How well do you know the Croatian national parks and nature parks? Did you know that Croatia is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of biodiversity? Protected nature is one of the strongest Croatian brands. Due to exceptional natural and landscape values, our 8 national parks and 11 nature parks are recognized on the map of the world as places that must be seen and experienced. National parks in Croatia are Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak, and Northern Velebit, which occupy about 8% of Croatia’s surface.
Northern Velebit is the youngest Croatian national park, founded in 1999. It was intended to include the most attractive and naturally most valuable areas of the northern part of Velebit.
Risnjak is a wooded mountain massif near the city of Rijeka, named after the lynx, its most popular inhabitant.
Only in the Medvednica Nature Park can you adopt a bat for 150 kunas and thus help these protected species to survive in their habitat – the unique Veternica cave. The cave was created in the karst “pocket” of the southwest part of Medvednica, by the sinking of water from the area of Ponikve alongside the cracks in the rock.
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Do you know these facts about Croatia? Although a small country, Croatia hides many interesting things. Did you know that Croats immigrated to the Adriatic coast around the seventh century and settled on the ruins of the Roman Empire? Also, in 1906, the Croatian Slavoljub Penkala invented a mechanical pencil, called the Penkala. The patent is registered in 35 countries, and his company TOZ Penkala is still operating in Zagreb. One fact will be extremely interesting for tourists – Croatia enjoys 2,715 hours of sunshine a year. That’s more than in Sydney, Australia. Okay, this is enough to start with, and now let’s go to the quiz!
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Do you know these facts about Croatia?
The oldest Croatian text dates from 1100 AD and is called the Baška tablet (Bašćanska ploča). It is one of the first monuments containing an inscription in the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language. The name of Croatia and King Zvonimir are mentioned on the tablet for the first time in the Croatian language.
The last specimen of the Mediterranean monk seal lives in the Croatian waters.
Croatian Faust Vrančić is the inventor of the first wind turbine.
The town of Colonia Aurelia Cibalae or the town of Vinkovci today, through its rich history of 8,300 years, played a significant role during Rome, and it is an incredible fact that the only Roman emperors in today’s Croatia were born in Vinkovci.
Croatia declared independence in 1991. That is when the Homeland War with Serbia began.
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How well do you know the Croatian cities? Croatia belongs to small countries with just over 4 million inhabitants. Given that Croatia doesn’t have large cities, settlements with more than 100,000 inhabitants are counted as large cities. Given this fact, only 4 cities are on that list – Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Osijek. Today, Zadar and Varaždin are gaining more and more importance, but also Dubrovnik, which has become one of the most important tourist destinations in the world since the end of the Homeland War, and especially since 2000.
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How well do you know the Croatian cities?
A total of 555 local self-government units have been established in the Republic of Croatia. A total of 428 municipalities and 127 cities and 20 units of regional self-government, ie counties. The City of Zagreb, as the capital of the Republic of Croatia, has a special status of a city and county, so in the Republic of Croatia, there are a total of 576 units of local and regional self-government.
According to the 2011 census, the first of the 10 largest cities in Croatia is again Zagreb, with just over 790,000 inhabitants. The second in a row, Split, is four times smaller than Zagreb with 167,121 inhabitants. Rijeka has 128,384 inhabitants and Osijek 84,104 inhabitants. It is interesting that in Croatia only nine cities have a positive natural increase, and the best situation is in Solin. Unlike the 10 largest cities in Croatia, which recorded negative numbers, more births than deaths last year were recorded in smaller cities. Apart from Solin, which has a natural increase of 76 new citizens, Metković, Kaštela, Dugo Selo, Imotski, Krk, Pazin, Opuzen and Biograd na Moru had positive numbers.
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Croatia on August 5 celebrates the national holiday called Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Veterans Day. “Storm” is, along with “Flash”, a key operation that led to the end of the Homeland War. After four years of occupation of almost a third of Croatian territory, living in eternal fear of enemy retaliation, grenades that threatened day and night, numerous unsuccessful negotiations and initiatives, the Republic of Croatia had no choice but to liberate Croatian territory by its own armed forces. At dawn on August 4, 1995, it was time for “Storm”! It is a magnificent, great victory for the Croatian army, police forces, and the entire Croatian people. They realized a century-old dream of an independent and sovereign Croatian state.
