Margarita Maruškić Kulaš

Margarita Maruškić Kulaš is the Director of Aquatika Public Institution, the only freshwater aquarium in Croatia and in this part of Europe. The Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac project was launched in 2016 and this year marks its 10th anniversary, during which Aquatika has positioned itself as a unique tourist attraction grounded in research and education on freshwater biodiversity, while also generating positive effects on entrepreneurship across the wider Karlovac area.

Margarita’s professional focus has always been on destination management and the creation of memorable experiences. Under her leadership, Aquatika has been developed into a strong and recognizable motive for visiting Karlovac, a city long perceived primarily through its military and industrial identity. Shortly after opening, Aquatika demonstrated strong market potential—the planned annual target of 12,000 visitors was reached within the first 20 days. Over its first nine years, more than 600,000 visitors have visited Aquatika, establishing it as one of the city’s key attractions.

Among the awards Aquatika has received are the Brand Leader Award for Best Authentic Project and Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion of a Unique Tourism Experience in Southeast Europe; the “Sustainable Tourism” award for exceptional contribution to nature and environmental preservation; two A+Awards in the Architecture + Landscape category; first place in the “National Projects” category at the Bled Water Festival; and the title of the second most successful local EU project in Croatia, among others.