Tourism attractions refer to the places of interest that tourists, both local and international visitors. According to Cervova & Vavrova (2021), tourism attraction sites are natural beauty such as beaches, tropical island resorts, public parks, mountains, deserts, and forests, which are instances of traditional tourism, making some of the highest percentages of vacation destinations that individuals visit. In addition, tourism attraction sites further include cultural segments of a country or a region which involves places and items such as; landmarks, antiquated sanctuaries, zoos, public aquarium aquaria, exhibition halls, and art displays, professional theme parks and carnivals, buildings, structures, and designs, libraries, previous jails, high among other things. Furthermore, other people engage in business tourism, and places they visit include; industrial heritage, factory tours, creative crafts, and art workshops to quickly get a business opportunity to exploit. Therefore, it is true that many individuals travel for recreation, business, and education, and that implies the surrounding environment and the entire country should be peaceful and free from any war. One country that understands and has continuously implemented what is required for the success of tourism in Croatia. Consequently, this study will explore Croatia’s tourism aspect, especially in the coastal regions.
Croatia
Situated in south-eastern Europe, Croatia is a small country with many voyaging problem areas. This nation addresses a blend of the Mid-European mainland and energetic Mediterranean culture and approach to everyday life. The country has over 56000 km and about 32000 Km2 of coastal waters. The language spoken in this country is Croatia, followed by Italians since it is widely understood and spoken by many Croatians compared to English. This nation experience three types of climate condition. There is the coastal climate which receives Mediterranean climates. The other two remaining conditions receive both continental and moderate climates.
With its command and spot in the Mediterranean, Croatia has been a significant tourisms attraction and destination since the beginning of large-scale international tourism. The conflicts in previous Yugoslavia of the mid-90s seriously impacted both global demands and the tourism infrastructures. However, after twenty years, the tourism industry has been rising once more. International tourists’ spending and consumption in Croatia add up to 20% of its GDP. Gričar et al. (2021) explain that it is the biggest share of income generated in the EU from the tourism industry. Croatia’s coast tourism sites include the typical “ocean and sun” tourism industry model, becoming busier in coastal regions in the mid-year months (Summer period). The hotel and accommodation offered in the coastal regions are slanted towards cheap and generally modest designs (for example, private vacation houses and camping grounds), and regular tourist spending is below those experienced in UE peers.
Primary contrasts in the tourism industry models across nations are regularly reflected in alternate responsiveness of demands for various tourism attraction elements in the tourism industry administrations to income and prices. According to the Croatian tourism department, it is the international tourism industry demands for Croatia and three other Mediterranean destinations utilizing an equivalent detail where a request is displayed as an element of buying power in the EU, the general cost of tourism industry administrations and incomes derived from this sector has been rising given the high number of international and local tourist visiting the place. This report further found proof that the global payment for the Croatian tourism industry is more versatile and elastic-oriented than for other Mediterranean destinations. Orîndaru et al. (2021) affirm that tourism industry demand in any part of the world can be very price-sensitive, even though Croatia includes the most reduced-price elasticity among the nations considered. The tourism industry income in Croatia – more than for different places both in the Mediterranean and other parts of the world- is driven by the rising number of traveller arrivals and expedites, while normal spending per tourist is deteriorating.
Past researchers have shown that the tourism industry is set to remain one of the critical sectors of the Croatian economy. However, it is also true that overdependence on the current model may not be manageable in the long run. Pervan & Babic (2021) proposed that the supply of new differentiated tourists services in the tourism industry administrations can alleviate the risk of stagnation maximize the effect on different sectors of the economy while reducing environmental costs and congestion. Croatian specialists know about difficulties and open doors, yet separating away from the customary deal has demonstrated troublesome up to this point. This calls for more coordinated renewed efforts by policymakers at all tourism administration levels to address the current deficiencies and back the tourism industry’s improvement based on the quality and scope.
