The inauguration of the construction site on 10 October in Rabac marked the start of the comprehensive construction and renovation of two new luxury resorts, which are part of Valamar’s investments  worth half a billion HRK –the Family Life Bellevue Resort 4* and the Valamar Girandella Resort 4*.

This investment worth half a billion HRK  is Valamar Rivera’s largest investment so far, and it will reposition Rabac as a leading upscale vacation destination, while the announced projects will create over 300 new job openings. The construction of these two luxury resorts as well as of the surrounding infrastructure that will also be carefully planned and constructed is planned to be finished for the beginning of season 2017.

The detailed plan of this valuable investment had been presented during a public forum, organized by the Town of Labin, following an invitation by the mayor, Mr. Tulio Demetlika,, held on 7 October in the Town’s library. Numerous participants contributed to the public forum: the representatives of Labin’s Town Council, Tourist Board, Administrative departments, the Town Council’s Board for urban planning, construction and municipal services, holders of concessions, representatives of municipal companies and representatives of the Local Board of Rabac. During the event, it was noted that with the investment Valamar Riviera created new values for the whole destination, which, apart for new job openings, would also influence the guest structure and product quality, not to mention the standard of living and quality of life of all the residents in the area of Labin.

The current properties belong to the 2* and 3* segment, or 4* to a lesser part, and Valamar Riviera will upgrade their category to 4*, i.e. 4* and 5*, and they will be directed mainly towards high-end guests.

This investment project will provide for a significant increase of total swimming pool surface area (from the present 400m2 to 3,000 m2). This new feature, along with new the facilities, amenities and improved service quality, will help reduce the number of beach occupants, as the beaches will remain open to the general public. The overall surrounding infrastructure will be carefully planned and constructed. The beaches will feature new showers, changing rooms; improved access to the sea, the landscape will be carefully redesigned and new walking paths and bike paths constructed. A new, 150-meter long walking path will connect the two parts of the promenade near the present Girandella restaurant, which will be a valuable improvement for all the visitors and residents. A great feature for all outdoor fans will be the addition of new bike paths next to the future Bike-trim park, along with improved sports amenities and children's playgrounds. A number of new and attractive outlets is also planned, including the new Beach club, Green&Grill, Steak House and many more.

This investment received great feedback from the participants, especially the intention to keep all facilities and amenities open to the public and the project’s particular focus on preserving the natural attractions and environment in Rabac.

At the construction site inauguration, the mayor, Mr. Tulio Demetllika and Valamar’s Director of Operations in destination Rabac addressed the attendees.

“This is a highly significant investment for the entire Labin area because it brings sustainable, long-term growth to the whole local community. With such a large number of job openings and the fact that Rabac will become a premium destination for guests with higher purchasing power, this investment will stimulate a wider economic growth in this part of Istria. In addition, our residents and all visitors will be able to enjoy the renovated beaches, walking paths, promenades, sport facilities and hospitality outlets. I am glad that the largest investment of Valamar Riviera so far is focused on destination Rabac, which certainly deserves it,” said Tulio Demetlika, mayor of Labin.

“We are proud that this major investment project will mark a new stage in the development of tourism and hospitality in Rabac. I would like to stress the importance of our strategic cooperation with the TUI Group, one of the largest world tour operators, together with which we will open the first TUI Family life brand in Croatia. This partnership will ensure the arrival of guests from British and Scandinavian air travel markets, which will also result in the decrease of summer crowds in Rabac. Besides, Valamar Girandella Resort4*, thanks to its high quality products will attract and ensure the arrival of high-end guest of all ages , because of the numerous family as well as adults-only facilities and amenities that are included in this investment,” said Sandi Sinožić, Director of Operations in destination Rabac.

The new Family Life Bellevue Resort 4* includes the Bellevue Hotel, Bellevue Residence, Villa Ava, Albona-Annex A and Albona-Annex B. The new resort will have 372 rooms at project-end.  New investments in swimming pools, restaurants, beaches, entertainment and other amenities in this resort will greatly improve the service quality according to TUI standards. This world's leading tour operator and Valamar Riviera’s strategic partner plans to bring about 80,000 guests to the Family Life Bellevue Resort 4* in the next three years.

The project Valamar Girandella Resort 4* includes a concept-based reconstruction of three pavilions, the central building with the restaurant and three villas used as accommodation facilities. After the full reconstruction the Valamar Girandella Resort will have 399 accommodation units available. Next year, guests will be able to enjoy the impressive 12,000-m2 beach surface area, divided into several theme concepts: the Girandella Resort beach, the Family beach and the Adults only beach.