Vienna, November 8, 2025 – One of the world’s most famous concert halls, the Golden Hall of Vienna’s Musikverein, was the stage last night for a remarkable evening of Croatian music and artistry, marking a shining finale to the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra’s 100th anniversary year.

Under the baton of maestro Ivan Hut, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra (DSO) performed an unforgettable programme alongside soprano Marija Vidović and guest artist Vlatko Stefanovski, the celebrated Macedonian guitarist. The concert, titled “A Meeting of North and South,” showcased the diversity and unity of Croatia’s musical traditions — from Međimurje’s folk heritage to Dubrovnik’s classical legacy.

A Celebration of Croatian Musical Heritage

The evening opened with Johann Strauss II’s spirited works before moving into a symphonic arrangement of a traditional Međimurje song, adapted by Alex Pashkov and performed by Vidović to great acclaim. The DSO also presented the Fourth Symphony by Dubrovnik-born composer and diplomat Luka Sorkočević, a piece that drew warm applause from the Viennese audience.

A rousing performance of “Jelačić Marsch” by Johann Strauss I brought the audience to its feet, rounding off the evening in true celebratory style — a moment that perfectly captured the shared cultural spirit between Croatia and Austria.

Distinguished Guests in Attendance

The concert drew a distinguished audience of Croatian and Austrian dignitaries. Representing the City of Dubrovnik, the orchestra’s founder, were Deputy Mayor Velibor Puzović and Head of the Department of Culture Julijana Antić Brautović. Also in attendance were DSO Board Chair Nikolina Pozniak, acting Director Stijepo Medo, and Ivana Jelača on behalf of the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities.

From the diplomatic and national level, guests included Croatian Ambassador to Austria Daniel Glunčić, State Secretary Frano Matušić, Međimurje County Prefect Matija Posavec, Rudi Grula, Director of the Međimurje County Tourist Board, and Julijo Srgota, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board, accompanied by colleagues.

A Triumphant End to a Historic Year

The concert at Vienna’s Musikverein not only symbolised a meeting of Croatia’s cultural regions, but also served as a fitting culmination to the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra’s centenary celebrations.

There’s a reason Zagreb keeps turning up on the world’s “must-visit at Christmas” lists — and this year, it’s done it again. Featured by CNN Travel as one of the best Christmas markets in the world for 2025, the Croatian capital’s Advent in Zagreb is fast becoming a festive legend.

Spread across 25 themed markets and squares, the city transforms into a glowing winter wonderland where carols, mulled wine, and twinkling lights fill the crisp December air. Once voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” three years in a row by European Best Destinations, Zagreb’s Advent continues to outshine bigger and more famous cities with its warmth, creativity, and unmistakable Croatian spirit.

More Than a Market — It’s a Citywide Celebration

From Ban Jelačić Square to Zrinjevac Park, every corner of Zagreb bursts with festive energy. Visitors can wander through stalls selling handmade crafts and local delicacies, watch live Nativity scenes, marvel at ice sculpture carvings, or take a spin on the Christmas tram, complete with Santa and his cheerful elves.

For those who prefer their holidays with a side of rhythm, the city’s iconic Fuliranje zone — literally meaning “fooling around” — is the heart of the fun. Expect street food, craft cocktails, DJs, and spontaneous dancing, as locals and visitors alike turn Advent into an open-air party.

A Festive Season That Lasts

This year’s Advent in Zagreb runs from November 29, 2025, to January 7, 2026, filling the city with more than a month of concerts, decorations, markets, and family-friendly attractions. The scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, and freshly baked fritule (mini doughnuts) fills the air, while the soft glow of lanterns lights up the city’s cobbled streets.

For travellers who crave authenticity over crowds, Zagreb offers a refreshingly local take on Christmas, blending old traditions with modern joy. Unlike some of Europe’s mega-markets, Zagreb’s charm lies in its intimacy — it feels less like a show, and more like joining in a neighbourhood celebration.