Inbound tourism is an important economic activity and a key source of export revenues for Croatia. Croatia has always been an important tourist destination with advantageous locations and natural attractions. The tourism industry continued to grow during the 1960s and the 1970s as per the financial plan of previous Yugoslavia. The number of attraction sites was destroyed during the war of the mid-90s. However, the tourism industry has since recuperated and – following an impermanent droop right after the worldwide monetary emergency – is presently blasting. Spending by international tourists contributes essentially to homegrown results and – also to products of merchandise and different administrations – addresses a significant wellspring of outside income. As per BOP measurements, use by worldwide vacationers added up to 45.5 billion EUR in 2016, generally 19% of Croatia’s GDP and more than 35% of its product revenues,2 affirming the economy’s high dependence on the tourism industry area. In addition, worldwide, the tourism industry generally represented 7% of the utilized populace.
The tourism industry in Croatia is a significant sector that traces back to the mid-nineteenth century. It is one of the most visited tourist locations in the Mediterranean today. The nation has exceptionally attractive authentic and social heritage and natural resources that draw many tourists to the country every year. It was pronounced top location in 2006 by the general topography in light of its usual brilliance and variety. The shore of Croatia has various lovely beaches and over 1,700 km of coastline and north of 1000 islands. Most sightseers visit hotter environments or see regular beaches, chronicled locales, and exhibition halls. Croatia is wealthy in these attractions. The beaches alone get innumerable guests every year because the Mediterranean environment along the coast is ideally suited for warm environment searchers. Some of the key beaches and beaches that always attract huge numbers of tourists in this country are; Vela Plaza beach, Itria beach, Dubrovnik, and Rovin beaches. The images show the beauty of some of the above-named beaches.
Vela Plaza beach
Itria beach pictures
The nation has numerous recorded destinations that draw in many guests from different parts of the world. It is additionally loaded with numerous natural attractions. One of these natural tourist attractions is the Pula Arena. This place, also known as Pula Amphitheater, is a historically famous Roman amphitheatre in Croatia. The structure came into existence in the 1stcentury AD, and the Arena was built during the rule of the reign of Emperor Vespasian, who was additionally liable for starting the constriction on the Colosseum in Rome. Pula Arena could accommodate more than 20,000 spectators. Pula Arena would have played host to gladiatorial fights under the Romans and the competitions of knights in medieval eras. Presently has been reestablished with a capacity of 5,000 individuals. To a great extent, the contemporary Pula Arena presents shows and film celebrations.
Another historical site in this region is Lokrum Monastery. It is situated from a ten-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik in Croatia. It is considered the excellent Lokrum Island, home to wildlife life – its primary occupants are peacocks and hares. Species found in this place are a French stronghold and a Benedictine Monastery and Abbey. Lokrum Island has a rich history and has been inhabited since ancient times. It is also believed that Richard the Lionheart probably wrecked here in 1192 while getting back from the Crusades and promised to build a church there if he was saved. Tkalec & Žilić (2021) explain that the main notice of Lokrum’s monastery was in 1023, albeit a few records place the priests there as early as 915AD. The Lokrum Monastery claimed the whole island at a certain point, while its abbey operated as an emergency clinic and almshouse up until the mid-fifteenth century. Today, tourists to Lokrum Monastery Complex can see the remaining parts of its 12/thirteenth-century basilica, its 15/sixteenth-century cloister, and the nineteenth-century summer home of Maximilian of Habsburg.
The Stari Grad Plain is another main historical tourist site in Croatia. The Stari Grad Plain is a perfect representation of antiquated Greek agrarian practices and associations tracing back to the Greek province of Pharos. Ionian Greeks inhabited it in the fourth century BC. The Stari Grad Plain became a significant cultivating scene, where grapes and olives were primarily developed. Amazingly, the land has kept filling these needs for a long time, and it still does so today. In 2008, the Stari Grad Plain was added to UNESCO’s rundown of World Heritage sites. Among the purposes behind its consideration was the brilliant condition of protection of its “chora,” geometrical molded plots, each encased by stone dividers. These horticultural practices were a significant technique utilized by the old Greeks to allocate land throughout cultivating.
