Zagreb Loonapark Company Doubles Revenue, Plans More Employment
April the 18th, 2023 - The Zagreb Loonapark company is young, and it is already looking at a very promising future after having doubled its income and with plans for further employment opportunities.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Josipa Ban writes, there really is nothing missing in the already extremely thick catalog of promotional materials of the Zagreb Loonapark company. From indispensable cups of all types, colours and designs, the most sought-after bottles and thermoses, to lamps, pendants, bags, ecological ballpoint pens, this young company does it all.
In short, there's no promotional material that the Zagreb Loonapark company's team can't design and deliver to their clients. The richness of their offer and the individual approach they take has ensured their great success, because in just two years of being operational, they've managed to profile themselves as one of the leading companies for the production of promotional material in all of the Republic of Croatia.
The management of the company, founders Robert Bozic and Domagoj Vrdoljak, therefore have every reason to be satisfied. In the second year of their operations, the company's revenues doubled to a very impressive 6.6 million kuna, or 876,000 euros. Their number of employees also grew from the initial three to nine.
They offer more than 40,000 items from within their range and they also have a respectable number of clients, among whom are some of the biggest names of the domestic economy, from Atlantic Grupa, Infobip, Microblink and Allianz osiguranje to Infinum. Despite their obvious success, their beginnings were not at all easy because they started Loonapark's business in the middle of the unprecedented coronavirus crisis.
"Clients recognised us, and almost everyone we worked with would recommend us to someone else, so it wasn't really a question of whether we would grow, but by much we'd grow," stated Robert Bozic, the co-founder and CEO of Promo spot, under which the Zagreb Loonapark company's brand operates. Their clients come from various sectors, from trade, tourism, the HoReCa sector to the IT and the processing industry, and they're of all sizes - small, medium and large enterprises.
"The list of companies we work with is large and varied, which is good because we aren't dependent on any one in this way. For example, our five largest clients account for 25 percent of Loonapark's revenue," Bozic explained. A significant investment, in the amount of 40 thousand euros, in their web shop, i.e. online sales, also contributed to the growth of their business. Their web sales have been refreshed, optimised and their search engine has been improved, Bozic pointed out, adding that it's their main sales tool.
"It's precisely through the web shop that we get contacted by companies that we've never heard of and that we think are micro or small, but later it turns out that they are successful and respectable IT companies that just aren't very publicly known. Therefore, high-quality business cooperation often results from the contacts we make through the web shop," said the executive director of the Zagreb Loonapark company.
On top of all of the above, this company's wide array of clients, who are increasingly looking for recycled and degradable materials and custom-made products that are special and different, are won over and retained by their approach.
"In this segment, we've made the biggest step forward because we care that we approach each client individually and that they get everything they need in one place. In addition, through our graphic preparation and design department, we can offer them new and different solutions depending on the campaign they're working on and the message they want to send out," emphasised Bozic. In the end, it was precisely this approach that, in just two years of being operational, placed them among the leading companies involved in the production of promotional materials in the country.
The coronavirus crisis didn't really harm them either, and we all know that as a result of the public health crisis, most marketing budgets were drastically cut. In fact, in that first year of their business being up and running, they achieved an impressive 3.6 million kuna in revenue (478,000 euros). Their business wasn't affected by the increase in the prices of materials, for example paper by about 15 percent, by products purchased from China by about 40 percent (due to the increase in shipping costs), nor by the increase in delivery days by 30 to 45 days, to 120 days in total.
"We founded the company during the crisis, so we've become used to crises and as such we're optimistic", said the founder of the company, which mainly procures its materials from Europe, mostly from the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary and Portugal, while they procure a smaller part of the assortment from China, but that's mainly what is needed for making products to order.
They also aren't worried about their business results this year due to announcements of a slowdown in economic growth and even a potential crisis. It's well known that in every crisis, the budgets for marketing are cut first, but Bozic isn't afraid of that and expects that the Zagreb Loonapark company will grow by 20 percent this year, as well as the next. They're also planning to employ one to two people in sales. The company will try to achieve more visibility on the market and make even more contacts with the industry at the Days of Communications, one of the biggest events in the field of marketing in all of Croatia, which will soon be held in Rovinj. Loonapark will be a partner of this event this year, and as Bozic pointed out, this represents a good opportunity for them to connect more strongly with industry experts across the board and create new business opportunities.
