Andrej Kušeta
Episode · #119
TURIZAM 385 Andrej Kušeta
Guest Andrej KušetaHosted by Helena ŠuprahaMay 3, 2026
Andrej Kušeta
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Andrej Kušeta's family company Arhipelag didn't just open a hotel; they rescued a 60-year-old ship from the scrapyard and transformed it into Botel Marina, the first and only one of its kind in Croatia and the Mediterranean. This isn't just a story of tourism innovation; it's about seeing potential where others see obsolescence. Kušeta shares the complex journey of saving a maritime legend, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and turning a floating structure into a vibrant hub that serves both international tourists and local residents in Rijeka. Readers will learn about the unexpected challenges and rewards of building a business on an unconventional foundation.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
The legendary ship Marina was slated for scrap after losing its sailing license. Andrej Kušeta's family bought it instead, seeing potential for a new life. The most compelling business opportunities often lie in giving new purpose to assets others have written off as obsolete.
02
The initial plan was to base the botel on the island of Lošinj. Seven years into the project, the family moved it to Rijeka because operating on an island proved far too expensive. Sometimes, the ideal location isn't the practical one, and a strategic pivot to a less 'romantic' but more functional base is the difference between an idea and a viable business.
03
Botel Marina missed its target hotel classification by just 15 centimeters of ceiling height in its rooms, forcing it into a hostel category. Despite the official label, they designed all 35 rooms as private with en-suite bathrooms, targeting hotel guests. Bureaucracy can dictate a classification, but it doesn't have to define the quality or target market of your offering.
04
The investment was projected at €1.2 million but grew to nearly €2 million, with two years spent just on paperwork. Even with optimistic initial estimates, complex, innovative projects, especially those involving significant regulatory hurdles, demand a budget far beyond what's first conceived. Always double your contingency.
05
Beyond 35 private rooms, Botel Marina operates a 90-seat restaurant and a 120-seat cafe and terrace, hosting live music, dance nights, and stand-up comedy. A unique physical asset can generate revenue far beyond its primary function. By becoming a cultural and entertainment hub for the local community, it builds resilience and attracts diverse customer segments.
06
Botel Marina hosts guests from over 80 countries, with some asking for balconies on a ship. An unconventional offering can attract a global audience, but it also requires managing expectations for guests unfamiliar with its unique nature. Focus on delivering the specific, memorable experience you *do* provide.
07
The average guest age is 39, despite the official hostel classification. Your customer profile isn't always dictated by your official category. A unique experience, even within a more basic classification, can draw a distinct, often older and higher-spending, demographic.
08
In 2020, Botel Marina served as the press center for Rijeka, the European Capital of Culture. Aligning with significant city-wide events, even if stressful, can dramatically increase visibility, fill capacity, and affirm your project's role as a civic asset.
09
Rijeka's tourism segment is growing 10-20% annually, contributing to the botel's double-digit growth. Your individual business success is often amplified by the growth of the wider market. Choosing a location experiencing sustained upward momentum can be as important as the concept itself.
10
Guests who stay once often return if they need accommodation in Rijeka. The truly unique experience generates its own loyalty. When you offer something genuinely different, the novelty itself becomes a reason for repeat visits.