engleski

THE TRANSITION TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

The fundamental challenge of the contemporary world is how to transform the existing linear, unsustainable and irresponsible economy towards the circular economy, i.e. a closed, balanced and integral process of responsible use of resources considering the needs of present and future generations. Tourism, as a significant and powerful socio-economic phenomenon, has a very important role in that transition. The main purpose of the paper is to point out the importance of responsible tourism as a concept that refers to the willingness of different stakeholders involved in tourism to take responsibility to respond, to act and to contribute to sustainability. The concept was defined by the Cape Town Declaration of Responsible Tourism in 2002 alongside the World Summit on Sustainable Development. The paper gives a theoretical background, the analyses of progresses in responsible tourism and the analyses of responsible tourism initiatives in Croatia. The research has confirmed that resposible tourism is increasing its impacts on the travel and tourism sector on the global scale. But, there are different challenges to face with: lack of knowledge of various stakeholders, various values, views and preferences of different stakeholders, environmental challenges, social problems, economic constrains, etc. Responsible tourism is still a new trend in Croatia. Various successful examples show the implementation of the concept of responsible tourism creates many benefits for the involved companies, communities, the environment and future generations.

responsible tourism; tourism destination; local inhabitants; Croatia; Istrian County

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