Sanja Kantaruti: Central Istria is marked on the global map of digital nomads as a place where you can live and work comfortably and with quality

The Tourist Board of Central Istria launched the ViNomad project a few years ago, which emphasizes the strong commitment of this region to "green, active and slow tourism", presenting its possibilities as a refuge for all those who do their work remotely, that is, who are looking for a more conscious and balanced way of life.

The program provides a unique experience of the original Istria through guided wine tastings, local gastronomy, activities in nature and workshops in unique multi-purpose spaces and comfortable glamping accommodation at the Banki Green Village family estate.

"The project, i.e. this year's ViNomad program, which will take place in central Istria from September 30 to October 06, is part of the Digital Nomads - Live and Work in Central Istria project, started in 2021, when the first workshop for local stakeholders was held in tourism, with the aim of sensitizing them for cooperation and adaptation of their own accommodation capacities to digital nomads, created a website intended for digital nomads interested in central Istria and a number of other activities aimed at further networking of digital nomads with providers of accommodation, hospitality and other tourism-related services in the destination", she clarified for HrTurizam Sanja Kantaruti, director of the Tourist Board of Central Istria.

During 2022, the project included the Digital Nomad In-Residence program, while in 2023 the Gourmet Getaway - Workation & Workshops program was implemented.

Last year, digital nomads spent a month in central Istria, from November 3 to December 3, and participated in a series of workshops and gastronomic experiences. In addition, they used their free time to explore central Istria and its peculiarities. 

"Each activity in the project is carefully planned every year in order to provide guests, digital nomads from various parts of the world, with a unique experience. From workshops to masterclasses, each segment of the program aims to highlight the best that central Istria has to offer, which is certainly its rich enogastronomic identity and natural and cultural beauty and numerous activities available throughout the year, in addition to the opportunities it provides for remote work", points out Kantaruti.

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In addition to getting to know the places and towns in central Istria, traditional customs and the rich and diverse offer, digital nomads participate in workshops with local companies, they are also workshop leaders for renters and other interested participants from the area of ​​central Istria.

All additional information about this year's program, workshops, and remote work options are available at the link: https://liveandwork.central-istria.com/hr.

"Through this project, the Tourist Board of Central Istria achieved excellent cooperation with the Croatian Digital Nomads Association, and this year representatives of the Nomadstays company and numerous other influential digital nomads are coming to us. Some are returning, and what we have achieved in the last few years is certainly a good promotion of the destination as suitable for receiving digital nomads at any time of the year, namely those who are looking for a safe, peaceful, green environment for work, with all the necessary infrastructure, and yet with the opportunity to enjoy everything we offer - from excellent food and wine to rich outdoor and cultural offers throughout the year", continues the director of the Tourist Board of Central Istria. 

Nomads do not hide their satisfaction with their experiences in the destination and are excellent promoters in the global and growing community of digital nomads. The focus of TZ is to attract digital nomads who are interested in a rural lifestyle, relaxed, slow, "far" from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet within half an hour to an hour's drive to any major city in Istria or nearby Rijeka or Trieste. 

"As far as the numbers are concerned, they register as regular guests if they stay for a shorter period of time or rent houses and other types of accommodation units for a longer period of time and constantly travel around central Istria. They have at their disposal numerous events and activities, places to work remotely, as well as the incubator of the Development Agency srce Istria in Pazin. Central Istria is certainly marked on the global map of digital nomads, as a place where you can live and work comfortably and with quality”, says Kantaruti.

In addition to creating an unforgettable experience for participants, the aim of this project is to teach local hosts how to take advantage of the growing demand for long-term accommodation among remote workers.

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Under the leadership of the Tourist Board of Central Istria, the event is supported by the Digital Nomad Association - DNA and the company Saltwater Nomads, and is co-financed by the Croatian Tourist Board.

It is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia and the Tourist Board of Istria County. The market of remote workers brings economic and social benefits, according to Kantaruti.

