Obonjan Riviera will open mid July 2016 and employ 180 people from Šibenik and surrounding areas.
As Total Croatia News reported back in March, Obonjan island near Šibenik is set to become a party and wellness oasis this summer. On April 26th 2016, the investors organised a press conference in order to present the project.
During the press conference we were able to see the concept, all the design solutions and details of the business operations of the future Obonjan Rivijera Project, as well as its importance for Šibenik’s tourism. All this was presented by Ivo Babić, assistant to the Minister of Tourism, the mayor of Šibenik Željko Burić and Kristijan Gržetić and Dan Blackledge on behalf of the investors.
According to the investors, the concept of the project, including its gastro, wellness and accommodation aspects, is designed to suit the needs of high-end travellers searching for an uplifting experience in Croatia. Marketing activities are already underway on several international markets and so far arrivals have been confirmed from France, Spain, Germany, United States and United Kingdom, and 130 people will find employment within the resort this summer. Opening is expected on July 18.
The design is a joint product of the investors and Scott Brownrigg studio. Its main aim was to create all the accommodation units and auxiliary services so that they would blend into the surroundings, in order to form an identity of an ecologically sustainable island.
The contractors working on the construction of the accommodation units are experts in eco-friendly accommodation, while a special study was undertaken together with the Dovkot company, renowned for its expertise in ecology and sustainable eco developments, in order to research the bio-diversity of the island.
The island will offer numerous cultural programs and events to satisfy even the most discerning travelers: “Ministry of tourism supports all high quality investments in tourism infrastructure, especially those projects that are working towards positioning Croatia as a 365 destination. Projects like this one, that combine Croatia’s natural beauty, gastronomy, cultural and entertainment events, show us the direction in which Croatian tourism wants to and has to turn” said Ivo Babić from the Ministry of Tourism.
“Obonjan Riviera Project, as a completely new tourism concept in Croatia, fits our vision of developing innovative tourism projects in the city of Šibenik. Along with the reconstruction of our historic fortresses and the awakening of the old part of our city as well as the hinterland, two National parks in its direct vicinity, Obonjan Riviera now adds a whole new dimension to our tourism offer, turning us into a “must see” destination” said the mayor of Šibenik Željko Burić.
Dan Blackledge, one of the co-founders of the Obonjan Riviera Project stated that they are planning on expanding their season in 2017 from mid May until end September: “We are planning on opening the island in periods out of peak season, primarily for corporate clients as well as groups for tailor made events. This is our long term plan which will be operational in 2017. Along with classic visitors and guests, our promotional activities are directed towards high budget clients that want to cooperate with local companies, agencies, restaurants on the mainland… We are also planning on expanding our accommodation facilities, based on our infrastructural plans and the need to increase the level of service quality and supply and logistics management. I also have to point out that through the implementation of all our planned activities, the island will be returned to Croatia, upon the expiration of our concession contract, in best possible state. We want the residents of Šibenik to know that this project is being implemented with great care for their heritage, and after the concession expires in 49 years, they will have direct benefits from the island for years to come “.
Representative of the investors Kristijan Gržetić stated how Obonjan Riviera project is a great opportunity to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the island and companies and local residents in Šibenik: “We are offering all young residents of Šibenik and the entire county to visit the island and learn about the pioneer eco-friendly practices being implemented on the island. We are currently researching ways in which we can integrate our educational institutions and schools across the entire region into our project to ensure that our future generations of tourism professionals and experts can gain all the necessary professional skills and experiences from our unique project.”.
Ok, now that we know the basics, let’s take a look at the design solutions of the future Obonjan Riviera Project.
All photos PR Obonjan Riviera
