Abstract
To position the tourism offering of the Municipality of Lovran, it must be adjusted to the modern needs of tourists. In this, a key role belongs to designing, implementing and sustaining an experience system as part of the destination’s integrated tourism product. Lovran as a tourist destination can become distinctive only to the extent to which it can provide services and facilities capable of satisfying the travel needs and motivations of tourists. When designing an experience system, the destination is generally in the focus of interest. This paper, however, takes a closer look at the thematization of beaches that are a part of Lovran’s tourism offering. Previous tourism development in Lovran has first and foremost been centred on the summer months when the sun, sea and beaches are the primary motivation for tourist arrivals. Lovran as a tourist destination, together with its beaches, provides opportunities that have yet to be fully valorised with regard to implementing the experience system in beaches. In this respect, the paper aims to highlight the need for beach thematization. Beach thematization is carried out in accordance with the vision of the destination to ensure the optimal distribution of bathers and to satisfy their preferences. A new classification of beaches is made according to the Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation (BARE) system, which is adjusted to the needs of the market. The BARE system categorises beaches based on their accessibility and coastal scenery. The purpose of the paper is to analyse beaches in Lovran and, in accordance with a beach’s potential, to propose a theme (eco beach, romantic beach, beach for families with children, etc.) for each one, based on the Regional Program for the Adaptation and Management of Seaside Beaches in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. The authors conclude that beaches have a primary importance for most tourists as well as residents, making it essential to respect their physical, social and ecological carrying capacities.
Highlights
Croatia has an exceptionally long and rich coast, it has yet to organise the efficient management of such a vital natural resource
While many authors have addressed the topic of beaches as a tourism resource, very few have focused on beach management in the Municipality of Lovran
This paper warns of the disappearance of this threatened cultural and tourism-related heritage, which includes the beaches of Lovran
Summary
Croatia has an exceptionally long and rich coast, it has yet to organise the efficient management of such a vital natural resource. A number of ministries are engaged in resolving individual issues concerning the coastal zone: the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure; Ministry of Culture/State Institute for Nature Protection; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development; and Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship. To prevent the occurrence of adverse consequences with regard to space, it is essential the coastal zone is managed as a target managed resource through the coordinated efforts of competent government bodies and local communities. While many authors have addressed the topic of beaches as a tourism resource, very few have focused on beach management in the Municipality of Lovran. A beach as a resource is not enough to ensure successful development; beaches need to be managed and marketed, and their development, strategically planned. The primary aim of the paper is to call attention to the lack of strategic planning with regard to this valuable resource
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