On this day 25 years ago, at 5 o’clock in the morning, the military-police Operation Storm (Oluja) started. A total of 200,000 Croatian soldiers together with the police force had been liberated about 10,500 square kilometers of territory on a 630-kilometer-long battlefield in just 84 hours. The greatest success was achieved by members of the 4th and 7th Guards Brigades of the Croatian Army (Croatian: 7.gardijska Brigada – Pume), who liberated Knin on the morning of 5 August.
In general, that city was the center and symbol of the Serbian uprising until then. Exactly at noon, a 20-meter Croatian flag was flown in the Knin Fortress signaling the victorious advance of the Croatian Army in the most extensive liberating operation. Due to its strategic and symbolic significance, the day of the liberation of Knin was declared the Day of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, and then the Day of Croatian Veterans.
Battlefield long 600 kilometers
After the initial operation of the Croatian Air Force and the destroyed enemy communication systems and artillery preparations for military targets, the Croatian forces went into action at the same time from 30 directions on the 600-kilometer-long battlefield. The strike force on the main routes of attack was the Guards Brigades, assisted by the special police of the Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Guards Association, as well as Home Guard and Reserve units. It was, in a tactical and strategic sense, a military operation that, thanks to its originality and success, will be studied by numerous military analysts.
Liberated cities
August 4th – Sveti Rok
August 5th – Knin, Vrlika, Kijevo, Drnis, Zitnic, Benkovac, Gracac, Lovinac, Ljubovo, Saborsko, Plaski, Hrvatska Dubica …
August 7th – Turanj, Tusilovic, Vojnic, Topusko, Gornji and Donji Lapac …
Operation Storm (VRO Oluja) – 5 minutes to remember
The almost six-minute video published by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia five years ago briefly describes the action of Operation Storm and the most important information.
Central celebration of the 25th anniversary of VRO Storm
The main celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Veterans Day every year is held in Knin with many festivities in memory of the event.
9:43h in Knin – The ceremony will begin with the ringing of Knin church bells, which symbolically marks the entry of HV members into the City of Knin during the VRO Storm. The program will continue at the Knin Fortress, which includes raising the flag of the Republic of Croatia, a minute of silence, reading the history of VRO Oluja, reading the names of dead and missing members, and firing 25 honorary platoons in memory of the 25th anniversary of Operation Storm.
10:15h on Dr. Ante Starčević Square in Knin – The program on the square begins with the laying of wreaths, the lighting of candles and the laying of 25 red roses on the monument to the Croatian victory “Storm 95” in memory of the dead and missing Croatian veterans in the VRO Storm. After that, there will be a prayer led by the Military Ordinary Msgr. Jure Bogdan. Also, high-ranking guests will give a speech. The program ends with a performance by the Acrobatic Group “The Wings of Storm“
11:30h in Knin – Holy Mass for the fallen, dead, and missing Croatian veterans in the Homeland War, led by Msgr. Marin Barišić, Archbishop of Split and Makarska will be held in the Church of Our Lady of the Great Croatian Baptismal Vow.
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day – Homeland War Tours
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The top 5 most visited Croatian destinations in 2020 are Rovinj, Medulin, Vir, Mali Lošinj, and Poreč. However, tourist places will have significantly lower revenues than last year, not only due to the lack of guests compared to last year but also due to the fact that many accommodation facilities have lowered their prices.
Since the prices are different compared to last year, or even up to 50 percent lower, revenues will certainly be much lower. Accommodation prices at the beginning of the tourist season are at the level of last year’s prices in the pre-season. The list of the five most visited Croatian destinations in 2020 includes as many as 3 cities in Istria. The main advantage compared to the rest of Croatia is that Istria is a self-drive destination and doesn’t depend on air traffic, which is now completely reduced. Also, another important reason is the quality offer. That is why Istria is the least affected in this economic crisis.
