In today’s #ExperienceOfTheWeek series, we travel to magical Croatia. If you’ve never been there, you’ll probably want to add it to your 2021 bucket list after you read the interview we did with Veronika, the CEO of Magic Croatia Travel Agency. Founded in early 2015, the company has been taking care of travelers’ happy memories for a couple of years now. Recently, they also added something unique to their offer – virtual reality walking tours. Do you want to know more? Let’s go!
Q1: Hi Veronika, how are you doing?
Hi, my name is Veronika and I am CEO of Magic Croatia. We are doing slowly this year because of the COVID situation. We have less work and profit this year but we have a positive mind. We continued our collaborations and did a shorter season this year. This year’s guests are satisfied and we are working on the preparations for the next season.
Q2: Tell us more about your travel agency, Magic Croatia. Where did the idea come from?
Magic Croatia is a travel agency situated in Zadar Old Town, Croatia, and founded in February 2015. Our idea was to present real Croatia like only residents can and to have a personalized approach to each guest. Our mission is to offer quality and innovation that differs from others. We want to take guests to Croatia’s hidden gems, secret locations and offer Croatia’s culture and food in an authentic way.
Q3: Croatia is an amazing destination and I bet there are dozens of things to show to fellow travelers. How big is your team? Are you all locals?
Our company has 4 employees and over 5 years of experience in the tourism industry providing passengers innovative and authentic experiences. I am the owner and CEO of Magic Croatia and I do management, finance, business, and marketing. I have a master’s degree in law, so in my work, I combine my knowledge and love for travel. I am also a tour manager.
Jure is a product manager and creative director. He is managing itineraries for tours and trips, oversees everything to do with the production of the tours from beginning to end. He loves to travel and making videos. He is also a tour manager.
Jelena is the office manager and has a Master’s degree in Cultural Heritage and Tourism. Her’s responsibility is the operations support function within the business. She also manages product sales and customer service daily. Jelena is a photo lover and tour guide on English, Italian and Croatian.
Antonia is a specialist product manager and has a Master’s degree in Economics of Culture and Tourism. She manages daily operations liaising with guests and partners. Antonia also manages product sale and customer service. She speaks fluently in English and German.
Q4: Your selection of experiences is literally endless – you offer everything from tours to teambuilding to accommodation. What is the most demanding category among travelers who come to you?
The most demanding category is a multi-day tour. Since travelers have different desires and preferences, it is necessary to include the most beautiful locations, offer the best accommodation, and choose the most suitable activities.
That is why we aspire for a personalized approach because in that way we can offer a trip precisely created according to the wishes of the travelers. We want only the best for our guests and customers so we offer small tours at the best prices. The flexibility of a small-group tour is what differs us from others.
We are also the only travel agency that offers a walking tour with VR, innovative and authentic experiences of history and present of the city of Zadar. We are providing a unique experience of life traveling through the past using modern technology like VR. Since we were the first to offer this type of product, we have a responsibility to introduce people to this way of tourism, through technology. Our mission is to show that modern technology can perfectly complement a standard journey with the contents of virtual technologies.
Q5: Today many people travel and plan their itineraries on their own. Why would you recommend booking one of your services to our travelers?
I will recommend everyone to book our services because we offer the best licensed local guides that will make each destination come alive. Also, we will show you hidden locations known only to locals. We will recommend you the authentic experiences and diversity so you can learn Croatian tradition and culture. In this way, you are saving your time and you don’t have to explore on your own. With custom-made itineraries, we can fulfill your wishes and make that traveling in small groups to fit in your budget.
Q6: You’re supporters of eco-tourism, right? Can you tell us more about your ecological activities? We’ve heard something about personal olive tree cultivation from your blog.
We are zero waste lovers so we appreciate every ecological activity. Our idea is to do the responsible tourism, for example, we would like to offer you an accommodation in which you will have a garden so you can pick and prepare your meals from homemade plants.
Also, the idea of having your own olive plant in Croatia is conceived in a way that you get to know the traditional way of processing and picking olives, and after olive picking, you can bring your own eco virgin olive oil with you. Also, if you have your own olive tree in Croatia, you must come twice a year to take care of your plant. So besides travel, you will have your own food and oil.
Q7: The travel industry is in uncharted waters right now but we all hope travel will rebound soon. What does the situation in Croatia look like right now? How was your summer season?
Croatia managed to open its doors for tourism more quickly than other countries. But the season started pretty late and lasted shorter than ever. So we all had low traffic and a small number of passengers. Predictions were that the season would be weak and, despite that, a season achieved some results. In the 2021 season, I expect more passengers than in 2020, but with changed travel habits.
Q8: Last but not least, what is your favorite spot around your home town that you’d take your friends to see or experience? Tips from a true local are always worth it 🙂
The best way to see the Zadar and to learn about its history is to take our walking tour with VR glasses. It is a walking tour through Zadar’s old town in which you will discover how 8 “must-see” locations looked in different time periods. The audio guide in 7 languages provides the most significant information about Zadar and its past. You will see 3D models of recreated historical buildings, 360° visuals with high-resolution animations and realistic sound effects. Also, you will taste Maraschino liquor, a local specialty with a long tradition made by a secret recipe.
Also, I will recommend visiting the islands of the Zadar archipelago. My favorite island is Dugi otok which is primarily a place of relaxation and enjoyment. In each of the 12 places of Dugi otok, fans of active vacation will find satisfaction by exploring the island or doing the favorite activities like scuba diving, exploring the underwater cave Brbinjšćica or do the kayak in the beautiful clear sea.
Book some of the most popular experiences by Magic Croatia Travel Agency here:
From Zadar: Klis Fortress, Split and Trogir Private Tour
Full-Day Regatta Sailing in Zadar Archipelago Private
From Zadar: Krka Waterfalls, Visovac Islet & Sibenik Private Tour
Zadar: Walking tour and Virtual Reality Experience
Zadar: Guided Tour Through 3,000 Years of History