DISCOVERING CROATIA FOR THE #FIRSTTIME

Discover unexplored places of Croatia when faraway exotic destinations are not reachable due to the global pandemic! This is exactly what Zagrebačka banka helps doing when it launched the #firsttime project (#prviput in Croatian) at the end the summer. The #firsttime project is a competition dedicated to Croatian micro and small businesses in the tourism sector, providing them with support and visibility.

An expert jury gathered by Zagrebačka banka shortlisted 15 unique locations and experiences worth discovering. Two were considered the best Croatian offers in terms of tourism – The Heritage Hotel Frankopan in Ogulin and Ranč Ramarin near Slavonski Brod. Both won a marketing campaign, including a TV advert, which is being broadcasted on Croatian TV channels. The other winners will be promoted through digital channels.

Almost 300 business projects applied to the competition: family hotels, resorts, eco and family farms, tour guides and restaurants and all others who invited residents of Croatia to visit them throughout the year. Over 150 applicants can now be found on the digital map available at the new prviput.hr website. The map also shows 60 additional hidden natural gems, discovered and suggested by the Croatian National Tourist Board, a partner of Zaba’s initiative.

The website allows visitors to discover more about these locations and gives small entrepreneurs and family farms an opportunity to introduce themselves to visitors, answering questions about accommodation, tours, food traditions and other offers.