engleski

MANAGING LOCAL RESIDENTS IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Purpose - The destination product is a group of all tourism products and services which implies that the quality and competition of the product depends on each subject directly or indirectly involved in the formation of destination product. Design – The special focus is given on the fact that joint and coordinated involvement of all subjects in the development of tourism and the destination product is very important. Local residents represent an inseparable part of the destination product. Methodology – The methodology of the research includes survey carried out in November 2013, among local residents in the city of Požega in Croatia. The main focus of survey was to question the attitude of local residents concerning the development of tourism and to determine the level of involvement. Approach - It is necessary to desensitize and develop consciousness and also to notify, inform and include the local residents into the development of tourism because the residents ought to have a certain level of tourism knowledge and culture to avoid possible conflict. Result of the conflict can lead to a situation that the local residents or its meaningful part becomes resentful with tourism, and then the reactions against the tourist can harm the image of the destination itself as for the quality of the destination product. Findings – This study is supposed to reduce negative social impacts of tourism in destination communities. Involving residents in tourism development is not a simple task, but it is the most sustainable approach that can be taken. Such efforts require time, money and patience, and are sometimes arduous to co- ordinate. Originality - The originality of this research is questioning local residents in small rural city about their involvement in tourism development.

managing ; local residents ; tourism ; destination product

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