Gas supply in Croatia continues without disruptions, the Ministry of Economy reported on Thursday following the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine. The country secures its gas needs from three primary sources: the LNG terminal, domestic production, and the underground storage facility at PSP Okoli, which is currently at 60% capacity, reports HINA. 

“Thanks to the strategic role of the LNG terminal on Krk, the Republic of Croatia has not been dependent on Russian gas since the terminal began operations. Gas is supplied from the LNG terminal, domestic production, and PSP Okoli, meeting all national energy requirements and providing significant support to neighboring countries,” the Ministry stated.

The Croatian LNG terminal has played a crucial role in ensuring gas supply security for Southeast Europe. Replacement routes and sufficient storage capacities have been secured for EU member states most dependent on the gas transit route through Ukraine.

Croatia’s annual domestic gas consumption has steadily declined, from 3.04 billion cubic meters in 2020 to 2.59 billion cubic meters in 2023. The LNG terminal alone can supply 2.9 billion cubic meters annually, exceeding total national consumption and guaranteeing supply security.

Since its launch, the LNG terminal has delivered gas to the Croatian system from 108 LNG ships, primarily from the U.S., but also from Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria, and Egypt, importing a total of 15.062 billion cubic meters, with some volumes exported to neighboring countries.

The Croatian government has designated the “Accompanying Infrastructure for the Strategic Investment Project LNG Terminal” as a strategic project. Valued at €534 million (excluding VAT), it includes critical pipelines such as Omišalj-Zlobin and an interconnection with Slovenia. With expanded LNG terminal capacity and new pipelines, Croatia aims to position itself as an energy hub for the EU, ensuring independence and secure gas supply.

Was 2024 a good year for you? And have you made (or maybe already broken) your New Year resolutions?

As 2024 draws to a close, it leaves us with a tapestry of events that swung from the absurd to the profound. The year has been a kaleidoscope of human endeavors, marked by geo-political upheavals, unexpected alliances, and moments of collective introspection. From the highs of sporting triumphs to the lows of political melodrama, 2024 offered a compelling blend of the significant and the surreal.

World politics in 2024 resembled a theater where the scriptwriters had perhaps overdosed on caffeine. In the United States, the presidential election stole the show, with campaigns that felt more like reality TV episodes than policy debates. The candidates spent more time exchanging personal jabs than discussing actual issues, proving that some things never change. Europe, meanwhile, found itself wrestling with old ghosts and new dilemmas.

The war in Ukraine continued to dominate headlines, with sporadic ceasefires offering hope, only to be shattered weeks later. Yet, in the midst of conflict, there were glimmers of unity. Countries rallied to support displaced citizens, and grassroots movements reminded us of the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Nature, as always, had its say in 2024. The year was a stark reminder of the planet’s unpredictability. Record-breaking heat waves swept across continents, while unexpected deluges left others reeling. Scientists’ warnings seemed to grow louder, and finally, some governments began to listen—or at least pretend to.

The Mediterranean endured one of its hottest summers on record. In Dubrovnik, days blurred together in a haze of sunscreen, cold drinks, and prayers for a mercifully quick sunset. Any chance that 2025 will have a cooler summer?

This summer heat, turbo-charged by global warming (yes, Mr. Trump that really exists), is starting to get way too hot for me the older I get.

Nothing brings people together—or tears them apart—quite like sports. The Paris Olympics proved to be a unifying force in a fractured world. Athletes from every corner of the globe reminded us what dedication, skill, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit can achieve. The Games weren’t without controversy—when are they ever?—but the sight of athletes sharing moments of camaraderie transcended political borders. If there’s one recurring theme in 2024, it’s the sheer tenacity of the human spirit. Whether it was communities rebuilding after natural disasters or individuals standing up against injustice, this year showed us that even in the face of adversity, hope endures.

As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s tempting to wonder what the next year will bring.

If history is any guide, it will likely be a mix of triumphs and trials, laughter and tears. But if there’s one lesson from this year, it’s that we are capable of navigating even the most turbulent waters.

So here’s to 2025: may it bring fewer headlines that make us wince and more stories that make us smile. And for those of us lucky enough to call Dubrovnik home, may it continue to be a sanctuary where the world’s chaos feels just a little bit further away.

