engleski

CHARACTERISTICS AND OPINIONS OF CROATIAN WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS’ VISITORS

Although Croatia is not an Alps country, around 21% of its surface is 500 meters above sea level, and it has developed several winter sport destinations. All winter sport destinations have no more than 30 kilometres of ski trails, and are mostly intended for domestic visitors. The aim of this paper is twofold. First aim is to discuss the possibilities for development of winter sports tourism in Croatia, and second is to research into the opinions of domestic visitors about Croatia’s winter sport destinations. For that purpose, a secondary data analysis was employed, and a primary research was conducted. A questionnaire was a part of a broader research conducted to find out characteristics of Croatian skiing market. In total 744 questionnaires were collected, but 291 interviewees stated that they do not go skiing and were therefore excluded from the analysis. Out of 422 analysed questionnaires, 48% of interviewees did not visit Croatian ski destinations. The research has shown that the most important shortcomings of Croatian skiing destinations are their size, lack of snow and poor quality of trails. Their biggest advantage is their proximity, and skiers are most satisfied with the quality of skiing schools. The results of this research can certainly help winter sports destinations improve their position at the market.

Croatia, satisfaction level, skiers, winter sport tourism

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