Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.
Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com
Greece’s Aegean Airlines is set to increase flights between Athens and Dubrovnik this summer. The airline, clearly feeling generous, will operate a daily service in June, July, and August—up from last year’s six weekly flights in June and July, and a notable improvement from the four weekly services offered last August.
But the expansion doesn’t stop there. April and October will also see a boost, with an extra weekly flight bringing the total to four per week—because why should summer travellers have all the fun?
Aegean has so far scheduled its trusty Airbus A320s for the route, ensuring passengers can expect the usual blend of efficiency, comfort, and the occasional battle for overhead luggage space.
In celebration of the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the Mayor of Dubrovnik, in an open letter to the citizens, extends heartfelt greetings and reflections on the significance of this beloved tradition. This message honors the deep-rooted connection between the city and its patron saint, highlighting the unity, faith, and shared pride that continue to define Dubrovnik through the centuries.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of Dubrovnik,
With great joy, on behalf of the City of Dubrovnik and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of the City of Dubrovnik and the Festivities of Saint Blaise, our heavenly patron.
For the 1,053rd time, we gather to celebrate the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the most important day for our city, which the people of Dubrovnik have proudly and lovingly honored for centuries. Saint Blaise is not just the protector of our city—he is a symbol of our faith, freedom, and unity, a guardian of our history, and a guiding light for our future.
Dubrovnik and Saint Blaise have been inseparably linked for over a millennium. This eternal bond has shaped the identity of our city, woven into every stone, every street, every story, and tradition. Saint Blaise is not only an intercessor for the people of Dubrovnik but also a symbol of our enduring fight to preserve what we hold dear—our city, our heritage, our freedom. He inspires us to persevere through challenges, just as generations before us have done.
Over the past year, we have marked significant anniversaries—45 years since Dubrovnik's historic core was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 15 years since the Festivities of Saint Blaise was recognized on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the inclusion of the Dubrovnik Republic’s archival records in UNESCO’s Memory of the World program. These milestones remind us of the immense cultural wealth entrusted to us, as well as the responsibility we bear—to preserve our city and its values for future generations.
The Festivities of Saint Blaise, which inspired our ancestors in times of hardship and uncertainty, remains a beacon of our tradition and unity today. Every flag that flutters, every bell that tolls, and every prayer offered to our beloved saint is a testament to our deep connection with him. Dubrovnik’s people, no matter where in the world they may be, carry the spirit of the Festivities in their hearts, drawing strength, faith, and hope from it.
Once again, the Festivities of Saint Blaise calls upon us to come together, to take pride in and cherish our city. It is more than a celebration—it is a vow and a message to safeguard everything we are and everything we represent. Our cultural and historical heritage compels us to continue protecting our city, its legacy, and all that makes Dubrovnik unique in the world.
May Saint Blaise’s powerful intercession continue to protect and guide us through every storm and into the light of a new day. May he watch over us, our families, and our homes.
Long live Saint Blaise!
According to data from the eVisitor system, a total of 11,946 tourist arrivals and 36,689 overnight stays were recorded in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County during January 2025. This represents a 2% decrease in arrivals and a 12% decrease in overnight stays compared to January 2024.
The highest number of overnight stays was recorded by guests from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Germany, and the United States.
Hotels accounted for the largest share with 18,410 overnight stays (50% of the total), followed by private accommodation with 9,978 overnight stays (27%) and non-commercial accommodation with 5,351 overnight stays (15%).
Currently, 1,900 tourists are staying in the county.
The total number of employed persons in the industry sector in December 2024 decreased by 0.4% compared to November and by 2% compared to December 2023, according to data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.
According to the National Classification of Activities, employment in the manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly 92% of total industrial employment, fell by 0.6% compared to the previous month.
In mining and quarrying, which makes up just under 2% of total industrial employment, the number of employees remained unchanged from November. Meanwhile, employment in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, which holds a 6.1% share, increased by 0.3%.
On an annual basis, the number of employees in the manufacturing sector declined by 2.3%, with the steepest drops recorded in the production of clothing (-21.7%) and leather and related products (-12.8%).
