STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF ASTROTURISM IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA – COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The paper investigates the issue of strategic development of a new selective form of tourism that is growing in many countries around the world named astrotourism. The issue of light pollution is also considered, given that a clear starry sky is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of this selective form of tourism. The aim of this paper is to investigate the level of development of astrotourism in the Republic of Croatia. For this purpose, a comparative analysis was performed targeting selected astrotourist destinations - the so-called Dark-Sky Parks in Croatia and Europe, as well as a research focusing on the geographical distribution and number of certified sky parks in the world. Certified Dark-Sky Parks are typical astrotourism destinations that meet all the prerequisites for its development, and are awarded the official certificate issued by the IDA - International Dark-Sky Association, as the world's umbrella institution dealing with light pollution. Observatories have a special role in the development of astrotourism, so the proposed paper presents an overview of observatories in Croatia that are focused on this type of activities. The paper aims to sensitize the scientific and professional public regarding the issue of light pollution, but also to encourage further research and expert discussions relating to this topic. Astrotourism combines different components and functions – a scientific and a recreational one, but also a very important ecological and educational function, encouraging special discussions and proposals focusing on solutions for the sensitive but still insufficiently researched area of light pollution, inadequate public illumination, as well as other “unhealthy” forms of illumination.