The commencement of construction work on the Orebić bypass, valued at nearly 50 million euros, has been marked in Orebić with a ceremony held on Wednesday. The project involves building a 6.6-kilometer-long route designed to relieve traffic congestion in the center of this Pelješkian town, particularly during the tourist season. The works will be carried out by the Croatian company Texo Molior in partnership with a Turkish firm, Yapi Merkezi Insaat Ve Sanayi. The estimated duration of the construction is two years, during which six underpasses, one viaduct, and two overpasses will be built. The bypass is part of a broader infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity and promoting economic growth in the region. Minister Branko Bačić, who attended the opening ceremony, emphasized that the bypass would contribute significantly to the further economic development of Orebić. He noted that the project is the first phase of what he described as the “Pelješkian ipse”, a series of developments intended to connect the northern part of Pelješac to the port of Perna. According to Bačić, the total value of the two projects in Orebić and the port of Perna amounts to 70 million euros, while combined investments on Pelješac and Korčula could reach 250 million euros. He also highlighted the importance of the island of Pelješac, noting that it is treated as a special area under the Law on Islands, and expressed confidence that the project would aid its revitalization. The mayor of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Blaž Pezo, stated that the bypass represents a continuation of investment in road infrastructure in the southernmost part of Croatia. He pointed out that the project is linked to new harbors in the area and will provide a new boost to the economy and quality of life in Orebić. He added that the bypass will bring the area closer to Korčula, Pelješac, and the rest of the county. The head of the Orebić municipal administration, Tomislav Ančić, echoed these sentiments, stating that the bypass had been long awaited and would improve the quality of life for residents by ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow between Orebić and Korčula. Construction of the Orebić bypass is set to begin soon, following the signing of a contract between Hrvatske autoceste and selected bidders. The project includes the construction of four tunnels totaling 3.65 kilometers, a bridge, three viaducts, two overpasses, and three underpasses. These works form part of a larger effort to extend the A7 motorway from Križišće to Žuta Lokva, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting both tourism and economic development. The total cost of the segment from Jadranovo to Selce is estimated at 252 million euros without VAT, with completion scheduled for 42 months after the contractor begins work. Meanwhile, another major infrastructure project is underway in Istria, focusing on the revitalization of the local railway network. This initiative was launched late in 2021 with a key conference in Labina titled “Initiative for the Revitalization of Rail Transport in the Istrian County.” The project aims to restore the long-neglected rail infrastructure, which holds significant potential for boosting regional connectivity and sustainable transport. The first phase of the project, involving the restoration of 50 kilometers of track from the Slovenian border to St. Peter in the Forest, is valued at 55 million euros. Construction of the first phase officially began in April 2025, with plans to complete the entire revitalization by 2030. The project is considered one of the most important infrastructure initiatives in Istria in recent decades, promising improved mobility, economic growth, and more sustainable transportation systems. In contrast, the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to face challenges in fully utilizing its vast tourism potential despite offering diverse natural and cultural attractions. While Taiwan boasts impressive mountain ranges, tropical coastlines, national parks, hot springs, traditional temples, modern urban centers, and rich culinary experiences, it struggles to attract large numbers of tourists compared to neighboring destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Experts attribute this gap to issues within the tourism sector, including high hotel prices that often fail to match service quality, labor shortages in hospitality and accommodation sectors, and slow adaptation to contemporary travel trends. One of the most pressing concerns is the shortage of labor in the tourism industry. Hotels, restaurants, and other service providers have increasingly faced difficulties in hiring staff, leading some to reduce their capacity or limit the range of services they offer. Strict regulations regarding foreign workers further complicate efforts to fill vacant positions. Additionally, the country’s untapped potential in medical tourism remains largely unrealized. Although Taiwan possesses a modern healthcare system and world-class medical facilities, limited capacity and insufficient investment hinder its ability to compete effectively with other Asian destinations. To address these challenges, experts suggest that Taiwan must implement comprehensive reforms. Key measures include improving the quality of tourism services, increasing competitiveness in the hotel market, easing labor restrictions, and investing more in sustainable tourism infrastructure. Only through systematic changes can the country better leverage its natural and cultural assets and strengthen its position among top-tier tourist destinations in Asia.