Bokar Fortress is another key important historical site in this country. The structure as seen today was finished in 1570 and is the most seasoned casemented fortress in Europe. This stricture is viewed as one of the incomparable Renaissance pioneers; Bokar Fortress is one of the world’s best instances of ‘amicable and utilitarian stronghold design’ and was worked to guard the western access to the city of Dubrovnik. It was the key defenders’ structure for the decisively fundamental Pile Gate. The fort was finally finished in 1570, following a hundred years of discussing whether it should be done. Often called ‘Zvjezdan,’ a Serbo-Croat word signifying ‘brilliant,’ apparently for the astounding perspectives on the light contamination-free night sky as one can watch out into the Adriatic Sea, portions of the sublime, totally round and hollow fortification are roosted on a disconnected stone permitting the ocean water to pass underneath it – which can, in any case, be seen today. Today, the fortification is open throughout the entire year and maybe generally well known as a scene for the Dubrovnik Summer Festival exhibitions. The fantasy Esque Bokar Fortress is included in seasons two and three of Game of Thrones and is best seen when Varys illuminates Tyrion that he was ‘very great’ at being the hand of the lord.
Bokar Fortress
Moreover, the nation is also popular for its social and cultural attractions from yearly held celebrations like Dubrovnik summer celebration, Pula film celebration and even conventional old stories rivalry of Alka competition, which is an image of the battle of opportunity, harmony and hearth, confidence and trust and includes knights riding ponies along central avenues, bring a large number of social arranged guests. The vivid celebrations draw in guests worldwide who are either members or just onlookers. This tourism industry is highly typical since it presents Croatian social and insightful narratives. The river Korana streams down, starting with one lake then onto the next over water, making a peculiar nature move. The lakes are encircled by wonderful beech woods, which are home to numerous occupants, including bears, wolves, and unique cases like a long-eared owl.
Apart from social and cultural attractions, Croatia is also known for its numerous historical legacies/heritages with numerous small chronicled towns, forts, palaces, houses of prayer, and other social and authentic landmarks. This country has the privilege to host the smallest city on the planet with just 30 occupants, and it is situated in Istria, Croatia, and is called Hum. This country also has one of the oldest historical heritages, Renaissance Dubrovnik, which is not just a touristic destination but a UNESCO world legacy site. It involves a glorious old town region inside cautious dividers of around 2km round, which joins fortifications, standards, and pinnacles enroute. As a Catholic country, Croatia has many fascinating catholic landmark temples and churches, for example, the basilica, the cathedral of St. James in Sibenik, and the Zagreb cathedral.
Zagreb cathedral
St. Jamens in Sibenik
According to Cervova & Vavrova (2021), Croatia offers more than just summer destinations. Croatian cooking has become incredibly rich and diverse with astounding food and extraordinary wines that demonstrate an incredible potential as a top destination. Tourists are always glad about the sweet taste of custom-made Croatian food and are obsessed with the taste and touch of the Mediterranean coast. The availability and accessibility of Croatian hotels and the entire hospitality sector further make many tourists want to visit this place. Tourists come to a given country or place for different reasons and to locations of a few sorts of attractions. Nonetheless, the most well-known thing in all locations is the kinds of hotels, restaurants and their accessibilities. Most tourists who come to enjoy beaches will often search for areas with good hotels or vacation houses to stay during their visits. Consequently, the Croatian tourism sector has attracted different investors who, both individual or groups, public or private and local and international, put up hotels and restaurants to serve visitors and make their stay in the place enjoyable. Some of the biggest hotels and restaurants in this place are; Hotel Croatia Cavtat, Hilton Rijeka Costablla, Ikador Luxury Boutique, and Beach Hotel Bozikavina. Some of the pictures of this hotels rea below;
Beach Hotel Bozikovina
Hotel Croatia Cavtat
In the previous years, when there were no infrastructures such as high-speed internet, online booking, and online entertainment were not yet evolved, and individuals made a trip and visited places for seeing particular natural resources and beauty. However, the introduction of technology has changed everything in this sector. It has impacted the entire hospitality sector to provide a more conducive and accommodative environment. For example, currently, many businesses organization in the hospitality sector, from hotels to lodgings, operates on technology based-activities such as offering online booking. The increased use of technology seen in this country’s internet system, trade frameworks, banking frameworks, and innovation has contributed a lot to the country’s tourism industry economy. Technology has made transactions easier since one does not need to travel or physically visit a place to make a transaction, but they can do anything online and still get the same services and experiences they need. Therefore, the advancement in technology in this nation has significantly helped support and improve the service level and customer satisfaction in this country.
