An Analysis of Nautical and Cruise Tourism in Slovenia (2005-2015) and its Position among other Mediterranean countries

Abstract

This article is dedicated to presenting nautical tourism in Slovenia. The basic purpose is to evaluate the extent of nautical tourism, since data on this type of tourism in Slovenia are lacking. Slovenia has three marinas, a few moorings and a passenger terminal. Despite its small coastal strip (46 km), all forms of nautical tourism are represented. This article consists of theoretical and analytical work. The theoretical part presents a number of basic definitions relating to nautical tourism and cruises. This work will also present the development of this form of tourism in Slovenia to date. Slovenia’s first marina was built in 1979 in Portorož, while cruise tourism in Slovenia began later, in 2005. Due to its diversity in a small area, Slovenia is an ideal starting point for (maritime) excursions. In the analytical part, numerical traffic data for the period 2005 to 2015 from marinas and the Port of Koper have been collated and analysed. This work is based on data collected by the marinas themselves, since the official nautical traffic statistics are not recorded. The main results of our analysis indicate that nautical tourism in Slovenia has experienced a large decline since 2005. The exception is cruise tourism, which has shown strong growth.