We have an open Tourist Palace!
After years of setbacks and delays, the Split Riva finally saw the long-awaited opening of the Tourist Palace last night, reports Dalmacija News and Dalmacija Danas on May 4, 2017.
The only building of its kind in Croatia, the Tourist Palace will serve as a tourism information center for everything in Split and its surroundings.
Investor and concessionaire of the Tourist Palace, Stipe Mađor, was particularly pleased about the opening of the facility, which saw a red carpet of star-studded Croatian guests (and politicians), including former Croatian President Ivo Josipovic.
“I am happy that it is finally over and that Split has been given an object that they can be proud of. Firstly, a restaurant and a couple of travel agencies will open after Sudamja (Sv. Duje), and I’m still in talks with a few companies about renting the upper floors and terraces because I want to choose the best options,” said Mađor, who announced that by the end of next week, the newly opened complex will also open a space to sell tickets for Jadrolinija ferries and catamarans.
“The refurbishment of the building cost around 16.5 million HRK, and the palace will house travel agencies, car rentals, exchange offices and other facilities. The property has a total of 1100 square meters which will accommodate 21 business on the premises, of which there will be one public toilet, 12 agencies, and eight catering facilities,” added Mađor.
“For our tourism professionals, it means so much that we have restored the Tourist Palace and that tourism professionals can return to their old jobs. This is the most attractive location in Split and this tourist facility deserves to be located in the city center. The most important thing to us is that guests have timely information and that this is a real tourist facility,” said the president of the Tourist Board of Split Alijana Vuksic.
The opening of this one of a kind tourist facility in Croatia not only gives significance to Split as a tourist destination, but it shines a light on the most important aspect of tourism – the personal connection with the tourists. This facility will serve as a meeting point for all visitors to the city of Split and the people of Split and will set an example going forward for other Croatian cities to follow.