The long-term plan of this ambitious young Zagreb company is to develop even further and turn into an agency that will offer their clients a very comprehensive approach, i.e. brand development, and then communication campaigns.
"At the end of this year or at the beginning of 2024, we plan to launch new departments within Loonapark,'' announced the CEO of the company, which is currently in one of the most intense periods of the year. Now, Bozic explains, companies are preparing their campaigns for the upcoming summer, so there is a lot of work and inquiries to deal with. The second most intensive period is, as expected, the end of the year, that is, the last quarter.
Bozic emphasised that the success of the Zagreb Loonapark company was definitely contributed by the employees and their intense engagement. In order for the company to be as high quality as possible, it invests a lot in employee education, which they receive through training sessions and various sorts of workshops. According to Bozic, they have no problems with finding and retaining staff, unlike the vast majority of employers in Croatia.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.
Croatian Startup Revuto Announces Brand New Project, Shares Offered
April the 18th, 2023 - The Croatian startup Revuto launches a new project which allows for the close engagement of the public who can become owners of shares in the company.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Josipa Ban writes, the Croatian startup Revuto, which developed an application (app) for managing subscriptions, has recently announced a brand new project in the launch of which, through a crowdfunding campaign, people can also participate as investors, and in return they will receive shares in the company.
The plan is to raise about 1.7 million US dollars in total, and as far as the project itself is concerned, the Croatian startup Revuto has announced the launch of a card programme for the overall better control of subscriptions.
With it, as they explained, Revuto's users will get the opportunity to use virtual debit cards to make payments and have greater subscription control. They will be able to top up with debit or credit cards and through cryptocurrencies, and the main goal is to provide privacy and protection from any irritating and unwanted costs.
The app's users will also have an overview of all subscriptions in one place, so it will be easier to manage them. Small investors will also be able to participate in the launch of this programme.
"Through all the activities so far, we have achieved significant growth, secured all of the necessary regulatory permits, integrated with our partners and are fully ready to launch our most important product on the market, Revuto debit cards. With this crowdfunding campaign, we want to offer small investors a share in our company so that the project remains in the hands of the community that supports us, and our community grows alongside us," Vedran Vukman, the co-founder and CEO of the Croatian startup Revuto, pointed out.
It's important to note that the number of investors is limited. As such, today, on Tuesday, April the 18th, 1,500 investors will be free participate in the crowdfunding campaign, which will last only 24 hours.
From Revuto, a startup that raised 10 million US dollars of investment back in 2021 and whose services are used by more than 355 thousand active users at this moment in time, they also note that by investing, the investors will, in addition to a share in the company, also receive a return of up to 15% of the investment in the form of the REVU token.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.
Varazdin Pumpkin Oil Wins 4 Gold Medals at 62nd Monde Selection
April the 17th, 2023 - The producers of Varazdin pumpkin oil won four gold medals at the 62nd Monde Selection in Brussels, a prestigious worldwide product quality competition.
Oils from the Agroprom Patrcevic Oil Company, Andreja Petrovic OPG (family farm), Damir Crleni PG and Cafuk PPP received the highest ratings. The great news was announced on Friday, April the 14th, on the Day of Protected Croatian Autochthonous Products in Uljara Agroprom Patrcevic in Strmec. Experts including chefs with Michelin stars and members of the French Culinary Academy praised and complimented Varazdin pumpkin oils.
Among more than 3,000 products from around the world, this is certainly a great accomplishment for Varazdin pumpkin oil. Over the past four years, 12 oils from the Varazdin region have been registered, and all 12 have won gold medals. There are as many as 17 protected agricultural and food products in Varazdin County, eight of which are at the European and national level. Varazdin cabbage already has the European quality marks, since 2017, and Varazdin klipic since 2020. It is expected that Varazdin pumpkin oil will also receive formal protection within two months at the European Union level. It means increased value, increased competitiveness, and a higher market price for oil producers.
While PPP Cafuk and PG Crleni won gold for the first time in Brussels, Uljara Agroprom Patrcevic and OPG j Petrovic succeeded in doing so for the second time. The Varazdin Pumpkin Oil Association's president and host describes the secrets of the success of Varazdin's "black gold".