A great advantage is well-developed camping tourism. Guests feel safer in them during a coronavirus pandemic because it is much easier to have a social distance and at the same time guests stay outdoors. In mid-July, Rovinj has about 19,000 guests a day, which is a large number for many cities in Croatia under normal circumstances. That is approximately 60 percent compared to last year in the same period. For comparison, Rovinj had 37,000 guests a day at the same time last year, which is 18,000 less.
Medulin
By mid-July, Medulin had 251,244 overnight stays, or about 60 percent compared to last year. The goal this year is to have a million overnight stays, while Medulin had 2.8 million last year. The advantage is that they have a lot of camps, as many as 7 large and 22 smaller family camps. Also, Medulin has a lot of holiday homes, where guests, just like in the camps, feel safer. The situation with charters is good, so they are also at 50 percent occupancy. A lot of old guests are returning to Medulin. The city has grown as a destination for family and sports tourism. Also, more and more is being invested in the promotion of cultural tourism.
Vir
Although the island of Vir is one of the top destinations, most domestic guests have cottages there, so only 22 percent of guests paid for accommodation in Vir in the first half of July. By mid-June, foreign guests had 120,000 overnight stays, while domestic guests had 167,000. The number of guests in mid-July is 75 percent compared to the same period last year, which is a great result for this small place.
Mali Lošinj
To attract tourists they made a ferry free action. Therefore, everyone who stays 7 days in Mali Lošinj, the price of accommodation is reduced by the cost of the ferry. The discount is from 50 to 120 euros, depending on whether it is a car or a camper. For guests who have to self-isolate, the tourist board covers the cost of food and accommodation and ensures the delivery of medicines and supplies. Also, there are some other benefits for renters. By mid-July, Mali Losinj has 193,000 overnight stays, which is approximately 47 percent compared to last year.
Poreč
Most tourists come from countries such as Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and Italy. Poreč is traditionally a hotel destination with only one camp, unlike Rovinj which has about 20,000 beds in camps. This is also the reason why Rovinj has better results. Like other places in Istria, Poreč can thank the good results by the fact that they are a self-drive destination. The data show that tourists spend an average of about 100 euros a day, while hotel guests spend as much as 160 euros a day. Now that hotel guests are much smaller the drop in spending is higher.
Where is Dubrovnik on the list of most visited Croatian destinations in 2020?
Since the Homeland War, the streets of Dubrovnik have not been empty in July, but the 2020 coronavirus crisis has arrived. Actually, there are no tourists in Dubrovnik with reduced prices of as much as 60 percent! It is still hard to believe that all this is happening especially because Croatian tourism broke all records last year.
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Since the Homeland War, the streets of Dubrovnik have not been empty in July, but the 2020 coronavirus crisis has arrived. Actually, there are no tourists in Dubrovnik with reduced prices of as much as 60 percent! It is still hard to believe that all this is happening especially because Croatian tourism broke all records last year. From January 1 to December 31, 2019, Dubrovnik had 1.44 million arrivals – 13 percent more than in 2018, and 4.4 million overnight stays, which is 6 percent more than the year before.
On July 5, 2020, there were 2,145 guests in Dubrovnik, which is only 13 percent of the total number of guests last year on the same date, when 24,824 overnight stays were realized. Currently, the most numerous guests in Dubrovnik hotel accommodation are from Germany, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Germans, French, and Poles are mostly staying in private accommodation.
Catering income below 20 percent compared to 2019
Most catering facilities have revenues of up to 10 percent compared to last year. It should have at least 20 percent profit to cover basic costs, but it is currently significantly less than that. No one has prepared for this situation, especially because last season was a record, and a reduction in VAT was even announced for this season, which would be an additional relief for caterers. Most had expected that the situation will change significantly in June, but that didn’t happen.
There are no tourists in Dubrovnik, but more and more tourists are coming to Pelješac and Mljet
The owner of the travel agency for rent Dominium travel has a drop in income until July 1 of as much as 94.67 percent. However, in the last few weeks, some things have changed. They have more and more reservations on Mljet and Pelješac than in Dubrovnik. Reservations for Dubrovnik are mostly last-minute nights and for units that have parking. Also, many have lowered prices by as much as 60 percent. Also, many renters have chosen not to rent their housing units for tourism purposes this year.
