Demolition works at the former Kupari hotel complex appear to be entering their final phase, with much of the site now cleared and prepared for the next stage of redevelopment.

A reader shared new photos showing the site’s transformation — piles of sorted concrete debris are neatly organized and reportedly ready to be reused in the upcoming construction of the Four Seasons Resort Kupari, a major investment that will bring new life to the long-abandoned seafront area.

The project marks the most significant progress at the Kupari site in years, following decades of stagnation after the original hotels were destroyed during the Homeland War. The use of recycled construction material suggests a sustainable approach to redevelopment, aligning with modern environmental standards.

Once complete, the Four Seasons Resort Kupari is expected to become one of the Adriatic’s most prestigious luxury destinations, further enhancing the tourism offer of the Dubrovnik Riviera.

The Croatian Singing and Music Society “Zoranić” from Zadar will perform in Dubrovnik on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at a promenade concert in front of the Rector’s Palace (Knežev Dvor).

The Zadar ensemble will appear as a guest of the Dubrovnik Mixed Choir “Libertas”, as part of a long-standing inter-choir and inter-regional collaboration that “Zoranić” has nurtured for decades.

Under the direction of Branka Višić Karavida, the choir will perform a selection of a cappella works, while the Dubrovnik choir, led by conductor Viktor Lenert, will present a special program prepared for the occasion.

The concert is held under the patronage of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, and the City of Zadar.

Following the success of her debut middle-grade novel Boy Underground, author Isabelle Marinov returns with Boy Overboard, an action-packed new story set along Croatia’s Adriatic coast.

In this second instalment of Marinov’s heartfelt trilogy, Hugo, an autistic boy who loves maps, reunites with his best friends Alex and Julie at a scuba-diving camp in Split. Their goal? To uncover a legendary Roman shipwreck and an emperor’s lost crown. Standing in their way are a ruthless businessman, his terrifying bodyguard and Hugo’s fear of the unpredictable sea.

But as the friends soon learn, the greatest treasures often lie just outside one’s comfort zone.

Described as “a modern-day The Goonies set throughout Europe”, the series takes readers from the catacombs of Paris to the Mediterranean Sea, blending high-stakes adventure with emotional depth.

Perfect for readers aged 9 and up, the trilogy continues with a third and final volume planned for 2026. Meanwhile, Boy Underground, the first book in the series, is currently being adapted for the big screen.

Marinov, who has Croatian roots, celebrated the book’s launch in Split this September with a seaside photo session. Earlier this year, she made headlines for her plan to run for autism awareness in Split, an initiative covered by Croatia Week.

She also appeared on Croatians Saturday Live, where she spoke about her passion for storytelling, inclusion, and neurodiversity.

Croatia is quietly redefining how we travel: its new ethos is slow living, a travel philosophy rooted in leisure, connection, and appreciation of place. According to a recent BBC Travel feature, the country’s charm lies not just in spectacular views, but in the way people pause — over a long lunch, a seaside stroll, lingering conversations, unhurried moments.

The article argues that this slower pace is now becoming a hallmark for travelers seeking more meaningful experiences. Rather than rushing to check off “must-see” sights, visitors are encouraged to dwell — to taste, observe, and internalize. In Croatia’s context, that might mean sitting by the sea as light changes, discovering hidden cafés in alleys, or exploring villages where time seems to move differently.

This philosophy builds on the country’s literary, cultural, and regional traditions: words like pomalo (“little by little”) echo through daily life in coastal towns, where locals embody this attitude not as a tourism strategy but as a rhythm of existence. For travelers, embracing slow living means resisting the pressure of tight itineraries and instead letting curiosity guide them.

The BBC feature highlights examples across the country — whether it’s wandering the streets of Rijeka, floating in coastal waters, or exploring vineyards and olive groves inland. The reward is a deeper sense of place, one not defined by photo-op moments but by layered experiences, seasonal rhythms, and unhurried presence.

For Croatia’s tourism sector, the rise of slow living suggests a shift: the value is no longer just in how much one sees, but how well one absorbs. As travelers grow more mindful and selective, destinations like Dubrovnik, Istria, and Dalmatian islands may benefit by offering depth over breadth.