Zagreb’s Global Recognition

“Advent in Zagreb proves that magic doesn’t only belong to the big capitals,” CNN wrote, noting its unique blend of craft markets, gastronomy, and community spirit. It stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global icons such as Vienna, Strasbourg, and New York, but with the added bonus of Croatian hospitality and charm.

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Riyadh, November 8, 2025 – The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) has been re-elected to the UN Tourism (UNWTO) Committee of Affiliate Members for the 2026–2029 term — a significant international recognition of Croatia’s standing in the global tourism community.

The decision was confirmed today in Riyadh, during the inaugural session of the Committee of Affiliate Members, following a highly competitive international vote. HTZ received a notably high number of votes, reaffirming its role as one of the world’s most active and respected tourism institutions.

A Continued Role in Global Tourism Policy

“This re-election is a great honour for Croatia and a testament to our consistent engagement in international tourism initiatives,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, who attended the session in Riyadh.

“During our previous mandate, we successfully proposed and implemented a number of initiatives and programmes, most notably hosting the 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress in Zadar in 2023, which gathered around 400 participants from across the globe. We also took part in working groups on Accessible Tourism and the Silk Road, contributing to UN Tourism’s broader strategic goals. This new term allows us to continue these efforts, develop new projects, and strengthen Croatia’s position as a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism,” Staničić said.

Strengthening Croatia’s Global Voice

The Committee of Affiliate Members includes 23 members – 12 regional, eight global, and three appointed by the UN Tourism Secretary-General. The Committee serves as an advisory body to the Secretary-General, supporting the integration of affiliate members into UN Tourism’s objectives and programmes. It also contributes to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the promotion of sustainable and ethical tourism practices aligned with the UN Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Croatia’s continued membership ensures that the country will remain actively involved in shaping global tourism policy, promoting sustainability, accessibility, and knowledge exchange across the sector.

With this renewed mandate, HTZ is set to play a pivotal role in developing and implementing the new biennial work programme for Affiliate Members — a key document that will guide UN Tourism’s collaborative projects and priorities over the coming years.

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Croatia Airlines has blamed delayed deliveries of Airbus A220 aircraft for a sharp rise in operating costs this year, forcing the flag carrier to keep its ageing fleet in the air far longer than planned.

The airline, which is midway through an ambitious fleet renewal programme, said in its latest financial report that the postponed arrival of the new jets had led to increased leasing and maintenance costs, putting additional pressure on already thin margins. Deliveries that were once scheduled to modernise the fleet in time for this summer have now slipped to early 2025, with a cumulative delay of more than five years.

A modern fleet, still out of reach

Croatia Airlines has pinned much of its future on the A220, a narrow-body aircraft widely praised for its efficiency and lower fuel consumption. The plan was simple: retire older A319s and A320s, phase out the ageing turboprop Dash 8s, and usher in a leaner, greener era for the national carrier.

Instead, the airline has found itself in an expensive holding pattern. The delay in returning leased De Havilland Dash 8-400s has compounded the financial strain, while Airbus’s announcement of reduced A220 production targets for 2026 has raised fears of even longer wait times for new aircraft.

Between January and September, Croatia Airlines posted an operating loss of €21.5 million, though its EBITDA rose 9% year-on-year to €12.4 million, suggesting some underlying operational improvements. Still, the absence of the A220s has left a noticeable dent in the company’s balance sheet and strategic timetable.

A fleet stuck between two worlds

The carrier currently operates a mixed fleet of six A220-300s, one A220-100, four A319-100s, two A320-200s and four DHC-8-Q400s, according to data from ch-aviation. Plans to begin full A220-100 operations by summer 2025 have now been pushed back, with further deliveries expected only in 2026.

Croatia Airlines’ long-term goal remains a single-type fleet of 15 A220s – thirteen A220-300s and two A220-100s – a move seen as vital to its survival in a fiercely competitive regional market dominated by low-cost carriers.

But every month of delay keeps the airline tethered to its costly, less-efficient aircraft, making it harder to compete on ticket prices or sustainability credentials – the very pillars on which the A220 strategy was built.

