Revitalizacija istarskih željeznica: Inicijativa pokrenuta krajem 2021., prvi radovi započeli 2025.

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.