Lastly, Croatia’s tourism sector and its development have been boosted by the continuous improvements of different infrastructure. According to Orîndaru et al. (2021), good infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and airports helps attract and support tourist activities across the country. Croatia, which is viewed as one of the most developed nations, has mastered continuously improving its infrastructure to make it easier for people and goods to move around the country. This has resulted in a better method of transportation within the nation, making it easier for tourists to access most parts of the country, especially areas that they want to visit and spend their holidays. It has very much developed airports and railways that help facilitate the development of individuals within urban and rural areas. Individuals who travel for recreation purposes, such as those looking to visit particular parks, historical heritages, or other tourism sites, can reach such destinations without any problems. The difficulty of movement plays a bigger role in the tourists’ decisions to visit a given place. People always want to feel and enjoy the freedom of movement. The more the country’s infrastructures are developed, the easier it becomes to decide to visit such regions. Therefore, in terms of infrastructure, Croatia has very much evolved its transportation mode, which benefits the tourism sector and the entire country. The following are some of the lovely Croatian roads and bridges.
Conclusion
From this study, it is obvious that Croatia is one of the most visited and attractive tourist places in the world. The nation has exceptionally attractive authentic and social heritage and natural resources that draw in many tourists to the country every year. Inbound tourism is an important economic activity and a key source of export revenues for Croatia. Past researchers have shown that the tourism industry is set to remain one of the critical sectors of the Croatian economy. More specifically, this country has numerous natural attractions such as; Pula Arena, Lokrum Monastery, The Stari Grad Plain and Bokar Fortress. Moreover, the nation is also popular for its social and cultural attractions from yearly held celebrations like the Dubrovnik summer celebration, the Pula film celebration and even conventional old stories rivalry of the Alka competition. Apart from social and cultural attractions, Croatia is also known for its numerous historical legacies/heritages with numerous small chronicled towns, forts, palaces, houses of prayer and other social and authentic landmarks. Lastly, the Croatian cooking has become incredibly rich and diverse with astounding food and extraordinary wines that demonstrate an incredible potential as a top destination. Therefore, this country is one of the nations having the most developed and attractive tourism sites in the world.
References
Cervova, L., & Vavrova, J. (2021). Customer-Based Brand Equity for a Tourism Destination: The Case of Croatia. Economies, 9(4), 178. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies9040178
Gričar, S., Bojnec, Š., Karadžić, V., & Backović, T. (2021). Tourism price normalities in two Adriatic east coast ‘euro’ countries. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677x.2021.2019078
Orîndaru, A., Popescu, M., Alexoaei, A., Căescu, Ș., Florescu, M., & Orzan, A. (2021). Tourism in a Post-COVID-19 Era: Sustainable Strategies for Industry’s Recovery. Sustainability, 13(12), 6781. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126781
Pervan, M., & Babic, P. (2021). Evaluation of Efficiency and Its Determinants in Croatian Hotel Industry. International Journal Of Economics And Statistics, 9, 108-115. https://doi.org/10.46300/9103.2021.9.17
Tkalec, M., & Žilić, I. (2021). Does proximity to conflict affect tourism: Evidence from NATO bombing. PLOS ONE, 16(10), e0258195. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258195
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