Investors divided, rivals circling

The market response has been mixed. Some investors have voiced concerns over mounting losses and the airline’s dependence on Airbus’s delivery schedule. Others remain cautiously optimistic, arguing that once the A220s are fully operational, the modernised fleet could significantly reduce costs and emissions, offering Croatia Airlines a competitive edge in the long run. Meanwhile, competitors in the region – particularly low-cost operators expanding in Zagreb and along the coast – may view Croatia Airlines’ turbulence as an opening to capture additional market share.

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It’s official — Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are going all-in on Croatia, after sealing a shiny new four-year partnership with the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) at this week’s World Travel Market in London.

The deal will see the UK’s favourite package holiday airline pump serious power into promoting Croatia, with online and offline campaigns, eye-catching digital billboards, and glossy holiday videos designed to make Brits ditch Spain for the Dalmatian coast.

And it’s not just talk — the agreement guarantees more flights, more seats, and brand-new routes heading to Croatia over the next few years.

New Routes, More Sunshine

Next summer, Jet2 will operate 19 routes between Croatia and nine UK airports, including three new additions:

• East Midlands to Pula

• East Midlands to Split

• Glasgow to Dubrovnik

That means easier access than ever for Brits craving Adriatic sunshine, Game of Thrones backdrops, and a pint by the sea. 

The expansion cements Jet2holidays as the UK’s number one tour operator to Croatia, while Jet2.com becomes the leading airline to the country outside London.

“A Much-Loved Destination”

Jet2’s Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director David Neill couldn’t hide his excitement:

“I’m delighted to sign this agreement, which officially makes us partners with the Croatian National Tourist Board for the next four years. Croatia is a much-loved destination for our customers, and we can’t wait to keep that momentum flying.”

Croatia Welcomes the Boost

CNTB Director Kristjan Staničić returned the praise, calling Jet2 “a key partner in promoting Croatia’s charm to British travellers.”

“With a rise in UK arrivals and overnight stays this year, Croatia is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable destinations. This partnership helps keep Croatia well-connected, high-quality, and firmly on the UK traveller’s radar.”

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The Commercial Court in Dubrovnik has ruled that the company Lovrijenac 1000 d.o.o. must return the Kupari camp to the Republic of Croatia within 15 days and pay €100,000 in legal costs.

The ruling concerns a prime plot of land covering 86,009 square metres — roughly the size of ten football fields — located on one of the most desirable stretches of the Dubrovnik Riviera. The Kupari area has a storied past: in the late 19th century, Czech investors built some of the region’s first seaside hotels there, and later it became the site of the Yugoslav People’s Army’s elite military resort, including the now-contested camp located across the Adriatic Highway.

Dispute Over Land Ownership

The conflict dates back to 2017, when the lease agreement for the Kupari camp expired. The government decided that management of the property would transfer to the Ministry of State Assets, but the company Lovrijenac 1000 refused to hand the site back.

In September 2018, the Ministry offered the company the opportunity to purchase the site for 39.19 million kuna. Lovrijenac 1000 accepted the offer and paid usage fees, but two months later the Minister of Tourism blocked the sale, as the location had been earmarked for the construction of a congress centre — a long-planned project intended to help attract business tourism to Dubrovnik in the off-season.

When the sale was cancelled, the company rejected the offer of a new lease. Their lawyer, Krunoslav Vukalović, argued that a purchase had already been agreed upon when the initial offer was accepted.

In 2020, the state filed a lawsuit to reclaim the camp, while the company counter-sued, demanding official confirmation of the sale.

Final Ruling in Favour of the State

The Commercial Court ruled in 2022 that the sale contract was never validly concluded, since state property cannot be sold without the consent of all relevant ministries. That decision was upheld by the High Commercial Court in 2024.

At a hearing earlier this year, Lovrijenac 1000 attempted to retain the property by seeking compensation for maintenance investments. However, the court rejected the claim, ruling that once the lease expired, the company became an unlawful possessor with no right to compensation.