At the same time, the highest annual employment growth was recorded in tobacco product manufacturing (+7.2%), computer, electronic, and optical product manufacturing (+5.9%), and the production of other transport equipment (+5.4%).
From December 2023 to December 2024, employment in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply fell by 0.2%, while the mining and quarrying sector saw an employment increase of 6.4%.
Overall, employment in the industry sector in 2024 was 2.2% lower than in 2023. However, labor productivity in the sector increased by 0.3% compared to the previous year.
Eurostat data for December 2024 shows that Croatia remains among the EU countries with the lowest unemployment rates at 4.5%, compared to the EU average of 5.9%.
Spain (10.6%), Greece (9.4%), and Finland (8.7%) recorded the highest unemployment rates, while the lowest were in the Czech Republic (2.6%), Poland, and Malta (3%).
Notably, Croatia had one of the highest unemployment rates in the EU until 2018, when it was as high as 12.5% in 2016. Since then, it has steadily declined, dipping below the EU average in 2023.
With the reading of the Laus, the offering of gifts, the raising of the Saint’s banner accompanied by the singing of the patron saint's hymn "Čuj sv. Vlaho", and the release of doves, the 2025 Festivities of Saint Blaise was officially opened by Dubrovnik Bishop Mons. Roko Glasnović.
“The banner waves, and white doves take flight, spreading the joy of our Feast of Saint Blaise across the world. Our society and individuals alike face various problems and challenges in seeking answers to many existential questions. We witness threats to life, human and Christian values. From all corners of the world, we hear about natural disasters, wars, violence, internal and external enslavement, various diseases, and we ask ourselves how to find meaning in it all. Without God, we cannot. We need Jesus and the intercession of Saint Blaise to heal us from all afflictions and protect us from all evil,” said the bishop in part of his opening address.
The Bishop of Dubrovnik, Monsignor Roko Glasnović, blessed the new city banner of Saint Blaise ahead of today's ceremonial session of the Dubrovnik City Council, traditionally held at the Marin Držić Theatre to mark the City Day and the Festivites of Saint Blaise.
The silk flag was painted by Dubravko Kovačević, an electrical engineer by profession and a talented artist from Prijeko, known for his dedication to painting and preserving local history. A distinguished guardian of intangible heritage, he is also the author of Saint Blaise and His Festanjuli, a valuable contribution to the preservation of Dubrovnik's traditions and culture.
In Croatia, retail consumption rose for the 21st consecutive month in December on an annual basis, indicating stable economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
The Croatian Bureau of Statistics published a report on retail trade turnover on Thursday, showing that in December, according to seasonally adjusted data, consumption increased by 0.7% compared to the previous month, while compared to December of the previous year, it rose by 6.5%.
Thus, retail consumption grew for the 21st consecutive month on an annual basis, at a similar rate to the previous month, when the growth was 6.7%.
Retail turnover from the sale of food, beverages, and tobacco products increased by 2.6%, while turnover from non-food products (excluding motor fuels and lubricants) rose by 10.5%.
Throughout the entire previous year, retail turnover increased by 7.3% in real terms compared to the previous year.
Since consumption is the largest component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the strong retail trade turnover growth in December, as well as in previous months, indicates the continuation of stable economic growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
In the third quarter of last year, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased for the 15th consecutive quarter, growing by 3.9% on an annual basis.
Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Gordan Grlić Radman, and Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, are on an official visit to Qatar aimed at strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries, reports HRT.
During the visit, they met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and participated in the Croatia-Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.
“We exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations, energy security, and current global challenges. I am especially pleased that the forum in Doha provided an opportunity to connect our businesspeople,” said Grlić Radman.
Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar emphasized that the discussions focused on energy issues and showcasing the potential of Croatian companies in the Qatari market.
“We are ready to collaborate in improving energy security and diversifying energy supply. We also presented the opportunities for Croatian companies in sectors such as defense industry, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and more,” said Šušnjar.