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

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

In December 2024, Dubrovnik-Neretva County recorded 24,131 tourist arrivals and 57,161 overnight stays, marking a 2.5% decrease in arrivals and a 3% decrease in overnight stays compared to December 2023.

The majority of overnight stays were made by visitors from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, other Asian countries, and the United States.

Hotels accounted for the largest share of overnight stays, with 32,134 (56% of the total), while private accommodations recorded 13,860 overnight stays (24% of the total).

Annual Data for 2024

Throughout 2024, the county saw 2,195,309 arrivals and 8,821,718 overnight stays, representing a 7% increase in arrivals and a 6% increase in overnight stays compared to 2023.

The highest number of overnight stays was recorded by visitors from:

• The United Kingdom: 1,466,899 (an 11.5% increase compared to 2023)
• Germany: 668,952 (a 3% decrease compared to 2023)
• Croatia: 648,351 (a 4% increase compared to 2023)
• The United States: 642,670 (a 9% increase compared to 2023)
• Poland: 614,087 (a 7% increase compared to 2023)

Accommodation Preferences

Private accommodations hosted 43% of the overnight stays, while hotels accounted for 38%.

Nautical Tourism

In 2024, nautical tourism recorded 43,657 arrivals and 299,933 overnight stays, showing a 3.5% increase in arrivals and a 2.5% increase in overnight stays.

New Year's Eve

During the New Year’s celebrations, 6,370 tourists were staying in Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

With a projected GDP growth of 3.2%, Croatia, according to Prime Minister Plenković, remains among the fastest-growing countries in the European Union.

Public debt, measured as a percentage of GDP, is expected to fall to 56% this year, according to government projections.

“We remain optimistic about economic expectations for 2025, with the goal of ensuring that progress is felt by every Croatian family and household,” he said.

He added that the government’s priorities for the current mandate include increasing wages and pensions, implementing demographic measures, and creating conditions for affordable housing for young people and their families.

Record Tourism Revenue

The Prime Minister also highlighted the latest data on tourism revenue, which reached €13.2 billion in the first nine months of last year—€1.9 billion more than in the same period of 2023. He described this as encouraging in the context of the anticipated figures for the entire year.

Doubling the Minimum Wage

He recalled that the minimum wage has doubled during his government’s term.

“As of yesterday, the minimum gross salary is €970, thanks to compensatory measures provided by the government. The minimum student hourly wage has increased by 15%, from €5.25 to €6.06. As part of tax reforms, by raising the basic personal allowance to €6, we are reducing the upper thresholds for applying lower and higher income tax rates, which directly leads to higher salaries for all citizens,” Plenković stated, adding that numerous social benefits will also be increased.

The Mayor of Dubrovnik, Mato Franković, extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Haklička family on the birth of their daughter Lukre, the first baby born in Dubrovnik in 2025. He expressed joy that little Lukre has become the newest resident of the city and wished the entire family health, happiness, and a peaceful New Year.

“The birth of every new baby is a special moment for our city, and little Lukre is a symbol of hope and optimism as we begin this year. We are delighted to see positive demographic trends enriching our community and giving us additional strength for the future,” said the Mayor.

A special gift prepared by the City of Dubrovnik was presented to the newborn and her mother by Marijo Bekić, Director of Dubrovnik Hospital, alongside the medical staff.

As the clock struck midnight and ushered in 2025, millions worldwide began their annual tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions. While trends shift with the times, certain goals remain timeless, reflecting a shared desire for self-improvement, health, and happiness.

1. Prioritizing Health and Fitness

Health-focused resolutions continue to top the list, with many vowing to exercise regularly, adopt balanced diets, and prioritize mental well-being. The rise of wearable tech and fitness apps in 2025 has made tracking progress more accessible than ever.

2. Saving Money and Reducing Debt

Financial stability remains a universal goal. From creating stricter budgets to exploring new investment opportunities, people are aiming to secure their future while cutting back on unnecessary expenses.

3. Improving Work-Life Balance

Post-pandemic shifts in workplace culture have inspired resolutions to spend more quality time with loved ones, explore hobbies, or simply unplug from technology. Achieving balance is more than a goal; it’s a lifestyle shift.