If the approach resonates, Croatia could lead the next wave of travel — one where stillness becomes a new attraction.

@croatiafulloflife Island hopping, salty breeze, no rush… just pure bliss ☀️ ???? Show us your pomalo moments - where do you escape to slow down? ???? #findyourpomalo ♬ Instrumental Piano - Piano Music

Croatia is investing €32 million to improve road infrastructure and boost transport connectivity with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure Oleg Butković announced on Friday.

The statement came during the official opening of a new 10-kilometre road connecting the municipality of Ravno in southeastern BiH with Slano on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. The project, financed by the Croatian Government with €7.3 million, now reduces travel time between Ravno and Slano to just 15 minutes.

“This is an important project that connects the Dubrovnik hinterland with this increasingly popular tourist area,” said Butković, adding that Croatia will also finance the construction of the Ravno–Hutovo and Vir–Aržano roads, further strengthening cross-border links.

The Minister of Transport and Communications of the Federation of BiH, Andrijana Katić, highlighted the new road’s potential to spur economic, tourism, and demographic growth in the region. Ravno’s mayor Andrija Šimunović said the new connection “opens the municipality directly to the Adriatic coast,” while residents expressed optimism about the area’s growing opportunities.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Branko Bačić, Croatia’s Minister of Construction, and Dragan Čović, President of the HDZ of BiH.

A special concert titled “The Other Side of History” will take place on Saturday, October 18, at 8 p.m. in Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace. This event marks the first collaboration between the association Sve ostalo je glazba (Everything Else Is Music), the Concert Office Varaždin, and the Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival, organized in partnership with the Dubrovnik Museums and the City Museum Varaždin.

The project’s goal is to create a network of Croatian institutions dedicated to historically informed performance, laying the groundwork for future international cooperation within European networks for early music and cultural heritage.

The artistic director of the association, pianist Ivana Jelača, has curated a program that bridges the rich cultural heritages of northern and southern Croatia. Both Dubrovnik and Varaždin have spent centuries shaping distinct cultural identities and today stand as two leading Croatian centers devoted to the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage.

The Dubrovnik concert will feature performances on a restored 1790 fortepiano by Anton Walter, part of the Cultural-Historical Museum’s permanent collection, while the upcoming Varaždin concert, scheduled for November, will use an 1810 piano by Michael Rosenberger.

The chamber ensemble of Sve ostalo je glazba — comprising soprano Marija Lešaja, clarinetist Sebastijan Sarapa, and pianist Ivana Jelača — will present a rich repertoire inspired by evolving performance styles and historical practices.

Following its Dubrovnik premiere, the project will continue in Varaždin, highlighting the cultural connections between the two cities and drawing from historical sources and contemporary chronicles.

Over the past years, “The Other Side of History” has achieved numerous international collaborations and performances. Its future development will focus on cross-sector cooperation and innovative approaches to preserving and interpreting European heritage — seen as a foundation of cultural identity and a key resource for the sustainable growth of the cultural and creative sector.

Admission to the concert is free.

Dubrovačka baština invites offers for food and beverage stands at Gundulićeva poljana and Pile

Dubrovačka baština d.o.o. has announced a public tender for the lease of wooden festive huts to be used for hospitality services during the upcoming Dubrovnik Winter Festival.

The tender covers a total of 12 festive huts, evenly distributed across two central locations — Gundulićeva poljana and Pile (Brsalje) — where vendors will operate from November 29, 2025, to January 3, 2026.

The public call opened on October 17, 2025, and applications will be accepted until October 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Proposals can be submitted in person or by registered mail to the following address:

“Povjerenstvo Dubrovačkog zimskog festivala”
Pred Dvorom 1 (City of Dubrovnik registry office)
20000 Dubrovnik

All envelopes must be clearly marked with:
“For Public Tender – Hut Lease” – DO NOT OPEN

Only applications received by the deadline — regardless of delivery method — will be considered by the Festival Commission.

