Health Tourism Development In Continental Croatia

Although the present position of the Republic of Croatia within European tourist capacities is favourable, it is necessary to increase the quality of overall tourism offer and overcome seasonal fluctuations. From a regional point of view, tourism in the Republic of Croatia has achieved varied development levels. More than 94% of tourism turnover in the Republic of Croatia is achieved in the Adriatic region, which is mostly based on seasonal tourism products. Geothermal potential of the Republic of Croatia can be one of the first steps in expanding the existing tourism offer and attaining all-season tourism. The analysis of previous research indicates that the biggest contribution in defining the geothermal tourism offer was provided by medical scholars (primarily physicians) rather than tourism specialists or economists. For this reason, this area has largely remained in the domain of medical tourism and development, and failed to be seen as new tourism potential. Different statistics and indicators show that there is growing investment in the health sector (mostly privately owned) as well as growing demand for this selective form of tourism, which should, in strategic terms, be linked to the trend of an increased dedication to the quality of life and European demographic trends. Th e analysis of this type of tourism offer in the neighbouring countries and benchmarking will yield conclusions about comparative advantages of these countries over Croatia. Although these countries in general have lower tourism potentials than Croatia, they are achieving remarkable results. A legal framework and mechanisms for enabling synergies between medical and tourism services is a precondition for the development of new tourism products in continental Croatia and their inclusion in the general development policy. Current legislation with a direct impact on exploitation of geothermal energy will be studied in order to formulate a model for eliminating the existing legal barriers, and to provide guidelines for future activities, with the general aim of attracting new investments.