4. Learning Something New

Whether it’s picking up a language, mastering a musical instrument, or diving into AI tools, 2025 is the year of upskilling and personal growth. Online courses and workshops continue to make lifelong learning accessible to all.

5. Travel and Adventure

With international travel more accessible and sustainable tourism gaining traction, many are planning to explore the world. Bucket lists for 2025 are filled with unique experiences, from cultural immersion to eco-friendly adventures.

6. Focusing on Sustainability

The growing climate awareness has inspired resolutions to live more sustainably—reducing waste, supporting ethical brands, and adopting greener habits like cycling and plant-based eating.

Whether the goals are big or small, the New Year offers a fresh slate to dream, plan, and act. Here’s to a fulfilling and transformative 2025!

Dubrovnik has once again proven why it stands as a crown jewel among global tourist destinations. Fresh off an exceptional year of growth, the city has been named to Wanderlust’s coveted “Good To Go” list for 2025, an honor reserved for 25 global destinations that seamlessly intertwine culture, innovation, and sustainability.

Record-Breaking Numbers in 2024

Tourism in Dubrovnik surged to new heights in 2024, cementing its place on the world stage. According to eVisitor data, the city welcomed 1.35 million visitors between January 1 and December 31, a 9% increase compared to the previous year. Overnight stays hit an impressive 4.27 million, up 10% year-on-year.

The lion’s share of visitors hailed from the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, and Croatia, while emerging markets such as Ireland, Spain, and Australia added to the city’s allure. December, often considered a quieter period, defied expectations, with 20,394 arrivals and 43,191 overnight stays.

This seasonal uptick owes much to the Dubrovnik Winter Festival, a vibrant celebration that drew visitors from nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Singapore, and Montenegro. The festival has become a cornerstone of Dubrovnik’s push to redefine itself as a year-round destination.

Flight Connections Fuel Success

Key to Dubrovnik’s stellar performance was a strategic focus on air connectivity. Extending the summer flight schedule and enhancing routes during the pre-season and post-season paid dividends, making the city more accessible than ever before.

“Extending the tourist season has been one of our primary goals,” said Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board. “The improved air connections were instrumental in driving this success, ensuring that Dubrovnik remains a compelling destination regardless of the time of year.”

A Place on Wanderlust’s Prestigious List

Adding to its accolades, Dubrovnik’s inclusion on Wanderlust’s “Good To Go” list for 2025 is a milestone moment. The list shines a spotlight on destinations that inspire travel as a force for positive change, and Dubrovnik’s commitment to culture and sustainability earned it a well-deserved place.

Wanderlust’s endorsement comes as the city prepares for a banner cultural year. Three major anniversaries in 2025—the 100th year of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, the 80th year of the Dubrovnik Art Gallery, and the 60th year of the Linđo Folklore Ensemble—will showcase Dubrovnik’s rich artistic legacy.

Sustaining Momentum

The city’s efforts to promote off-season travel were a highlight of Wanderlust’s recognition. Supporting local arts and heritage, especially during quieter months, has become central to Dubrovnik’s tourism ethos.

“These results are a testament to our focus on sustainability, quality, and extending the season,” Drašković emphasized. “Being named to the ‘Good To Go’ list motivates us to continue showcasing Dubrovnik as a destination where cultural heritage meets responsible tourism.”

According to data from the Croatian National Bank (HNB), revenues from foreign tourists in the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €13.2 billion, which is 1.7% or €224 million more compared to the same period in 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported on Tuesday.

In the third quarter of this year alone, revenues from foreign tourists reached €9.06 billion, representing a decrease of 0.7% or €64.3 million compared to the same period in 2023.

"While we achieved record growth in revenues from foreign tourists in the first six months, the data for the third quarter is slightly lower, confirming what we have been emphasizing all along: during this period, apart from in continental areas, there is very little room for growth. We must rationally set prices for all tourist services, and further uncontrolled growth in private accommodation is not an option, as supply is rapidly increasing while we achieve the same or lower results. That is why we have implemented important reforms this year, which we will continue into the coming year, as this is the only way to ensure the long-term success and competitiveness of our tourism," said Tonči Glavina, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

He added that it is crucial to further develop year-round tourism, noting that thanks to "excellent results and growth during the pre-season," a record level of tourism revenue was achieved in the first nine months. He expressed confidence that this positive trend would continue into the post-season.