Importance of stakeholder management in tourism project: case study of the Istra Inspirit project

Purpose-To investigate the importance of inclusion of various local stakeholders in the implementation of tourism projects, focusing mainly on involvement in the organisation of activities and the distribution of benefits. Design-After a short review of the most important research on stakeholders and their role in tourism development, a case study of the cultural tourism Istra Inspirit project initiated by the Istria county, the Istria Tourist Board and the Istria Tourism Development Agency, is analysed. Methodology/Approach – A short literature review on stakeholder theory and its implementation in the field of tourism is the basis for the investigation of the described theoretical assumptions using a case study method. Case study analysis is oriented toward the involvement of various groups of stakeholders in the project implementation, their contribution and sharing financial and non- financial benefits from the project. Findings – Based on the case study analysis' results, efficient strategies for stakeholder involvement in the realisation of tourism projects have been identified and the importance of stakeholder management for the success of tourism projects has been confirmed. Originality – There are very few papers oriented toward the analysis of stakeholder involvement and the distribution of benefits on a particular case study of a tourism project initiated by the public sector.