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Agrotourism in Croatia - Prospects for Development

The Republic of Croatia within the policy of its economic development has been stressing the role of tourism as one of the basic directions for almost three decades. By this it is primarily considered the Adriatic coast area, which is justified by the results achieved in tourist activities. However, some researches showed that the natural resources of the coastal area are not used in quite adequate and rational way. Among other things, it means that there is no adequate control over environmental pollution (and protection), as well as harmonized action of different economic activities (tourist and agricultural). Regarding the environment, Adriatic sea near Croatian coast is not considered as the sea of higher level of pollution, although there are several endangered points along the coast, mostly caused by inadequate placement of industrial plants, intensive traffic during the summer season, or presence of intensive agricultural activities. Such reasons caused the deterioration of some wildlife and birds' habitats as well as agricultural land, and endangering some ecosystems. Hopefully, the Strategy of Croatian tourism development recognizes these problems and sets the directions for future development on the principles of "sustainable development", taking into consideration demands for environmental protection together with increased needs for including the local population into the economic development process by improvement their family enterprising spirit. The role of rural tourism is especially stressed in the Strategy of Croatian tourism development of the Ministry of tourism, but in question of rural tourism there are some other institution involved. Ministry of Agriculture in the Strategy of Croatian agricultural development gives the foundation for coordinated activities of agriculture and tourism, while Croatian chambre of commerce together with some other institutions and farmers' associations develops the model of "tourist family farm". It is conceived as organized small-size economic entity, placed in tourist favored area, offering the original product or service of the farm in which all family members are involved. The tourism within these farms would be the additional source of income, and the reason for not leaving the agriculture as the economic activity and village as the place for living. The case study carried out in the Faculty of Agronomy, shows that such combination of economic activities has prospects for success. The family farm from Lopud island in the southern part of Dalmatia is engaged in sheep breeding. Business intention of the farm is going into considerable investment with the aim of orientation the total agricultural production toward tourist services. The farm is going to rebuild the abandoned vineyard and olive-grove in former "social" ownership, as well as the building built for grape and olive processing. In this building, which will keep the traditional characteristics of this area, the family members are planning to give services of rural (peasant) tourism such as vine tasting, and guests will be offered the traditional home-made meals as well. For Croatian economic circumstances such investments are relatively high, but according to future projection of costs and revenues it can be stated that such project of tourist activity within the family farm is economically efficient, and very interesting as the business undertaking. This project also satisfies the requirements of both agricultural and tourism development directions: prevention of the depopulation of Croatian islands, increasing the farm income by stronger connection of tourist economy with development of crop, fruit, olive and livestock production.

agriculture; agrotourism; environment; farm income

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