''Within the Association, we made a decision that Varazdin pumpkin oil be produced using what's known as the hot-pressed process. It's 100 percent pure pumpkin oil, meaning that it doesn't have the addition of any other, foreign oils. Our "secret" ingredient is a complete commitment to the work at hand,'' emphasised Patrcevic. Members of the Association sell all the Varazdin pumpkin oil they produce, and they plan to expand their production, and as such - their sales.
''When people try Varazdin pumpkin oil, they remember its quality and keep buying it. The customers are the ones who keep us going and give us the incentive to continue doing this business and improve quality levels,'' said Andreja Petrovic.
Damir Crleni, the president of the Croatian Chefs Association, was also proud. ''I wanted to give my own product to gastronomy, which I've been dealing with all my life. I'm glad that some restaurants and hotels in the area of Varazdin and Koprivnica-Krizevci County have Varazdin pumpkin oil in their daily offer, and I hope others will follow their example,'' said Crleni.
The work and effort behind everything is evident, according to Marija Cafuk. ''Varazdin pumpkin oil and Varazdin cabbage are an excellent match. Therefore, we'll continue to strive to make our products as high quality as possible, and accordingly recognisable on the increasingly demanding market,'' said Marija Cafuk.
Photos credit: Varazdin County & Vidovec/Facebook
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Made in Croatia section.
Sustainable Croatia Makes Top 5 EU Countries That Increased Recycling
April 17, 2023 - The European Union recently announced plans to reduce household waste by a fifth, increasing the pressure for an environmentally conscious way of life. Sustainable Croatia makes the top five countries that increased their recycling rates.
As a result, the company Clear it Waste, in cooperation with Eurostat, conducted a survey of the countries to see how much they have reduced the total amount of waste in the past ten years. And according to the results of the survey, Croatia has something to be proud of - from 2012 to now, the amount of recycling in Croatia has increased by 114 percent, which ranks it in the top 5 countries in terms of progress within the EU.
Slovakia is in first place, having increased recycling rates by 265%. Poland follows with 236%, and Latvia is just over 200%, while in Bulgaria they managed to increase the amount of waste available for recycling by 162%.
After Croatia and its 114%, Lithuania (89%), the Czech Republic (87%), Estonia (59%), and Slovenia (43%) follow, which started on the path of "green living" even before 2012...
In particular, Slovakia's success in this regard is fascinating because in 2012, only 13.4% of waste was recyclable, and in 2021 it reached 40.3%, while Bulgaria is at an enviable 65.5%. On the other hand, Croatia went from a low of 14.7% in 2012 to 31.4% of usable waste in 2021, which is still almost 20% behind the EU average (49.6%).
With the exception of Bulgaria, the Central European countries Austria (62.3%) and Slovenia (60%) are still leading, followed by the Benelux countries: the Netherlands (57.8%), Luxembourg (55.3%) and Belgium (53.3%).
According to the same survey, the lowest result was recorded in Romania, which went in the opposite direction from its first neighbor, Bulgaria, because the recycling rate in the mentioned ten years (2012-2021) fell by 24%, and significant drops also occurred in Denmark (-19% ) and Sweden (-16%). In addition to the most significant drop, Romanians are the worst overall, with only 11.3% of reusable waste.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.
Banovina Reconstruction Tales - Three Years Spent in a Barn
April 17, 2023 - It has been over 3 years since the earthquake. How is the Banovina reconstruction coming along? Stevo and Mira Vilić from Majsko Trtnik have lived in a barn since the earthquake.
Their house is in a catastrophic state, and the donated container is leaking onto their bed, writes 24Sata after a visit to the Vilić family.
"Three years, man. We've been sleeping in a barn for three years", shouts Stevo Vilić, spreading his arms in front of his cracked house. 24Sata went to Majski Trtnik, to the address Stevo has called his home since birth.
"I've lived here all my life. Born here. Back then, you didn't go to Glina to give birth, but a midwife from Vlahovići would come to you. So we were born in the house," describes Stevo; behind him are the old walls. His wife Mira keeps trying to serve us, offering drinks.
"Come on, have some cola. Drink some. So that you don't sit here empty-handed," says the hunched-over woman.
The Vilići house was destroyed in the Banovina earthquake. The walls have separated, and you can see the holes. The series of tremors that followed only made the situation worse. You can't live there anymore. It's not wise to even go inside.
"I'd never experienced this. When it happened, I immediately went upstairs to cover the roof. It never crossed my mind that there could be more earthquakes. It was exposed; I covered it as much as possible to keep the house dry. Seventy years on my back," says the old man. He takes the crew inside.
