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Colonisation and 'Taking the Waters' in the 19th Century : The Patronage of Royalty in Health Resorts of Opatija, Habsburg Empire and Rotorua, New Zealand

The tourism consumption of 'taking the waters' in the bath spas of Europe in the 19th century is well-documented phenomen. Health here was not soley link to the treatment of diseses and ailments, but also with emphasis given to well-being, luxury and social status. The townscapes of grandiose hotels, promenades, gardens and spa structures were developed into arenas of display to reflect the social and cultural aspirations of the wealthy clientele. The patronage of royality and nobility was an important socio-political force to ‘ put these places on the map’ . However, this phenomen is dominantly associated around the English and German spas, overlooking many other important socio-geographical contexs in which royal tourism asm specifically spa resorts flourished. Our historical analysis of tourism development in the two health resorts of Opatija (former Habsburg Empire, now Croatia) and Rotorua, New Zealand at the turn of the 20th century brings a new perspective by the juxtaposition of two colonial leaders at the time – the Austro-Hungarian Hasburg Empire and Victorian England. The comparison between these two ‘ exotic places of the Old and new World’ shows the power of the overarching colonising forces throught which tourism has always played an important political role.

colonisation, royal tourism, cultural tourism, Opatija, Rotorua

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