engleski

The use of regional analysis of tourism resources for destination zone identification in Croatia

Issues of spatial rationalization are challenging for destination planers and managers as they have a wide-ranging influence on a range of issues and therefore, if not conducted properly adverse impacts on entire tourism development are inevitable. This paper deals with the rationalization in the context of Croatia in a view of current debate on the issue. In Croatia there are currently eight tourism regions formed on administrative division and product similarities and some political considerations. It is argued in the paper that much more effective rationalization could be achieved based on the assessment of natural and man-made attractions and stage of tourism development. To that end pilot survey of tourism experts in the country was conducted. They evaluated 44 elements pertaining to tourism resources and attractiveness of the country. Data was cluster analysed in order to empirically derive clusters whose products are similar in their nature. Implications of so derived tourism regions for tourism planning, development and marketing on the national and regional level are discussed.

regionalization; tourism regions; cluster analysis; Croatia

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