutter of life that has collected around you?

It’s time to Spring clean.

I have no idea how all this stuff reappears every March. I don’t feel like we are particularly going out of our way to collect new things, or as my wife calls them “dust catchers,” in fact, quite the opposite.

Things all changed for us when we spent two and a half months carrying our worlds on our backs when we went on a hiking expedition. I literally wore the same shorts for 63 days!

So how did we go from minimalistic to full-on hamster mode?

I am guessing that I am to blame for a large percentage. I still have this “you’ll never know when you might need it” frame of mind that I probably inherited from my father. His obsession was more with tools and practical things; mine seems to have explored new avenues.

This year, we are pulling out all the stops. Not only clutter-busting, but a complete house paint. And let me tell you, there is nothing that reveals the true horror of your hoarding tendencies quite like having to move every single item in your house from one side of the room to the other.

Suddenly, that little pile of miscellaneous items that “didn’t seem too bad” has turned into an Everest of nonsense.

Half-used candles, cables for long-forgotten electronics, and an impressive collection of hotel slippers (seriously, where did they all come from?).

Marie Kondo (remember her from the times of Covid and her clutter-free lifestyle) would be having heart palpitations at the sheer volume of things that do not, in any way, spark joy. "Does this item bring you happiness?" she would ask with her serene smile. No, Marie, this tangled mess of charger cables and mystery keys does not bring me happiness.

But the real dilemma is that I don’t actually know what half of these things belong to, so the irrational part of my brain says, "Keep it, just in case!"

And then comes the painting. Who knew walls could be this grubby? Who knew that the once-pristine white had morphed into fifty shades of beige thanks to years of fingerprints, dogs brushing past, and whatever mysterious grime accumulates when you’re not looking?

The fresh coat of paint is supposed to symbolize renewal, but in reality, it’s more of a reminder of all the DIY tasks we’ve been avoiding. I have also discovered that I have the attention span of a goldfish when it comes to painting.

First, there's the enthusiasm—the grand vision of a transformed home. Then, about ten minutes in, there’s the deep regret. "Why did we start this?" And just when I think we are making progress, my wife drops the ultimate Spring-cleaning bombshell: "Maybe we should reorganize the furniture while we’re at it?"

Ah yes, because if we’re already suffering, why not suffer completely?

So, while the tourists are slowly starting to trickle back into Dubrovnik, blinking into the Spring sunlight and marveling at our "quiet streets," I will be at home, trapped in a whirlwind of paint fumes, dust bunnies, and a growing existential crisis about why I own more than a dozen rugs!

Rebirth, rejuvenation, renewal? Sure. But only if I survive this Spring clean first.

Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to

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About the author

Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković was discharged from the hospital and sent home on Saturday, shortly after 5 p.m., from the Clinical Hospital Center (KBC) Zagreb, where he was treated last night for occasional heart rhythm disturbances. He is set to resume his regular activities on Monday, the government confirmed to Hina.

The procedure that Prime Minister Plenković underwent last night had been planned in advance and went smoothly. After being discharged from the hospital, he returned home and will resume his official and party duties on Monday, according to the Croatian government.

According to the schedule, the Prime Minister of Croatia and leader of the HDZ, Andrej Plenković, is expected to visit renovated buildings in Zagreb on Monday, which were damaged in the earthquake five years ago, and attend a commemoration for Supreme Court President Radovan Dobronić. Later, he is scheduled to be in Varaždin for a meeting of the HDZ Varaždin County branch and the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) in that county.

A rare and majestic Eurasian lynx has been captured on video roaming through the forests of Paklenica National Park. The footage, shared on social media, showcases the elusive predator gracefully navigating its natural habitat, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity.

Accompanied by a poetic caption—"Through the forest, wide and free, without a path, without a trail, the lynx wanders endlessly"—the video offers a rare glimpse into the secretive life of one of Croatia’s most endangered and protected species.

Paklenica National Park, part of the Velebit mountain range, is known for its rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife, making it an essential sanctuary for species like the lynx. Sightings of this elusive feline remain uncommon, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect its fragile population.

This footage serves as a reminder of the untouched beauty of Croatia’s national parks and the incredible wildlife that calls them home.

As part of planned joint activities, the Croatian Air Force conducted flight operations with members of the 31st Fighter Wing of the United States Air Forces in Europe, based at Aviano Air Base in Italy. The exercises took place over the past two days at the "Colonel Marko Živković" Barracks in Velika Gorica.

The Croatian Air Force participated in the exercise with Rafale aircraft, while the U.S. Air Force operated F-16 fighter jets, reports HRT

Colonel Vlado Pavlinec, Chief of the Operations Center of the Croatian Air Force and coordinator of the activities on behalf of the Croatian Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, emphasized the importance of such joint flight operations.

"Through these joint activities, we not only enhance interoperability and exchange experiences but also improve the training and readiness of flight crews in carrying out their missions. These exercises contribute to the mutual support and knowledge-sharing of ground technical personnel in aircraft reception, inspection, and preparation, as well as the joint analysis of completed missions and planning of future flight operations," said Pavlinec.

The Ministry of Defense (MORH) also highlighted that "in addition to improving the training level of Croatian Air Force pilots on Rafale aircraft, these joint flight activities enable pilots to gain valuable knowledge and skills in cooperation with experienced allied air forces."

Furthermore, these joint flight activities are conducted to facilitate experience exchange, interoperability, and standardized training procedures for mission planning and execution. They also aim to strengthen trust and partnerships within NATO while enhancing the overall readiness and capabilities of the Croatian Armed Forces and the Croatian Air Force.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board is participating in the 33rd edition of the prestigious Holiday World & Region World fair, taking place in Prague from March 14 to 16, 2025, at the PVA EXPO PRAGUE exhibition center.

This renowned international fair brings together key stakeholders from the tourism sector and offers an excellent opportunity to promote the region on the Czech market.

At the shared stand of the Croatian National Tourist Board, spanning 64 square meters, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board will be joined by the tourist boards of Split-Dalmatia, Šibenik-Knin, Zadar, and Lika-Senj counties, as well as the Valamar hotel group.

Holiday World & Region World is one of Central Europe’s most important tourism fairs, featuring over 300 exhibitors from around 20 countries. Organizers anticipate more than 30,000 visitors, including tourism professionals, journalists, bloggers, and travel enthusiasts.

The first day of the fair is reserved for industry professionals, while the remaining two days are open to the public, allowing direct engagement with potential travelers and travel enthusiasts.

Alongside this event, the 15th edition of the For Bikes cycling fair and the Around the World travel festival will also take place, further increasing visitor numbers and interest in travel offerings.

The Czech market has long played a significant role in the tourism industry of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In 2024, the region welcomed 30,711 Czech visitors, who generated 229,906 overnight stays. Although this marks a 12% decline compared to the previous year, participation in this fair presents an opportunity to strengthen the region’s visibility and attract more Czech tourists to southern Croatia.

By participating in Holiday World & Region World 2025, the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board continues its active promotion of the region on the Czech market, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, gastronomic offerings, and authentic experiences that attract visitors from around the world.