In previous blog posts, we’ve introduced you to Dinaric Adventures, the destination management company (DMC) of Croatia & Beyond, that focuses on outdoor luxury and sustainable practices. But do you wonder who’s actually pulling the strings behind this wild adventure? Well, grab a seat and prepare to meet the individuals who turned their passion for nature and adventure into a business that will leave you awe-inspired and wanting more!
It all started with the source of Cetina
As we mentioned in our very first blog, Cetina Spring serves as the starting point of our company. But why? He is the reason:
Meet Ivan, the charismatic director of Dinaric Adventures. He always loved to spend time in the countryside, particularly the scenic Cetina river area, which holds a special place as his father’s birthplace. With a background in kinesiology, he found the perfect way to combine his love for nature and his passion for sports by becoming an adventure guide. He turned his favorite pastimes into a full-time job, bringing joy and excitement to everyone joining him on his exhilarating journeys.
With years of experience under his belt and some savings, in 2015 Ivan decided to purchase his first raft, then the second one, then the third one… He got the equipment, gathered a team of like-minded individuals from college and they started organizing rafting and canyoning experiences on the Cetina river. Initially, it was just their friends who joined these tours. But as the word spread like wildfire, friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends, and even some distant third cousins started showing up.
Then we decided to list our tours on every booking platform we could find and hoped for the best. And boy, did the bookings start pouring in!
Over the next eight years, our team grew, and so did our ambition. We transitioned from organizing single-day programs to crafting mind-blowing multi-day adventures, specializing in outdoor luxury.
What does it mean?
Well, it begins with our team’s deep love for nature and our strong desire to spend time surrounded by its beauty. During our personal time, we explore mountains, lowlands, islands, rivers, cities, and villages, seeking hidden gems and untouristed locations. These expeditions serve as the foundation for our singular itineraries, allowing us to offer our guests exclusive experiences and insights that only locals can provide.
Then, when we visited quite a number of locations in Croatia & beyond, we decided to start carefully designing our multi-day programs and incorporate these extraordinary locations, combined with thrilling adventure activities, and enriched with additional experiences such as indulging in local gastronomy, enjoying picnics in hidden coves or atop mountains, and savoring wine tastings in picturesque vineyards overlooking the mesmerizing sea. We call that luxury.
To take luxury to the highest level, we’ve established partnerships with exceptional hotels and resorts, where our esteemed guests can relax and feel like a superstar. But here’s our little secret: our preferred accommodations include small boutique hotels, glamping sites, treehouses, and even lighthouses. Yes, you heard it right! These unique lodgings capture the spirit of experiential travel, enhancing your stay to new heights.
And so, with years of experience and a true commitment to excellence, we have become a DMC that stands out from the crowd, worthy of mention, acquaintance, and cooperation. We take great pride in what we have accomplished and look forward to many more unforgettable adventures to come!
But wait, how exactly do we operate, you might wonder?
Well, let us pull back the curtain and give you a glimpse into our world.
Back when we were a small and youthful company, we eagerly attended travel fairs like WTM in London and ITB in Berlin. These events provided us with invaluable insights into the industry and allowed us to make our first connections. With time, experience, and the company’s growth, we forged significant partnerships, joined various associations, and even gained the opportunity to attend world-renowned fairs.
Today, we proudly attend the prestigious ILTM fair in Cannes, along with their events in North America, TFest, and the esteemed gatherings organized by the Connections Luxury association, of which we are proud members. We have also had the privilege of being associated with the XO Private company, and we are currently in the process of joining the Serandipians.
So, who is our representative at these remarkable fairs?
Allow us to introduce Ivana and Mila, the dynamic duo who are the driving force behind our sales efforts.
Ivana has been with us since the dawn of time (well, almost). Despite her initial career path as a professor of Croatian and Italian language and literature, the appeal of tourism became too irresistible to resist so she joined Ivan on this crazy adventure. From direct sales and managing online bookings to social media wizardry, she has experienced it all. Ivana’s journey with us has been a wild rollercoaster ride, packed with unforgettable moments. Today, she leads our luxury sector as the head of sales, forming partnerships and building personal connections with travel agents.
In 2022, Mila joined forces with Ivana, following her heart back to her beloved native city of Split. With a background in political science and life in Zagreb, Mila brings a fresh perspective and extensive knowledge of both the sea and continental parts of Croatia. As a true travel designer, she crafts exceptional experiences across the country. Mila’s exploratory nature and personal adventures in Croatia’s most stunning corners make her the perfect architect of unforgettable vacations. She excels in ensuring top-notch organization, ensuring our esteemed guests have a seamless experience and providing peace of mind. Together with Ivana, she forms a dynamic duo at world fairs.
So, if you’re an agent and eager to meet these two, simply scroll back up and take note of the fairs where you can cross paths with them. And even if you’re not ready to forge a partnership just yet, their infectious spirit and boundless enthusiasm are sure to brighten your day. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to them at ivana@dinaric.hr or mila@dinaric.hr.
Now that you know who’s behind the scenes, it’s time to create memories
So, dear adventurers and fellow lovers of the great outdoors, now that you’ve discovered the faces behind Dinaric Adventures, it’s time to buckle up, embark on an extraordinary adventure, and create memories for you or your clients that will leave your hearts racing. Are you ready to experience the thrill, luxury, and laughter? We certainly hope so, because the dream vacation awaits!
Until we meet on the stunning landscapes of Croatia & beyond, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and let Dinaric Adventures be your guide to the ultimate outdoor luxury experience.
