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Urban Identity, Heritage Management and Sustainable Development – The Case of Pula

This paper presents the results of primary research conducted in order to collect information for situation analysis and critical reflection of the urban identity and the role of heritage management in sustainable development of Pula, Croatia. Confronting global trends with local commitment to sustainable development, we intended to assess the key stakeholders' perceptions of Pula as a cultural tourism destination and to define the key elements of its urban identity, which makes the city unique and recognizable in the perception of its residents and their guests. We combined quantitative and qualitative methods in order to interview 400 tourists, 300 local residents and 15 experts. In the second phase we interviewed another 350 respondents, discussing the best practice models in heritage management. Local residents, their guests and experts agree that the city is recognizable primarily for its cultural heritage, turbulent multicultural history and a unique atmosphere of the ancient historic urban core combined with the former Austria's main naval port and its powerful fortification system. We have also suggested some models of good practice, which could contribute to the investments in cultural infrastructure, urban regeneration and heritage preservation, such as the candidacy for the European Capital of Culture, European Cultural Routes and the World Heritage Site listing.

urban identity, heritage management, sustainable development, Pula

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