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In the article “Diese Länder sind besonders stark vom Tourismus abhängig”, the German portal Capital.de published a list of the top 10 European tourism-dependent countries. Croatia was at the very top, but not the first. It’s a big surprise which European country is most economically dependent on tourism, and that’s Georgia. The share of tourism revenues in GDP is as high as 31 percent. The introduction to the article says that countries like Spain and Italy are now trying to save the tourist season. “From an economic perspective, this is understandable, because a significant part of their GDP depends on tourist traffic.”
Tourism was one of the most important sources of income in the Soviet era. Today, the tourism sector generates 31 percent of GDP. Tourism in the country is booming, with 2018 reportedly visited by 7.2 million passengers – in a country of just 3.7 million.
2. Malta
Malta’s gross domestic product is generated by tourism at 27 percent. Whether you are going through a few days, in autumn, winter, or spring – Malta is always a good choice. The Mediterranean climate is pleasant. Especially young people are attracted to this tourist destination.
Tourism is extremely important for Croatia and we have all known that for a long time. More precisely, without tourism, Croatia would be in a very difficult economic situation. Even with tourism, Croatia is one of the worst countries in the European Union in terms of citizens’ standards. Croatia and Montenegro account for a quarter of their gross domestic product in the tourism sector. Croatians hope that visitors from Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, and Austria will save the tourist season. More precisely, guests who come by car on vacation.
5. Cyprus
23 percent of Cyprus’ gross domestic product is generated in the tourism sector. Cyprus hopes to return to tourism after the opening of its borders to tourists in June. They are most hoping for the return of British and Russian tourists.
6. Greece
One-fifth of Greece’s GDP comes from tourism. What Greece is primarily known for is its rich cultural heritage. Situated between two seas, Greece is one of the cradles of Western civilization.
7. Portugal
In 2018, a total of 16 million tourists arrived in Portugal. The contribution of tourism to GDP was 18 percent. Almost three-quarters of the total number of overnight stays were spent in Lisbon, the Algarve, and the island of Madeira.
8./9. Spain and Austria
Spain and Austria share eighth and ninth place. In 2018, both countries accounted for 15 percent of gross domestic product from tourism. Austria’s strength in tourism can be expressed in one number: almost 40 million guests visit the country every year.
10. Italy
Last in a list of the top 10 European tourism-dependent countries. Tourism in Italy contributed 13 percent of the country’s gross domestic product produced in 2018. Italy has 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest economic losses will be in Italy and Spain, where the epidemiological situation is still unfavorable because they still have tens of thousands of infected and a lot of newly infected every day.
Coronavirus crisis and top 10 European tourism-dependent countries
Revenues from tourism otherwise occupy an extremely large share in Croatia’s GDP. What will happen now that tourism is in trouble due to the coronavirus crisis? According to Eurostat estimates, there are 2.3 million tourism companies in the European Union, employing 11.7 million people. These are nine percent of employees in the business sector, and 22 percent in the services sector. When it comes to international tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of trips will fall by 20 to 30 percent compared to the record 2019.
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Istria is the best destination for a self-drive holiday. According to a survey of members of the largest German car club during May and June (two crisis months of the coronavirus pandemic), Istria has taken a position at the top of the list of most popular destinations-regions where German guests want to travel. The article entitled “Urlaub mit dem Auto: Die beliebtesten Ziele – trotz Corona” also mentions the most popular vacation countries where Croatia took a high second place, right after Germany.
Germany and its tourist regions are even more popular as a tourist destination in the summer of 2020 than in previous years (2019-30,3%). However, many Germans apparently had no plans to travel this year or put them on hold after the Coronavirus crisis. For the first time, Croatia positioned itself in second place among tourist destinations, behind Germany, with a significant gap compared to Italy, which fell from second to fourth place. It is interesting that Poland is no longer on the list in the top 10. Also, a high third place is held by Turkey, where many German Turks go home on vacation. The survey included 85,000 queries.
Position
Country
1.
Germany
37,00%
2.
CROATIA
13,8%
3.
Turkey
11,5%
4.
Italy
8,2%
5.
