engleski

Ecotourism in the Function of Regional Development of the Republic of Croatia

Economic problems arising from the transition and market changes at the national and global level, coupled with centralized government, contribute significantly to growing regional differences within a country. Concentration of growth and development in competitive and highly developed regions requires bigger efforts to seek for new development generators in underdeveloped regions, with a view to decreasing the gap between them. “ Clean water, healthy food and tourism” are most frequently mentioned as Croatia’ s main competitive advantages and pillars of its development as a European country. Consequently, regional development has taken centre stage in political, economic and scientific discussions, together with ecotourism as a specific mindset that encompasses those three components. At the same time, ecotourism can provide direct or indirect answers to some of the fundamental issues arising from the transition and market changes, which are manifested differently in particular geographic regions. By encouraging the development of ecotourism it is possible to assign proper value to specific features of particular regions, and to build on their drawbacks (e.g. lack of manufacturing industry) as an attraction factor for the growing number of tourists looking for pristine landscapes. Ecotourism contributes to the variety of economic activities and increases employment possibilities in regions facing serious unemployment and related range of socio-economic problems as a result of structural changes. It can also have a positive impact on developing local infrastructure, on nature conservation and preserving cultural heritage through interest in profitable activities. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for indirect export of organic food. The paper aims to demonstrate that regional differences and specifics need not be the source of difficulties in achieving sustainable development of Croatian tourism. On the contrary, by emphasizing and cultivating that which is original and autochthonous (especially in ecotourism) Croatia can achieve a competitive position on the global tourism market.

ecotourism; regional competitiveness; regional development; tourism; ecological marketing

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