CONFERENCE: "Lošinj 140 – A Story That Lasts; From a Climate Health Resort to the First Green Destination of the Mediterranean" & Premiere of "Zeleni barba"

The Tourist Society in Mali Lošinj began its activities on March 28, 1887, when its members welcomed and accompanied the Austrian heir to the throne, Prince Rudolf, on his ascent of Osoršćica. In commemoration of this event, on Friday, March 28, 2025, a conference on sustainable tourism, "Lošinj 140 – A Story That Lasts; From a Climate Health Resort to the First Green Destination of the Mediterranean," will be held.

The conference will feature two thematic panel discussions:

🔹 "Croatian Tourism at a Crossroads: Sustainability as a Guiding Principle for the Future" – addressing the question: "How can economic success, resource conservation, and the quality of life in local communities be reconciled?"

 Panelists:

ROBERT PENDE (Director of the Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia)
MARTINA SRNEC (Director of the Promotion and Advertising Sector at the Croatian National Tourist Board)

IRENA PERŠIĆ ŽIVADINOV (Director of the Kvarner Tourist Board)

ANA KUČIĆ (Mayor of the City of Mali Lošinj)

NIKOLA PERENČEVIĆ (CEO of Jadranka Turizam d.o.o.)

JELENA BASTA (President of the Blue World Institute)

🔹 "Čikat Forest Park – Lošinj’s Natural Treasure: Challenges of Management and Future Visions" – discussing forest management in the face of climate challenges and the aging of century-old pines.

Panelists:

DALIBOR CVITKOVIĆ (Director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board)

CHRISTIAN GALLO (Head of the Production Department at UŠP Buzet, Croatian Forests)

MARKO MODRIĆ (Director of the Public Institution "Priroda")

DEJAN JAKOVLJEVIĆ (Director of Jadranka Camps)

BRANKO GRISOGONO (Climatologist and Professor at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb)

"ZELENI BARBA" – AMBROZ HARAČIĆ

In the evening, at Mali Lošinj’s Vladimir Nazor Cinema, the premiere of the docu-fiction film "Zeleni barba" will take place. This inspiring film tells the story of Ambroz Haračić, the visionary responsible for Lošinj’s lush forests. He was the founder of the Meteorological Station in Mali Lošinj and led the afforestation efforts on the island. Dedicated to studying the climate and vegetation of his homeland, Haračić’s work transformed barren landscapes into rich pine forests. Through authentic archival materials and reenactments, the film showcases the man who forever changed the appearance and future of the Island of Vitality.

PARNI VALJAK, THE LARGEST CROQUEMBOUCHE & THE ARRIVAL OF EMPEROR FRANZ JOSEPH

The anniversary celebrations continue on May 3, 2025, with a spectacular event at Mali Lošinj’s main square:

🍰 The making of the largest and tallest croquembouche (a famous Lošinj dessert) ever created!

📖 The presentation of the monograph "150 Years of the Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra."

🎭 A theatrical reenactment of Emperor Franz Joseph’s arrival in Lošinj, celebrating the first public music performance held in his honor.

🎶 A concert by the legendary Croatian band Parni Valjak!

140 YEARS AGO…

In January 1885, Dr. Conrad Clar arrived in Mali Lošinj with his son Walter, who was recovering from a serious illness. Walter was the first tourist in Mali Lošinj, and his visit marked the beginning of tourism on the island.

Dr. Clar was researching the climate of various locations along the eastern Adriatic, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He sought a place with higher air temperatures, stable humidity, and mild fluctuations, and found that Lošinj was ideal for a climate health resort and winter recovery retreat. Within just three weeks, Walter had recovered enough to return home completely healthy.

During his stay, Dr. Clar frequently met with Ambroz Haračić, who shared the results of his meteorological observations, begun in 1880. Around the same time, Haračić and the local community initiated efforts to establish a tourist society in Mali Lošinj. Thanks to their dedication, the society was officially founded on February 9, 1886, making it one of the oldest tourism organizations in Croatia. 

Just three months later, at the initiative of Prof. Dr. Schrotter, the Society for the Beautification and Afforestation of Mali Lošinj was established, planting over 80,000 pine saplings that very autumn and creating Čikat Park along the coastline.

LOŠINJ TODAY…

Today, Lošinj is one of the first destinations in the Mediterranean to receive the prestigious Green Destinations certification. It is a leading sustainable tourism destination, known for its natural beauty and unique attractions. With its surrounding islands and smaller settlements, Lošinj offers 23,000 accommodation units across hotels, campsites, private rentals, and other facilities, welcoming 310,000 visitors and over 2.25 million overnight stays annually.

For 140 years, Lošinj has proven that harmony between people and nature can be the foundation of sustainable development. From recognizing its healing climate to achieving the status of the first green destination in the Mediterranean, our island remains a symbol of successful synergy between tourism and environmental conservation.

"Today, as pioneers of sustainable tourism, we proudly offer our guests an authentic experience of natural beauty, health, and ecological responsibility. This anniversary is not just a tribute to past achievements but also an encouragement to continue preserving and developing Lošinj as the Island of Vitality for future generations," — Dalibor Cvitković, Director of the Mali Lošinj Tourist Board.

The 140th anniversary of tourism in Lošinj is not just a milestone—it is a testament to the dedication, vision, and unity of generations who have built the foundations of the tourism we know today.

"Lošinj has grown into a renowned destination of health, sustainability, and authentic Mediterranean spirit. From the first visitors seeking peace and well-being to today’s travelers searching for meaningful experiences and connection with nature, Lošinj has always met the challenges of its time. We thank all those who have contributed to this story over the decades. With the same passion, we will continue to nurture and improve our island and the entire Lošinj archipelago." — Ana Kučić, Mayor of Mali Lošinj

Join us in celebrating 140 years of tourism on Lošinj!