Austria
7,9%
6.
Greece
4,0%
7.
France
3,8%
8.
Netherlands
2,2%
9.
Switzerland
1,9%
10.
Spain
1,4%
Route statistics 2020: Where are you going on a trip?
Poll results – Istria is the best destination for a self-drive holiday
ADAC members were particularly interested in Istria during May and June. This Croatian tourist region in the upper Adriatic accounted for 11 percent. Also, the Dalmatian coast took a high third place with 6.3%. Whether you’re new to the idea of a drive-it-yourself adventure or you’ve already put plenty of kilometers on the clock, these self-drive holiday destinations offer an unforgettable holiday. Also, it is important to point out that Istria has held the first position in this survey for a decade (since 2010).
Almost all Italian holiday destinations that were on the list this year are no longer. Among them are Lake Garda (3rd place last year) and Veneto Friuli (6th place last year). Only South Tyrol is only at the bottom of the list with 2.8 percent (2nd place last year). The reason for this poor result is the coronary virus pandemic that hit Italy hard earlier this year.
ADAC is the largest German and European car club with more than 18 million members. Their camping guide is the most important source of information for German guests. In the edition of the popular “camping bible” for 2020, Croatian camps recorded the highest growth in quality in Europe, among which Istrians have the highest average rating of 4.1 (the highest is 5).
The highest category ADAC Superplatz for 2020 was awarded to Aminess Sirena and Aminess Maravea Camping Resort in Novigrad, Val Saline and FKK-Camping Valalta in Rovinj, Lanterna Premium Camping Resort near Tara and Istra Premium Camping Resort in Funtana, which also won a special award for innovation and Development – ADAC Innovation & Progress Award 2020.
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Many European countries have decided to temporarily reduce VAT on tourist services. Unfortunately, Croatia is not among them. Specifically, tourism is currently taxed at two rates – 25 and 13 percent. A lower rate of 13 percent is only on serving and delivery of food in restaurants and cafes. Perhaps the biggest intervention in the tax system was made by Germany, which decided to cut the general VAT rate from 19 to 16 percent. The German government has also reduced the reduced VAT rate from seven to five percent. Also, The United Kingdom has decided to reduce the VAT rate on tourism and hospitality from 20 to five percent.
Greece and Cyprus, countries where the economy is dependent on tourism (as well as Croatia), have decided to help tourism by reducing VAT on accommodation and restaurants. In these two countries, the VAT for these activities has been reduced to only five percent. Reducing VAT rates is a prerequisite for raising competitiveness under normal circumstances. In circumstances where the world has been hit by a coronavirus pandemic, VAT is a matter of survival.
Turkey has only 1% VAT on tourist services
For the period from April 1 to November 30, 2020, Turkey will decide to reduce VAT in the hotel segment from a low 8 percent to just one percent, which is also the lowest VAT in any tourism segment in Europe. Turkey VAT rates are:
18% – E-books; all other taxable goods and services
8% – Certain basic foodstuffs; pharmaceutical products; books (excluding e-books); medical products
1% – Newspapers and magazines; some basic foodstuffs.
0% – Exports of goods and related services
Lower VAT in other EU countries
TURKEY Hotels, accommodation, domestic flights: a reduction from 8 percent to 1 percent – until November 30, 2020
AUSTRIA Non-alcoholic beverages: a reduction from 20 percent to 10 percent – until December 31, 2020 Serving food in restaurants, cafes, and catering: a reduction from 10 percent to 5 percent – until December 31, 2020.
BELGIUM Serving food in cafes and restaurants: a reduction from 12 percent to 6 percent – until December 31, 2020.
BULGARIA Food serving: a reduction from 21 percent to 9 percent – until December 31, 2020.
CYPRUS Services in hotels, restaurants, and taxis: a reduction from 9 percent to 5 percent – until January 10, 2021.
CZECH REPUBLIC Accommodation: a reduction from 15 percent to 10 percent – until December 31, 2020.
GERMANY Restaurant and catering services: a reduction from 19 percent to 5 percent – until July 1, 2021. Hotel accommodation: a reduction from 7 percent to 5 percent – until December 31, 2020.