"It's a disaster. Our sticker is not red. The first time they came, we got a yellow one. After that, no one came; this is the third year. They haven't been here at all, just that one time. And for me, all the documentation, all the papers, everything is fine. The house has a usage permit; everything is there, and I am the sole owner. There, see how it cracked. The walls below, the foundations, everything cracked. Nothing can be done in the house. Come in, see. There, see the holes in the walls. Cracked there, cracked upstairs, everywhere. Look at the garage; that hurts the most. As if it was shelled. See how it cracked. Disaster, you can't stay in the house. If it were possible, I wouldn't be living in the barn", says Stevo and returns to the house. He's showing what used to be the kitchen.
He and his wife have lived in the next-door barn for three years. There was no other way. They say they received a container, but it also started to leak. Little by little, Stevo and Mira built a stable space, making it somewhat bearable for living. That's not in good shape, either.
"I didn't even register the barn. At least let this be resolved so that there is somewhere I can make food. If you can't make yourself food, you have nothing. You can't live. And this - cows used to live here. And now it's me. The cows are gone; I used to keep them long ago in cooperation with Belje. Now, here, we live on a 1,200 kuna pension. And they bring us lunch. They didn't want to admit her to Public Works, though she submitted all the papers," says the man and leads the crew into the former barn.
There are planks nailed to the ceiling that is too high—lined with nylon. Two beds squeezed into one corner. They built a furnace into which they would throw big logs to keep warm for longer. Smoke. Moisture clinging to the walls. The floor is not level; it is on a downhill slope.
"I renovated everything after the earthquake. On my own, of course. I built this. Put up boards and nylon. The furnace has to be lit constantly, and it is difficult to heat this space. It was good for the cows but for us... Here's this, we made this ourselves. Got it all out. I made this wall. They promised to come and help, but nothing came of it," Stevo shakes his head.
Mira points her finger at the opposite wall of the 'bedroom'.
"This is a hole. As it started to leak, we ran out in our underpants to make a hole so the water could escape somewhere. Because it is on a slope, we might be sleeping; it starts to rain, so we run, close, and open the hole. And mice live there. Running around. It stinks in here. Barn, what are you going to do - the women shrug.
She had surgeries on her gallbladder and uterus. Stevo has got issues with his prostate; he is on medication.
"You see, we have nothing to lie to you about. I can't understand that. I'm not saying that you should cry; I'm not crying. I don't like to complain. But what is normal... I'm not asking for much. We just need a small, ordinary, wooden house. Just to have a place to lie down and make something to eat. Let alone have someone visit. I'm ashamed to show them this," says the old man. He points to the stove; he received it from a donation.
They lead the crew to the container.
"It's leaking; you can't stay there. It all falls on the bed. They mentioned something about putting some kind of roof on the container, but there is moisture there. We've been in the barn ever since the thing happened. If it weren't for the barn, we wouldn't have a place to stay. I can't believe I had to experience that, to sleep in a barn," - seventy-year-old Vilić shakes his head.
"Have some cola," Mira tried one more time before the crew left.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.
Authentic Croatia: Making Soparnik in the Poljica Republic, Omis (VIDEO)
April 17, 2023 - High in the hills above gorgeous Omis is a truly unique place, where culturally protected food is prepared in an independent republic - making soparnik is the Poljica Republic.
One of the secrets of tourism in Croatia is the simplicity of its cuisine, the freshness of its products, and the unlimited unique and authentic experiences. It is wonderful to watch how some enterprising locals are taking the simple pleasures in life which cost almost nothing, then package them up as an authentic experience which completely wows their visitors.
The case of soparnik, a delicious dish now under EU cultural protection, is a case in point. Regarded as peasant food for as long as anyone can remember, the ingredients are very, very basic, and yet today it has become one of the must-try culinary experiences on a visit to Dalmatia and especially the area about Omis, which is the soparnik heartland. And not only a culinary tourism experience, but some enterprising locals have turned this into a full-blown excursion and cooking experience in the rather fabulous Poljica Republic, a bastion of independence from the 12th century all what way until the arrival of Napoleon 700 years.
The Poljica Republic was a network of 12 towns from the Cetina River further inland, which had its own statute and regulations, and which was very advance in its governance, effectively resisting Ottoman invasion for over 400 years. Its flexible statute changed with the times, and it was written by the people, for the people. Its core values included the freedom of all residents to fend for themselves, zero tax, and the election of the Duke of Poljica each year.