4 reports
HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 853 days agoConstruction has begun on a 6.6-kilometer bypass around the town of Orebić, valued at €49.4 million, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the town center, particularly during the tourist season. The project, part of broader infrastructure development in the Pelješac region, includes plans for future phases connecting the Pelješac Bridge to the Port of Perna. The total investment across two projects in Orebić and Perna amounts to €70 million, with overall investments in Pelješac and Korčula reaching €250 million. The construction is expected to take two years and will involve local companies, including a Croatian firm partnered with a Turkish contractor.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the infrastructure project, quoting multiple officials including the Deputy Prime Minister and local administrators. It focuses on factual details such as costs, timelines, and project scope without overtly favoring any political perspective or using emoti
Why factuality (95): The article confirms the signing of the contract for the Jadranovo-Selce motorway section, matching other sources. It includes similar details about the length, number of bridges/tunnels, and government involvement, supporting the cross-source consensus.
Why objectivity (85): The tone is neutral, presenting information based on official statements without introducing subjective interpretations. It maintains balance by focusing on reported facts rather than advocacy.
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 90yesterdayThe construction of the highway segment between Križišće and Jadranovo has begun, with plans to build four tunnels totaling 3.65 kilometers, along with bridges, three viaducts, two overpasses, and three underpasses. The contract for this 12.3-kilometer section was signed at a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials including Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butković and representatives from local municipalities. The project, valued at €252 million excluding VAT, is expected to take 42 months to complete. Officials emphasized the importance of this infrastructure development for improving transportation links between Primorsko-Goranska and Licko-Senjska counties and enhancing economic and tourist growth in the region. This marks the first major investment in road infrastructure in the Crikvenica-Vinodol area in over 40 years.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about a major infrastructure project involving government officials and contractors. It includes quotes from various stakeholders but does not exhibit clear bias toward any particular political viewpoint. The content focuses on the logistics, cost, and impact
Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details about the construction project between Križišće and Jadranovo including tunnel lengths, infrastructure components, contract value, and timeline. These facts appear consistent with typical infrastructure reporting and there is no clear contradiction from other so
Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information in a neutral manner, focusing on the technical aspects of the project, the involved parties, and the official announcement. There is minimal editorializing or biased language, maintaining an objective tone throughout.
Novi listIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 852 days ago This appropriation is intended to cover the financing of the following activities:The revitalization of Istrian railways has been initiated as a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation connectivity, economic development, and sustainable mobility in the region. The initiative was launched intensively at the end of 2021 with a key conference in Rijeka, marking the start of efforts to restore the long-abandoned railway infrastructure in Istria. Saborski zastupnik Anton Kliman emphasized the untapped potential of the Istrian railway and called for stronger state support to drive its restoration. After years of preparation, specific investments were officially announced in April 2024, with preparations beginning for the renewal of the first 50 kilometers of track, from the Slovenian border to Sveta Petka in Šumi, valued at approximately €55 million. The first phase of construction officially began in April 2025, with plans to complete the entire railway renovation by 2030. This project is considered one of the most important infrastructure undertakings in Istria in recent decades.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the railway revitalization project, focusing on its infrastructure goals, economic benefits, and environmental impact. It includes quotes from a political figure but does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The tone,
Why factuality (80): The article outlines the timeline of the Istrian railway revitalization initiative, mentioning key events such as the conference in late 2021, the planning phase through 2024, and the start of work in April 2025. It also includes estimated costs and the overall goal of completing the project by 2030
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a generally neutral stance, presenting the project as important but not overly praising or criticizing it. However, it does include some evaluative statements like 'ključni je projekt' which slightly introduces subjective judgment, though not strongly biased.
N1 HrvatskaIndependentCenter13 hr. agoThe article discusses Taiwan's potential as a tourist destination despite its challenges in fully utilizing its tourism capacity. Despite offering diverse natural and cultural attractions, modern infrastructure, safety, and hospitality, Taiwan lags behind other Asian destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia in terms of visitor numbers. Experts attribute this to issues such as high hotel prices not matching service quality, labor shortages in the hospitality sector, and slow adaptation to contemporary tourism trends. The strict regulations on hiring foreign workers further hinder progress. Additionally, there is untapped potential in medical tourism due to limited investment and capacity in healthcare services. Experts suggest comprehensive reforms, including improving service quality, increasing competitiveness in accommodation, easing labor access, and investing in sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Taiwan's tourism challenges without overtly favoring any political stance. It cites expert opinions and reports from external sources like 'Metropolitan.si' and 'Taipei Times', but does not take a clear ideological position. The focus remains on economic,勞
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
Croatia
