Knowledge relevant for the implementation of sustainable tourism development – attitudes of local inhabitants and students

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and level of knowledge towards sustainable tourism development among the locals and the students. The research was conducted in Primorsko-Goranska County in Croatia. The results between the two groups were compared in order to get a clearer picture on possible similarities or differences in attitudes and knowledge levels because both of them are very important stakeholders for sustainable tourism development and need to be involved in this process. The methodology used in the paper consists of two levels of analysis. The theoretical part is based on secondary sources in the field of sustainable tourism development while the research one is presented through results from quantitative research through a questionnaire among local inhabitants and students of tourism in the Primorsko-Goranska County. A survey was distributed online, with questions related to sustainable development in tourism, its relevant elements and the knowledge connected to it. The data was then collected and analysed using independent-samples t-test, correlation analysis and other methods relevant for this research. The stakeholders assessed elements and perception of knowledge related to sustainable development in tourism. The paper emphasizes potential differences in the level of knowledge and attitude between the students and the local population. The attitudes of the stakeholders towards the topic are mostly positive, but they also underline the need for further education in the field of sustainable development, both in theoretical terms and in terms of acquiring skills and habits needed to thrive in the era of sustainability. The contribution of the paper is in identifying the necessary knowledge for the implementation of sustainable development of tourism among the local population and students of tourism. In addition, the self-evaluation of the current level of knowledge was examined. This should be the basis for the further development of educational programs and other programs for the whole local population in the field of sustainable tourism development.