The republic may be no more, but its legacy lives on, and a guided tour of the excellent museum, combined by a cooking lesson in making soparnik is a superb way to experience the tradition and cuisine of this rather unique slice of inland Dalmatia. Check out the CROMADS experience video below.
And the ingredients which go into making soparnik? Nothing too complicated or expensive - 500 g all-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups), 1/2 tsp. salt, 4 Tbls. olive oil, 50 ml water (1 1/4 cup), 1 bunch parsley leaves, 1 kg chard (2.2 lbs), 1 bunch spring onions, salt, 3-4 garlic cloves, olive oil, and Fresh parsley leaves.
****
You can subscribe to the Paul Bradbury Croatia Expert YouTube channel here.
What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.
Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.
Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.
New Way of Presenting Tourism: Take it Slow Croatian Lifestyle
April 17, 2023 - Foreigners who visit Croatia love the Croatian lifestyle, where people live the so-called slow "coffee," completely different from the stress they're escaping. On the Adriatic, this way of life is even more pronounced on both coasts. For some time now, they have been working on a project to promote this culture under the name "Take it slow."
As Poslovni writes, regions interested in preserving and promoting an authentic lifestyle, food, healthy natural environment, and rich cultural heritage were connected with financial support from the European Fund for Regional Development.
3.7 million euros at their disposal
The project holder is the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, which is currently starting the construction of a modern multimedia center of Adriatic heritage in the Duke's Palace in Ston. This is also the highlight of the project in which Dubrovnik-Neretva County's partners are the Development Agency of Šibenik-Knin County and the Public Institution RERA S.D. for the coordination and development of the Split-Dalmatia County, the University of Zadar, the County of Istria, the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Regions of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Abruzzo and Molise, the Consortium of the Puglia Public Theater and the associated partner Region of Puglia.
In total, 3.7 million euros were available through this four-year plan, ending with Ston. So far, slowly and without much noise, as befits the project, a whole series of activities, workshops and gatherings, study trips, presentations, and gastronomic events have been held, all to promote the Mediterranean Adriatic lifestyle. One of the symbols of the project will remain the multimedia center of Adriatic heritage in Ston.
In the Duke's Palace, the works for which a contract was concluded a few days ago with the Mljet company Posta, which was selected in a public tender to carry out the construction work on the construction of the interpretation center, are about to begin.
In the building located within the walls of Ston and is a protected cultural property, located near the Kaštio fortress and the church of St. Vlaho, space will be arranged for social events, exhibitions, and presentations of the wealth of culture and gastronomy.
Works completed in 70 days
"It will be a new way of presenting Ston and Pelješac," points out the long-time mayor of Ston, Vedran Antunica, who believes that the idea has been successful and that the area, like the other parts covered by this project, has the potential to promote this healthy way of life.
According to Antunica, the events will be organized by the Tourist Board. And although the philosophy of "a little" is promoted, when it comes to the completion of the imagined project in Ston, there is no such thing. On the contrary, construction works in the Duke's Palace must be completed in about 70 days.
For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.
Tin Srbić Wins European Gymnastics Gold!
April 16, 2023 - Croatian gymnast Tin Srbić won the gold medal on the high bar in his third final at the European Championships!
Tin was the best in the last final, which closed this year's European Championship in Antalya, Turkey.
Tin started the hunt for another big medal as the fifth runner-up. Srbić won the gold with a score of 14,233, while Italian Carlo Macchini was second with 14,200, and Ukrainian Illia Kovtun won bronze with 13,966.
Srbić has now recorded seven of the biggest gymnastics finals - the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, two European Championships, in Szczecin 2019 and Mersin 2020, and three World Championship finals - Montreal 2017, Doha 2018, and Stuttgart 2019. He only failed to make the podium once - in Doha, when he finished 4th in the world.
The great Croatian gymnast has a silver medal from the Olympic Games in Tokyo, as well as gold from the World Championships in Montreal in 2017 and silver from the World Championships two years later in Stuttgart.