GREECE Non-alcoholic beverages: a reduction from 24 percent to 13 percent – until October 31, 2020. Preparation, serving and delivery of food in restaurants and cafes: a reduction from 13 percent to 5 percent – until January 9, 2021.
LITHUANIA Accommodation: a reduction from 21 percent to 9 percent – until December 31, 2020.
MOLDOVA Services in restaurants, cafes, and hotels: a reduction from 20 percent to 15 percent – until December 31, 2020.
NORWAY Hotel accommodation: a reduction from 12 percent to 6 percent – until October 31, 2020.
There are no changes in Croatia
Croatia has not decided to reduce taxes. The new government, which is just being formed, is still shyly announcing the first interventions in the tax system, primarily in the segment of income tax and expanding the application of the reduced VAT rate to all food. More precisely, we will not look at interventions in the tax system such as in Germany. Economists explain this by the excessive importance of VAT for the Croatian budget. According to the Ministry of Finance, around HRK 54.9 billion was collected from this tax in 2019.
Vote: Is Croatia expensive compared to other tourist destinations?
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Turkey has only 1% VAT on tourist services, Croatia even 25%! Don’t forget to discover the most beautiful and interesting sights in Croatia. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities.
Euro is the official Croatian currency from 2023! The Republic of Croatia has entered the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II), which is a key step in the process of introducing the euro. It has been more than five years since the last country, Lithuania, joined the eurozone, so the release of Croatia and Bulgaria into the ERM-2 mechanism, which is a kind of waiting room before the introduction of the euro, is a big step for the entire eurozone. The most important reason is to raise the chance of attracting investments, as well as a more favorable price of borrowing.
After consultations with the Commission, the Economic and Financial Committee, it was decided that the central exchange rate of the kuna for the euro would be 7.53450 kunas. Until we introduce the euro, the kuna exchange rate will be allowed to fall or rise by a maximum of 15 percent. Otherwise, a member state wishing to adopt the euro must spend at least two years in the ERM II mechanism before introducing a common European currency, which means that Croatia can count on joining the eurozone in 2023 at the earliest.
Vote – Which currency is better for Croatia?
Euro is the official Croatian currency from 2023
The European Central Bank (ECB) today decided to establish close co-operation with the Croatian National Bank (HNB), making the Croatian central bank part of a single supervisory mechanism even before joining the eurozone, meaning the ECB takes over the supervision of Croatian banks.
In the photo below you can see the countries that already have the Euro in the European Union (orange) and those that don’t (yellow):
The euro is a tangible symbol of European unity
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said:
“The euro is a tangible symbol of European unity, prosperity, and solidarity. This decision recognizes the important economic reforms already undertaken by Bulgaria and Croatia while confirming the continued attractiveness of Europe’s single currency. We will continue to stand with both countries as they take their next and final steps towards joining the euro area.”
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that works for People, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Bulgaria and Croatia as members of the Exchange Rate Mechanism II, an important milestone on the road to adopting the euro as their national currency. Both countries have worked hard to get to this point, even in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. It is a testament to the attractiveness of our common currency – still relatively young but highly successful globally. Good news for Bulgaria, Croatia, and for the entire euro area.”
Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for the Economy, said:
“Bulgaria and Croatia have made huge efforts to prepare for entry into ERM II and the Banking Union. Today, those efforts have paid off. In a time of crisis and uncertainty, this decision sends a message of confidence in the euro and clarity that Bulgaria and Croatia will be the next countries to join. As they take this key step towards our common currency, we as Europeans take a new step towards ever closer Union.”
Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, said:
“Through the agreement on joining the EU and the confirmation in the referendum, Croatia decided in June 2011 to join the eurozone. With this, we have further strengthened Croatia’s reputation in the economic and financial field, in the markets, this means a new legitimacy for us.”
Euro is the official Croatian currency from 2023. But when? The official date of the currency change could be January 1, 2023 at the earliest.
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Euro is the official Croatian currency from 2023! Don’t forget to discover the most beautiful and interesting sights in Croatia. Find, compare, and book sightseeing tours, attractions, excursions, things to do, and fun activities.