Highlights of the program

• Slow Productivity and Mobility: Inspired by Cal Newport's Slow Productivity, this week promotes rethinking the way we approach work and life, and participants can travel by land from across continental Europe.
• Local enogastronomy: through practical workshops led by local experts, participants have the opportunity to explore the famous wines of Istria, as well as other delicacies.
• The project includes an intensive half-day oenological educational workshop led by Jacqueline Marovac from the winery Domaine Koquelicot from Gračišće.
• Adventures in nature: They will also be able to enjoy walks through the picturesque landscape of central Istria, rich in history and natural beauty, accompanied by a guide from Saorsa Outdoor (Lupoglav).
• Workshops for Locals: Digital Nomads will prepare workshops on social media advertising, sales and accommodation of remote workers to help locals get more involved in the growing digital nomad services market. The workshops will be open to the public and will take place in the House of Wine in Gračišće, the House of Sausages in Sv. Peter in the forest and the House of Istrian prosciutto in Tinjan.
• The launch of the podcast Lives and works in central Istria: as part of the project, a six-part podcast series will be produced, hosted by Nora Walsh, which will present the advantages that central Istria offers to digital nomads and other guests.

A hub for digital nomads

As part of the wider initiative Live and Work in Central Istria, the ViNomad project is based on the success of previous programs, which positioned Central Istria as a key destination for remote workers who want to work and live in a rural environment.

The event will also be presented John de Jong, the main promoter of the Croatian visa for digital nomads, who will talk to the participants about the future of remote work and the possibilities that remote work brings to rural areas.

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Entrepreneurs Mark Phillips i Linda McCall, founders of the rental platform Nomad Stays, will lead a workshop aimed at local accommodation renters, with a special focus on the lucrative opportunities for rural areas in the services they provide to permanent remote workers.

Thanks to their work with more than 100 business incubators around the world, their expertise spans global initiatives.

"The ViNomad project offers people who work remotely a rare opportunity to combine their business lives with enjoying the enogastronomy and natural beauty of central Istria. It is a haven where we find a balance between our work and free time and is the perfect escape for those who appreciate fine wine, good company and the peace of rural Istria.," he says Tanja Polegubić, ViNomad organizer from Saltwater Nomads.

Distinguished guests

• Jan de Jong: entrepreneur and president of the Digital Nomads Croatia Jan de Jong played a key role in promoting Croatia as a destination for digital nomads.
• Mark Phillips and Linda McCall: Co-founders of the Nomad Stays platform will lead workshops on converting local accommodation into remote-friendly spaces, building community and showcasing how businesses can benefit from the growing digital nomad community.
• Dipak Vadera: Remote work advocate and global traveler Dipak Vadera is the Director of Community and Ecosystem Marketing at Dealfront. Dipak brings his expertise in B2B sales and personal branding, providing valuable insights to local businesses and nomads.
• Helena Bradbury: Helena, travel blogger, content creator and podcast host has been living and working remotely for over five years. He will share with us his experiences as a digital nomad in Croatia and the development and growth of his presence in the tourism industry on the Internet.
• Nora Walsh: Nora, an award-winning travel journalist and author of the New York Times guide to telecommuting, will present a new podcast called Live and Work in Central Istria, featuring interviews with locals, immigrants and digital nomads in the region.

The ViNomad experience

Designed for remote workers with successful careers, ViNomad offers a peaceful environment for focused work and the opportunity to enjoy the rich enogastronomic offer of central Istria.

Participants will have access to year-round resources provided by providers such as guides, wineries, restaurants and local producers open to collaboration during all seasons.

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The event highlights the 365-day-a-year appeal of the central strait as a place that provides a peaceful, uncrowded environment for long-term visitors as well as off-season visitors.

In a situation where Croatia continues to attract digital nomads from all over the world, ViNomad is an innovative approach to promoting remote work in rural environments that offers a combination of professional development, getting to know and enjoying local culture and sustainable tourism.

Join the movement

Anyone interested in participating in the ViNomad workshops can find more information by following TZ Central Istria and DNA Croatia on social networks or by visiting the website Live and work in Central Istria via the link liveandwork.central-istria.com.

In order to plan a travel plan tailored to you and regularly receive news about remote work opportunities in central Istria, contact the Tourist Board of Central Istria. This part of Istria is known for its fairy-tale towns, rolling hills, unreal panoramic views and dedication to preserving original local products.

It offers the perfect escape for digital nomads who want to spend their lives in a slower way.

Thanks to its commitment to sustainable, year-round tourism, this region is ideal for remote workers who want to combine their dedication to work with the pleasure of free time in an environment steeped in history, culture and natural beauty.

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