This was the 34th European gymnastics final for Croatia since the country became independent. To date, Croatia has won 10 senior medals - 7 silver medals (2 Ude, 2 Srbić, Seligman, Možnik, Benović), one bronze (Seligman), and two gold, which was brought to us by today's president of HGS Marijo Možnik and the fantastic Srbić.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023 to Start in Istria Again: Full Programme
April 16,2023 - The quietest rally in the world is back! The Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023 will kick off from Rovinj and take in the top sites of the Adriatic, but oh so quietly. Check out the full programme.
Imagine a rally where the mother of Mr Modern Tesla, Elon Musk, drove a Tesla around a country where the original Nikola Tesla was born (Tesla was born in Smiljan, in what is modern-day Croatia), as Maye Musk did back in 2015.
Imagine a rally around Croatia where the first-ever buyer of the Rimac Concept One took place in his new $1 million toy. You can read my interview with Paul Runge about the whole experience here.
Imagine a rally where Mate Rimac rocks up and takes part in the speed trials in his own hypercar.
There is no need to imagine. One of the coolest - and certainly the quietest - rallies in Croatia is back as one of the highlights of the Croatian tourism calendar in May. This year's edition will see a stream of Tesla and other electric vehicles on a luxury 10-day rally through the best spots of the Adriatic coast, starting from Hotel Lone in Rovinj and ending at Iadera Falkensteiner Punta Skala in Zadar.
Having done a large part of the rally a few years ago, I can confirm that - at least in my opinion - it is one of the top things happening in Croatian tourism. So much so in fact that I included it in my 10 things that Croatia does better than anywhere else video (see below).
This year's programme in full:
"NIKOLA TESLA EV RALLY CROATIA 2023"
DAY 1: 19.05.2023. Rovinj – hotel Lone (Address: Luje Adamovića 31, 52210 Rovinj)
- 18.30 h meeting in “Night Club” conference room in hotel Lone, gathering and official introduction of team, route and schedule
- 19.30h Dinner
DAY 2: 20.05.2023. Rovinj city center - Vodnjan
- 11.00 h start from hotel Lone, arrival in the city center of Rovinj – Welcome and official start announcement by Mayor of Rovinj
- Visit to Vodnjan
- Chiavalon oil factory
- Wine tasting and lunch in local winery
- Hotel
DAY 3: 21.05.2023 Vrsar Airport – Grožnjan – Buzet
- 10.30h start from Lone hotel to a private airport for the sport part of the program
- Lunch
- Visit to Grožnjan and Buzet
DAY 4: 22.05.2023. Hotel Lone – Opatija - Split
- 09.00 h Start from hotel Lone
- Charging stop in Senj
- Charging stop in Zadar
- Arrival hotel Le Meridien Lav (Address: Grljevacka 2A, Podstrana, 21312, Split
DAY 5: 23.05.2023.
- 09.00h Start from hotel Le Meridien Lav – drive to Island Pelješac
- Drive over Peljšac bridge
- Lunch on Pelješac
- Visit to Red and Blue Lakes in Imotski. Red Lake is known for its numerous caves and remarkably high cliffs, reaching over 241 metres above normal water level and continuing below the water level. The total explored depth of this sinkhole is approximately 530 metres with a volume of roughly 25–30 million cubic meters, thus it is the third largestsinkhole in the world.
- Dinner
DAY 6:24.05.2023 Split–Trogir-Zadar
- 10.00 h start from the hotel Le Meridien Lav
- Visit and lunch Trogir
- Arrival and dinner Iadera Falkensteiner Hotel &Spa Iadera (Addres: Resort Punta Skala, 23231, Petrčane)
DAY 7: 25.05.2023. Sea and surprise day
- Time to relax and enjoy!
DAY 8: 26.05.2023. Šibenik – NP Krka - Skradin
- 10.00h Drive to city of Šibenik and National park Krka
- Ante Šupuk and engineer Vjekoslav Meischner, Šibenik had electrical lighting before many European cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Rome, London and others.
- Lunch
- Visit to Old town Šibenik Sv.Mihovil fortress. The Medieval St. Mihovil Fortress was erected on a sixty meters high and steep rocky hill that dominates the surrounding waters. Under its walls, Šibenik evolved - the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. Barone Fortress was built in 1646 on Vidakuša, the 80 meter-high hill above the city. Along with the other three fortresses in Šibenik, it represents a unique defence system that resisted the enemies of the city for centuries. Today, it has an exceptional monumental value recognized across Europe.
