Page 144 - Koderman, Miha, and Vuk Tvrtko Opačić. Eds. 2020. Challenges of tourism development in protected areas of Croatia and Slovenia. Koper, Zagreb: University of Primorska Press, Croatian Geographical Society
P. 144
challenges of tourism development in protected areas of croatia and slovenia
In her study, Lund (2013) pointed out that the experience people have
when in nature is not completely universal, given that people define na-
ture ‘in relation to how they experience it, engaging with it’. She goes on
to say that there are different degrees of nature, and people appreciate na-
ture in various ways, which is influenced by how they interact with it. The
research team had a perspective-expanding experience, and found that
their pre-conceived notions about Kraški Rob changed appreciably after
their interactions with the area and its residents. Almost all of the amen-
ities they eventually shortlisted have been, in one way or other, shaped by
local inhabitants.
To conclude this chapter we would like to outline a few recommenda-
tions for literature and for practice and policy. First, regarding the two-di-
mensional model used, future research could explore the way in which
naturalness, as found in karst landscapes (stones and scarce vegetation)
is perceived by visitors and how this, coupled with accessibility, impacts
their experience with nature. Further understanding of this might reveal
which aspects are most likely to make people want to return. Second, re-
garding policy, local decision-makers should take into account that this
area could be of interest to those who like to spend time outdoors and enjoy
nature, but its potential is limited by the lack of certain services. The suc-
cess of nature-based tourism lies in attractive natural assets with the addi-
tion of competitive tourism supply (e.g. accommodation) to cater to visi-
tors across different segments. This area already attracts hikers, bikers, and
free-climbers, but because it lacks core services, most visitors find accom-
modation and food elsewhere, which is a missed opportunity for the local
economy. Third, tourism is about leisure time and it should boost positive
sentiment for visitors to want to return (and to tell others how nice it is, so
they too might want to come). It is not very clear how the derelict houses
and the damaged parts of these villages might impact the experience of vis-
itors. Certainty, questions might be raised regarding safety and general aes-
thetics of the village itself. Thus, there is a need for broad strategies to de-
liver not only services, but also opportunities for the local community to
mend and restore damaged houses.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the students who undertook data collec-
tion and the local residents. We also thank Mojca Poklar, PhD, for help-
ing us out with the map (Fig. 2). Romina Rodela gratefully acknowledg-
142
In her study, Lund (2013) pointed out that the experience people have
when in nature is not completely universal, given that people define na-
ture ‘in relation to how they experience it, engaging with it’. She goes on
to say that there are different degrees of nature, and people appreciate na-
ture in various ways, which is influenced by how they interact with it. The
research team had a perspective-expanding experience, and found that
their pre-conceived notions about Kraški Rob changed appreciably after
their interactions with the area and its residents. Almost all of the amen-
ities they eventually shortlisted have been, in one way or other, shaped by
local inhabitants.
To conclude this chapter we would like to outline a few recommenda-
tions for literature and for practice and policy. First, regarding the two-di-
mensional model used, future research could explore the way in which
naturalness, as found in karst landscapes (stones and scarce vegetation)
is perceived by visitors and how this, coupled with accessibility, impacts
their experience with nature. Further understanding of this might reveal
which aspects are most likely to make people want to return. Second, re-
garding policy, local decision-makers should take into account that this
area could be of interest to those who like to spend time outdoors and enjoy
nature, but its potential is limited by the lack of certain services. The suc-
cess of nature-based tourism lies in attractive natural assets with the addi-
tion of competitive tourism supply (e.g. accommodation) to cater to visi-
tors across different segments. This area already attracts hikers, bikers, and
free-climbers, but because it lacks core services, most visitors find accom-
modation and food elsewhere, which is a missed opportunity for the local
economy. Third, tourism is about leisure time and it should boost positive
sentiment for visitors to want to return (and to tell others how nice it is, so
they too might want to come). It is not very clear how the derelict houses
and the damaged parts of these villages might impact the experience of vis-
itors. Certainty, questions might be raised regarding safety and general aes-
thetics of the village itself. Thus, there is a need for broad strategies to de-
liver not only services, but also opportunities for the local community to
mend and restore damaged houses.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the students who undertook data collec-
tion and the local residents. We also thank Mojca Poklar, PhD, for help-
ing us out with the map (Fig. 2). Romina Rodela gratefully acknowledg-
142