Interested applicants can find full tender details and location maps on the official website www.dubrovackabastina.com, or by visiting the Dubrovačka baština offices at Frana Supila 10 (Lazareti complex). Additional information is also available by phone at +385 (0)20 446 184 or via email at .

The global casino market stands at a pivotal point of transformation. Currently valued at approximately $178.4 billion, the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience following the unprecedented disruptions of the early 2020s. According to the latest data from Morgan Stanley’s Global Gaming Report, the market is projected to reach $262.5 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% over the five-year period.

This robust growth trajectory is being fueled by several interconnected factors. The post-pandemic normalization of tourism flows, the continued liberalization of gambling regulations across multiple jurisdictions, and the accelerating integration of digital technologies into traditional casino operations are all contributing to this upward trend.

Regional Market Dynamics and Growth Projections

The global casino industry’s growth story varies significantly by region, with some casinos reaching maturity like bCasino Casino while others are experiencing explosive expansion.

Asia-Pacific Dominance Continues

The Asia-Pacific region remains the dominant force in the global casino market, accounting for approximately 45% of global revenue in 2025. Macau has fully reclaimed its position as the world’s premium gambling destination, with annual revenues exceeding $40 billion—surpassing its pre-pandemic performance. Meanwhile, emerging markets like Vietnam, Philippines, and Cambodia are experiencing double-digit growth as they develop integrated resort offerings targeting both local and international clientele.

North American Market Evolution

North America continues to represent about 32% of the global market share, with Las Vegas maintaining its status as the industry’s innovation hub. The continued expansion of tribal gaming operations and the maturation of regional markets in states that legalized gambling in the 2010s have created a diversified landscape. The most notable development has been the integration of sports betting operations into traditional casino environments, creating powerful synergies that drive increased foot traffic.

European Consolidation and Modernization

Europe’s market share stands at approximately 18%, with established markets in the UK, France, and Monte Carlo undergoing significant modernization efforts to compete with newer entertainment options. Eastern European markets, particularly Romania and the Czech Republic, are experiencing above-average growth rates as their regulatory frameworks mature and capital investment increases.

Market Segment Performance Data

Technological Transformation in Casino Operations

The casino industry in 2025 is experiencing a fundamental technological evolution that extends far beyond the gaming floor. The implementation of artificial intelligence for personalized customer experiences has become standard practice among industry leaders. Advanced facial recognition systems and biometric identification have simultaneously enhanced security protocols while streamlining the customer experience.

Notable technological advancements include:

• Blockchain-based payment systems that have been implemented by 62% of major casino operators
• AR/VR enhanced gaming experiences that blend physical and digital environments
• Predictive analytics tools that optimize floor layouts and staffing in real-time
• Integrated mobile applications that connect the entire resort experience
• Sustainability technologies reducing energy consumption by an average of 22%

Regulatory Landscape and Market Access

The regulatory environment continues to be a primary determinant of market access and growth potential. Several significant developments have characterized the current landscape:

1. Japan’s integrated resort implementation has progressed with the first major properties scheduled to open in Osaka and Yokohama by late 2026

2. Brazil has finalized its comprehensive gambling legislation, opening Latin America’s largest potential market

3. Several U.S. states have expanded their gaming legislation to include online casino operations

4. The UAE has established a regulatory framework for limited casino operations in specific tourism zones

5. The European Union has moved toward greater harmonization of online gambling regulations

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the positive growth trajectory, several challenges loom on the horizon. Increased regulatory scrutiny regarding responsible gambling practices has necessitated substantial investments in compliance technologies and training. Labor shortages in key hospitality positions continue to pressure operational efficiency. Additionally, shifting consumer preferences among younger demographics have forced operators to rethink traditional casino floor designs.

Looking ahead to 2030, industry analysts anticipate continued consolidation among major operators, with the top five global companies projected to control over 60% of the market. The boundaries between traditional casinos, online gambling, and entertainment experiences will continue to blur, creating integrated experiences that extend beyond physical locations.

The casino industry of 2025 stands at the threshold of its next evolutionary phase—one characterized by technological integration, regulatory expansion, and a renewed focus on comprehensive entertainment experiences that extend far beyond the traditional gaming floor.