On Saturday, June 4th, the first RegioJet train of the year arrived in Rijeka, bringing a group of about ten Czech and Slovak journalists along with the passengers. In cooperation with the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Kvarner Tourist Board, and the tourist boards of the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera and Opatija, they had the opportunity to get firsthand insight into the rich tourist offer of the Kvarner region. This is the third season that RegioJet trains have been coming to Croatia, with the route connecting Prague (Brno, Bratislava) to Zagreb, Rijeka, and Split. So far, about 150,000 passengers have been transported both ways during the two pandemic-affected years. The trains will operate from June 3rd to September 26th, running daily in July and August, and three times a week in June and September.

“Maintaining a regular rail connection is very important for attracting guests from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. These countries rank among the top in statistics related to arrivals and overnight stays of foreign tourists on the Crikvenica Riviera, and we hope these numbers will continue to grow,” commented Marijana Biondić, director of the Crikvenica Tourist Board.

To better introduce the potential guests to the tourist offer, the journalists were organized a field tour, visits to several accommodation facilities, and familiarization with the local wine and gastronomy.

Jadran d.d. Crikvenica hosted the journalists at its Hotel Katarina in Selce, where they also stayed overnight. A five-course fine dining lunch of local dishes was prepared for them, followed by a tour of the Hotel Esplanade. The journalists had the opportunity to walk along the main Crikvenica city beach to the town center, during which part of the local offer was presented — cycling and hiking trails, diversity of beaches, health tourism offers, and more. After visiting the city aquarium, they enjoyed a panoramic boat ride on “Mali Marino” and a tour of the Riviera from Dramalj to Selce, where they also visited the town center.

The journalists stayed in Novi Vinodolski on Sunday, June 5th, where upon arrival they visited the Pavlomir winery and met with a delegation from the Czech city of Breclav, which signed a friendship agreement with Novi Vinodolski that very weekend and took part in the traditional folklore festival. After the winery visit, the journalists headed to the center of Novi Vinodolski, listened to some local history, strolled through the charming old town streets, and then proceeded to the harbor. From there, they were transported to Mitan Marina for lunch. Our dear guests took advantage of the beautiful weather to swim in the crystal-clear sea and then continued to Rijeka to further explore the Kvarner region.

“I believe that a large number of Czech and Slovak visitors will spend time on the Riviera this year, as Croatia is especially the first-choice country for Czechs when it comes to summer vacations. Therefore, we are happy to have had this opportunity to once again present and convey part of our offer of food, wine, history, and natural beauties, and to hear how they experience our Riviera,” said Tena Peričić, director of the Novi Vinodolski Tourist Board.

Sunday was dedicated to a visit to the Vinodol municipality. The journalists were introduced to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vinodol. Special emphasis was placed on outdoor activities that abound in Vinodol. The first location they visited was Tribalj Lake. They were also informed about other outdoor activities tourists and visitors can enjoy in the Vinodol valley, such as paragliding, hang gliding, numerous hiking and cycling trails, and attractive viewpoints. The journalists were also acquainted with the rich accommodation offer of this rural destination — mostly highly rated holiday homes and the newly opened Village Hotel Balatura. The hospitality of the Balatura hosts impressed our guests as they enjoyed herbal juices and vegetarian snacks.