Former Liverpool star Patrik Berger taking part in Croatia promotion cycle

(Photo: HTZ)

Mike Saran, businessman, philanthropist and owner of the Split resort Le Meridien Lav, again this year, with the logistical support of the Croatian National Tourist Board, set off on a 1,200-kilometre journey from Prague to Split. 

This year, Saran, who successfully completed this cycling challenge last year to mark the beginning of the tourist season to show Croatia as a safe, affordable and attractive summer tourist destination to Czech citizens, will be accompanied by cyclist Grimm and former Czech international and Liverpool footballer Patrik Berger.

“We are very pleased to join this commendable endeavour that in an innovative and sporty way promotes all the beauties of our country in the Czech market, from which we have so far achieved over 160 thousand overnight stays, which compared to the same period last year represents an increase of almost 500 percent . I thank Mr. Saran for his engagement and contribution in the promotion of Croatia in the extremely important Czech market and I wish him a safe and successful journey to Split,” said Croatian National Tourist Board Director Kristjan Staničić.

This Prague – Split cycle also includes roads and trails in the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovenia. Part of the route in Croatia starts today in the Krapina-Zagorje County, while arrival in Split is expected on Sunday, June 13 in the evening. 

While cycling around Croatia, Saran will visit many attractive locations such as Krapina, Medsave, Samobor, Turanj, Rastoke, Barać Caves, Drežnik Old Town, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Perušić, Sv. Rok, Muškovci, Krka National Park – Roški slap and Split.

“Last year, we successfully showed that the borders are open, that you can travel freely and visit Croatia. Your country thrilled me during last year’s cycling challenge where I had the opportunity to visit many places that relate not only to the beautiful sea, indented coast and islands, but to the diversity of natural beauty in the continental part of Croatia. In addition to the promotion of tourist trips, one of the reasons for launching this project is to encourage children and adults to live an active and healthy life. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic is negatively affecting the health of the entire population, so I believe that projects such as the Prague-Split cycling challenge are needed to inspire and encourage others to play sports and be active,” said Saran, thanking the Croatian National Tourist Board for its support.

The entire ride from Macelj to Podstrana will be recorded in a promotional video in order to convey to followers on social networks all the beauties of Croatia, local customs, interesting facts about local food and drink and to inform them about tourist destinations in Croatia.

“We are extremely glad that we supported the daring project of Mike Saran this year as well. His journey began on Saturday morning, and on his departure from Prague he was followed by numerous Czech media with a live broadcast on Czech television. The Czech Republic is a country where cycling is one of the most popular forms of active vacation, so this project is a great incentive for many Czechs to visit our country, or to get to know Croatian destinations through cycling on many beautiful and interesting trails,” concluded Dubravko Miholić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in the Czech Republic.