On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of tourism on the island, Mali Lošinj Tourist Board in collaboration with numerous destination partners, is organizing a variety of events that will take place throughout 2025!
CONFERENCE "Lošinj 140 - a story that continues: from a climatic health resort to the first green destination of the Mediterranean"
The Tourist Association 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 memory of that, this Friday, March 28, 2025 a conference on sustainable tourism "Lošinj 140 - a story that continues; from a climatic health resort to the first green destination of the Mediterranean" will be held.
As part of the conference, two thematic panel discussions will be held: “Croatian Tourism at a Turning Point: Sustainability as a Roadmap for the Future” which will cover the topics "How to reconcile economic success, resource conservation and the quality of life of local communities?". The participants of the first panel discussion are: Robert Pende (Director of Administration at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia), Martina Srnec (Director of the Department for Promotion and Advertising of the Croatian Tourist Board), Irena Persic Zivadinov (director of the Kvarner Tourist Board), Ana Kučić (Mayor of the City of Mali Lošinj), Nikola Perencevic (CEO Jadranka turizma doo) and Jelena Basta (President of the Blue World Institute).
The second panel discussion will consider forest management in the face of climate challenges and the aging of century-old pine trees. In the panel “Čikat Forest Park – the natural treasure of Lošinj: Management challenges and visions for the future” will participate Dalibor Cvitkovic (director of the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj), Christian Gallo (Head of the Production Department of the Buzet Forestry Plant, Croatian Forests), Marko Modric (Director of the Public Institution “Priroda”), Dejan Jakovljevic (director of Jadranka camps) and Branco Grisogono (climatologist and professor at the Faculty of Science in Zagreb).
Premiere of “The Green Barbarian” – Ambroz Haračić
In the evening hours, the Vladimir Nazor cinema in Mali Lošinj will host the premiere of the documentary feature film about Professor Ambroz Haračić – ""Green barba". It is about the inspiring story of Ambroz Haračić - the visionary responsible for the wooded appearance of the island of Lošinj. He was also the founder of the Meteorological Station in Mali Lošinj and the leader of the reforestation of the island. He devoted his entire life to studying the climate and vegetation of his native region.
Thanks to his dedication, the desolate and barren areas of the island are now adorned with lush pine forests. Through authentic archival materials and live-action reconstructions, the film tells the story of the man who forever changed the appearance and future of the Island of Vitality.
Steamroller & The Biggest Croquette & The Arrival of Emperor Franz Joseph
The anniversary celebration continues 3. May 2025. when will it be built on the Mali Lošinj town square the biggest and tallest croquette ever made, and it is a famous Lošinj dessert! There will also be a promotion of the monograph “150 years of the Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra” i staged depiction of the arrival of Emperor Franz Joseph on Lošinj (because it was on that day that the people of Lošinj first met to play music in public in honor of the arrival of Emperor Francis). In addition to numerous exhibitions, anniversaries and smaller events, the celebration in May will be completed by a concert by a famous Croatian band Steamroller!
140 years ago…
Exactly 140 years ago (January 1885), Dr. Conrad Clar arrived in Mali Lošinj with his son Walter, who was recovering from a serious illness. He was the first tourist in Mali Lošinj, and with his arrival, tourism began!
At the time of arrival Dr. Clar He studied the climate of certain parts of the eastern Adriatic, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. He looked for higher air temperatures than the neighboring coast, with small fluctuations in humidity and temperature, and found an island suitable for a climatic health resort and winter rehabilitation center. After 3 weeks, his son recovered so much that he was able to return home with a healthy child. While he was on Lošinj, he often met with Ambroz Haračić who showed him the results of his meteorological observations started in 1880.
At the same time, Haračić and the locals are taking action to establishment of a tourist association in Mali Lošinj. It was precisely through their efforts that the society was founded on February 9, 1886, and is one of our oldest tourist organizations. Three months later, on the initiative of Prof. Dr. Schrotter, the Association for beautification and afforestation of Mali Lošinj which already that same autumn planted over 80 thousand pine seedlings and landscaped the Čikat park along the coast.
///140 years of tourism on Lošinj – “Lošinj – a story that lasts”
Losinj today…
Today, Lošinj is one of the first destinations in the Mediterranean with a prestigious Green Destinations recognition and a leading sustainable tourist destination with unique natural beauty and attractions. With its associated islands and smaller towns, it has a total of 23 thousand accommodation capacities in hotels, campsites, private accommodation and other forms of accommodation, as well as 2.250.000 overnight stays and 310 thousand arrivals per year.
– For 140 years, Lošinj has been proving that harmony between man and nature can be the foundation of sustainable development. From recognizing its healing climatic properties to achieving the status of the first green destination in the Mediterranean, our island remains a symbol of the successful synergy of tourism and environmental conservation. Today, as leaders in sustainable tourism, we proudly offer guests an authentic experience of natural beauty, health and environmental responsibility. This anniversary is not only a recognition of past successes, but also an incentive to continue to preserve and develop Lošinj as an Island of Vitality for all future generations, points out the director of the Tourist Board of the City of Mali Lošinj, Dalibor Cvitkovic.
– Celebrating 140 years of tourism on Lošinj is not only a significant number, but also a testament to the dedication, vision and togetherness of generations who have worked hard to build the foundations of tourism as we know it today. Over time, Lošinj has developed into a recognizable destination of health, sustainability and authentic Mediterranean spirit. From the first guests who came for peace and health, to today's visitors in search of an experience and connection with nature – Lošinj has always known how to respond to the challenges of the times. Thank you to everyone who has woven a part of themselves into this Lošinj story over the decades, which we will continue to cherish with the same passion and will continue to work with dedication on the further improvement of our island and the entire Lošinj archipelago, stated the mayor of the City of Mali Lošinj, Ana Kučić.
