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THE ROLE OF GLAMPING IN DEVELOPMENT OF CAMPING TOURISM OFFER – POSSIBILITIES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Global tourism has experienced continuous growth and significant improvement in the quality of tourist offer. The contemporary tourists are experienced, well informed travelers that are looking for genuine and authentic experiences. Thus, their needs and wants are becoming more complex. These trends in contemporary tourism have resulted in a growing demand for new, diverse types of accommodation. Furthermore, the growing trend of returning to nature and the rising ecological awareness of tourists have resulted in increasing demand for camps and similar type of accommodation. Camping is frequently stereotyped as 'poorman's tourism' but it is primarily a lifestyle characterized by pure enjoyment in nature, simplicity and a refined sensitivity toward the environment. Traditional camping has always satisfied the need of tourists to spend their time in nature, but this type of accommodation was unacceptable for a great number of people. Due to that glamping started to develop. It is a specific form of camping which neutralizes its drawbacks by providing a high level of comfort. Glamping contributes to sustainable tourism development, promotion of tourist destinations, raising the level of accommodation quality in the destination, as well as diversity and higher level of quality of the overall tourist offer. Due to favorable traffic position, mild climate and rich natural, cultural and historical heritage in still numerous preserved areas, Croatia has tremendous potential for development of glamping. The aim of the research is to analyze the knowledge about glamping and the possibilities of developing this type of accommodation in Croatia. Also, analyzed business cases from practice, wants to encourage experts to think about the new concept of sustainable tourism development, enriching the accommodation offer with glamping. In order to explore role of glamping in development of a tourism offer and its popularity on tourism market, a comparative analysis of glamping offer worldwide was conducted on relevant online platforms specialized in mediating this type of accommodation in tourism. Also, it was conducted an interview with an expert, leader of numerous glamping projects in Europe. The research proves that future, sustainable tourism development in Croatia can be based on this segment. Furthermore, establishment of clear legal framework in a long term would enable increase of competitiveness of whole tourism product.

glamping, trends, tourist offer, Croatia

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