- 20.00h Dinner
DAY 9: 27.05.2023 Zadar
- 11.00h start
- 11.45–12.30h sport part of the program
- Official ceremony in the center of Zadar, welcome by Mayor of Zadar (lunch)
- Lunch and visit to old town Zadar
DAY 10: 28.05.2023. Iadera Falkensteiner Petrčane - FINISH
- 11.00h check out
- Charging on route between hotels will be on SuC in different groups and in hotels will be organized directly on hotel power plants with our equipment, our charging crew will set up cables and assist with connecting and make sure everyone is charged for the next day activities. All SuConour route have CCS for Model 3 charging.
- First day 19.05.2023. on our “introduction meeting” all details regarding route, charging and schedule will be presented and every team will receive official “road book” which contains“ all you need to know” info.
Jakov Bočkaj (21), Young Soldier Beaten to Death in Požega
April 16, 2023 - A young soldier, Jakov Bočkaj, has died, beaten to death by a friend. The police have released new information, reports Index.hr.
Jakov Bočkaj (21), a young soldier who was brutally beaten on the night of Friday to Saturday on the main square in Požega, DIED.
Doctors at the Požega General Hospital fought for the young man's life, but this morning around 9:20 he died from his injuries.
The police arrested 20-year-old M.K., who is from the same place as the young soldier, for the beating. Apparently, they were friends and went out together that night.
New police statement
After the announcement of the death of 21-year-old Jakov Bočkaj, the police announced that they had completed the criminal investigation of a 20-year-old Croatian citizen suspected of having committed the crime of grievous bodily harm resulting in death.
Namely, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, around 2:15 a.m. in Požega, on Trg Svetog Trojstva in the parking lot, after a short verbal argument, the suspect physically attacked a 21-year-old man, hitting him several times in the head area.
As a result of the blows, the 21-year-old man fell to the floor, and the suspect continued to hit him a few more times and left the scene. The injured 21-year-old was transported to the General County Hospital in Požega, where he died as a result of his injuries in the morning on Sunday, April 16.
After completing the criminal investigation, the suspect was criminally reported to the competent state attorney and handed over to the custody supervisor, the Požega-Slavonia police announced.
The young soldier and the attacker were friends
The portal pozega.eu announced that the two young men were longtime friends who practically grew up together and that they were out together that night. Nothing is still known about the motives for the beating.
"They grew up together from a young age, only a year apart. They hung out, shared the good and the bad. They were inseparable," the locals told the portal in disbelief.
M.K. and the beaten Jakov shared the pitch of the football club for which they both played, trained and went to matches.
The beaten young man's friends from primary and secondary school, fellow residents and teammates from the football club are in shock. They said he was a very good boy. Požega.eu also announced that Jakov remained in the Croatian army, while other family members went to work in Germany. After the news about their son's beating, the parents returned to Croatia.
Banožić and Hranj announced themselves
The Minister of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Admiral Robert Hranj, spoke about the death of the young soldier.
"The tragically cut short life of this young Croatian soldier is an irreparable loss for the entire Croatian Army, and at this moment we share with you all the sadness and pain due to this heavy loss.
Jakov was one of those brave young men who decided to make his own way in the Croatian Army, and for everything he did for it, I thank him immensely. May the Croatian country that he loved so much rest in peace. May he rest in peace," wrote Minister Banožić in a telegram of condolence that he sent personally and on behalf of the entire Ministry of Defense and the Croatian Army.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Admiral Robert Hranj, also expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the member of the Croatian Army, Jakov Bočkaj, on the occasion of his tragic death, the Ministry of Defence announced.
The Ministry of Defense announced earlier that he was found unconscious in the parking lot of Trg Svetog Trojstva around 2:25 on the night of April 15, 2023. They also stated that a member of the Croatian army was off duty during the event.
The attacker pretended to the police that he was just a passer-by, he pretended to help
As Dnevnik Nova TV reported, the brutal attack was recorded by surveillance cameras. According to them, it was a case of brutal shoeing, that is, of multiple and strong kicks to the head of a young soldier, who at one point lost consciousness.
After that, the attacker moves away from that place, and the soldier remains lying down.
Nova TV also learned that the police found a 20-year-old suspect not far from the scene of the attack, who pretended not to know what happened and wanted to help them.
The soldier came to the hospital in Požega in a very serious condition, and resuscitation had to be performed there. It was about injuries to the head, internal bleeding, but also injuries to other parts of the body, which make such a difficult treatment even more difficult.