The latest judgment orders the handover of the land within 15 days and the payment of €100,000 in procedural costs. The company has the right to appeal within 15 days.

According to the Croatian government, the Kupari site remains earmarked for the construction of a major congress centre, a key project under the National Tourism Development Strategy, aimed at diversifying Dubrovnik’s appeal beyond the summer season.

The 12th Dubrovnik Winter Festival is set to turn the city into a disco paradise as MANIA – The ABBA Tribute, the world’s most famous ABBA tribute band, takes the stage on Thursday, December 12 at 9 p.m. on Stradun, the city’s most iconic open-air venue.

Since its formation in 1999, MANIA has been captivating audiences around the world with its authentic recreation of ABBA’s timeless hits, performing to sold-out crowds across more than 35 countries and 3,000 concerts. Following a global celebration in 2024 marking the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s legendary hit “Waterloo”, the band continues its worldwide tour in 2025, spreading joy and nostalgia to fans of all generations.

With their spectacular costumes, energetic choreography, and flawless vocals, MANIA brings ABBA’s golden era back to life, inviting audiences to dance, sing, and relive the magic of hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Waterloo.” The concert promises an evening of pure emotion, joy, and 1970s disco glamour.

MANIA’s recent achievements include a second appearance on London’s West End at the legendary Shaftesbury Theatre in 2021, and a sold-out 100-date U.S. tour during 2023 and 2024. Their upcoming Dubrovnik concert marks one of the highlights of the city’s winter cultural calendar, bringing international sparkle to the festive season.

The Dubrovnik Winter Festival, a joint project of the City of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, public cultural institutions, and city enterprises, offers a rich programme of concerts, performances, and family events throughout the Advent and New Year period. The festival transforms Dubrovnik’s historic core and neighbourhoods into a lively winter wonderland, welcoming residents and visitors of all ages.

For the full programme, visit www.dubrovackizimskifestival.com or follow DuWinterFest on Facebook and @dubrovnikwinterfestival on Instagram.

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Croatia has once again shone on the global tourism stage, winning two bronze awards at the prestigious Travvy Awards — often dubbed the “Oscars of the travel industry.” The country was recognised in two major categories: Best Destination in the Mediterranean and Best Cruise Destination in Europe.

The awards ceremony took place last night at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with winners selected based on votes from travel agents and tourism professionals across North America, making the Travvys one of the most respected honours in global travel.

Recognition from the American Market

“These prestigious awards are yet another confirmation of Croatia’s outstanding international reputation,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ). “We are especially pleased that the recognition comes from the U.S. market, which continues to show growing trust and interest in Croatia as a safe, authentic, and attractive destination. Successes like this motivate us to keep improving the quality and sustainability of our tourism offer. We thank all our partners and travel professionals who recognised the value of Croatia with their votes.”

In addition to its two bronze awards, Croatia was also nominated for Best European Tourist Board, underlining its leadership in promoting authentic and sustainable travel experiences to the American market. The awards were accepted on behalf of the HTZ by Paula Carreiro, a member of the board’s New York office.

U.S. Interest in Croatia Continues to Rise

“It’s a great honour for Croatia to once again be recognised at the Travvy Awards,” said Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the HTZ Representative Office for North America. “These awards reflect the dedication of our tourism partners and the growing enthusiasm among American travellers who are discovering the magic of Croatia — from its historic cities and islands to world-class cuisine and rich cultural heritage.”

The recognition comes after another strong year for Croatian tourism among American visitors. Between January and October 2025, U.S. travellers made 829,000 arrivals and 2.3 million overnight stays in Croatia — an increase of 10% compared to the same period last year.

The rise in U.S. visitors has been boosted by improved air connectivity, including United Airlines’ new direct route from New York/Newark to Split, alongside existing flights to Dubrovnik and Air Transat’s direct services from Toronto to Zagreb.

With steady growth, strengthened flight connections, and now two new international accolades, Croatia’s position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for American travellers has never been stronger.