engleski

The educational aspect of responsible tourism as cultural, economic and environmental sustainability

Abstract The aim of this paper is to evaluate the need for introduction and possible effects of education on the topic of responsible tourism, to acquire competences on the mutual conditionality of socio-cultural, economic and environmental sustainability in higher education system with a view on tourism as a regional and national strategic development direction of the Republic of Croatia. The paper focuses on the area of eastern Croatia (tourist region Slavonia or Croatian Danube Region) and is a complementary content of the curriculum proposal of the university elective course. The results of research conducted students from several constituents of the University of Osijek confirm the assumption of a low level of understanding of tourism as a social phenomenon, especially adverse impacts on the natural and cultural space/environment, which can consequently jeopardize the economic benefits, externalities, considered as an expenditure side in balancing tourism revenue. The results of the research indicate the need for more systematic education, the creation of future experts, decision-makers from different interdisciplinary fields, they would acquire the necessary competencies to the specific needs imposed by receptive tourism, which affects and depends on the whole range of destination features, be it the natural environment, infrastructure, agricultural and industrial production, services sector, educational or health system, social trends or politics. Leading trends and scientific insights into sustainability as an added value are considered, both in the prevention of adverse impacts on the destination and in the interest of visitors, taking into account tourism as a leisure activity, to which science confirms the importance of human civilization, tradition, and culture. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the natural and cultural features of the area, the existing infrastructure, and the comparative analysis of examples of good practice from the immediate and wider environment, will determine what are available and renewable resources for tourism development and which development directions and activities will produce desirable sustainable results, acceptable effect on natural and cultural space. In addition to its historical heritage and traditional practices, the University of Osijek is certainly a feature of the cultural space as a platform for the implementation of scientific knowledge in development policies, especially in the fields of ICT, renewable energy sources, transport without harmful emissions, and other modern solutions for reducing environmental impact. Based on the obtained research results, a conclusion is drawn about the need to introduce the subject education as a university elective course, and thus provide the opportunity for students to attend various study programs. According to the perceived need and general level of knowledge, teaching content, learning outcomes and methodological approach to student education will be determined in order to ensure the most effective acquisition of the necessary knowledge and practical skills, in the development of tourism development strategies as well as in the organization of activities in various segments of tourism and related activities, including students in educational disciplines who will work at all levels of the education system.

syllabus, sustainable development, traditional knowledge, added value, free time, renewable sources

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