Tourism, Farm Diversification and Plurality of Rurality: Case Study of Croatia

Abstract

Plurality is considered to be one of the most important indicators of rurality in the contemporary society. But in what sense can plurality and diversified geographic context of countryside make a difference for development of farm tourism, if any? This paper aims to explore the significance of rural diversity of Croatia for farm diversification into leisure-orientated activities. The main method is comparison of spatial distribution of those farms, on the one hand, and seven different types of rural areas, on the other. Among others, the results indicate the significance of overall (mass) tourism development along the coast for development of tourism on agricultural households. Furthermore, age and education are confirmed as important factor in the process.Sažetak: Pluralnost je jedan od najznačajnjih suvremenih obilježja ruralnosti. No imaju li pluralnost i diverzificiranost geografskih obilježja ruralnih područja utjecaja na razvoj turizma na seljačkim domaćinstvima? Cilj ovog istraživanja jest istraživanje važnosti različitih tipova ruralnih područja za diverzifikaciju seljačkih domaćinstava i pružanje turističkih sličnih usluga. Osnovna istraživačka metoda jest usporedba prostornog razmještaja takvih domaćinstava s sedam različitih tipova ruralnih područja koji su određeni tehnikama multivarijatne (faktorske i klaster) analize. Rezultati, među ostalim, upućuju na značaj koji za pojavu i razvoj turizma na seljačkim domaćinstvima ima masovni kupališni turizam u priobalju. Također, potvrđena je važna uloga dobne i obrazovne strukture stanovništva.Ključne riječi: turizam na seljačkim domaćinstvima, ruralni turizam, seoski turizam, tipologija, ruralna područja, faktorska analiza, klaster analiza, tourism.

Geographical Perspectives on Agritourism in The Czech Republic

“…Despite the undeniable importance of the nature of a locality and of the agritourist space, in which any farm operates and which is, at the same time, co-determined by this farm, this crucial geographical/spatial determinant of the development of agritourism has been explored only to a very limited extent in the relevant literature, and studies focused on these issues remain sporadic (see, for instance, Klapka et al, 2005;Cigale et al, 2013;Lukić, 2013). Marketing and management, motivation for the involvement of farmers in this type of business, and their attitudes monitored at a national level, have received much more attention and consideration at this time (Nilsson, 2002;Sharpley, Vass, 2006;Haugen, Vik, 2008;Dömeova, Jindrova, 2011;Forbord et al, 2012).…”

“…Many studies reveal that agritourism is indeed concentrated in areas which are already established as popular tourist destinations, as "in this case, visitors are willing to pay a higher price for a firm located in a region that is rich in tourist attractions" (Fleischer, Tchetchik, 2005), and consequently, in popular tourist areas agritourism can generate greater farm revenues (Sharpley, Vass, 2006). For example, Lukić (2013) reported that most of the households with agricultural production -tourism, accommodation and other leisure activities -are located in the littoral counties of Croatia, reflecting the importance of mass-tourism for the development of farm tourism.…”

“…It can be argued that this is why agritourism activities also develop within different kinds of natural protected areas, which accordingly play a dual role when, as well as providing a refuge for wildlife, they also serve as popular tourist destinations (Sznajder et al, 2009;Lukić, 2013). The protected environment is undoubtedly attractive to organic farms involved in tourism, as they are in general forced to operate in worse agricultural conditions: Klapka et al (2005) illustrate that 70 per cent of organic farms operating in the Krkonoše Mts.…”

“…To identify and examine such characteristics is a necessary first step in any attempt to enter the up-to-date informed international discussion of the agritourist space phenomenon (Durydiwka, 2003;Fleischer, Thetchik, 2005;Sharpley, Vass, 2006;Choo, Jamal, 2009;Sznajder et al, 2009;Lukić, 2013). This study of the location of individual agricultural holdings providing tourists with hospitality services (lodging and accommodation in particular) at a local level, seeks to prove or disprove the assumptions that agritourism is concentrated in areas:…”

Overestimating the role of tourism in rural areas on the example of selected regions in Poland and Croatia

“…however, is it possible to solve all of the problems in every rural area by developing tourism there? tourism and recreation have been for decades one of the responses to various challenges and threats to rural areas, often even a solution for all structural problems of the rural areas (adamowicz 2010;baležentis et al 2012;baum 2011;butler et al 1998;cawley and gillmor 2008;hall et al 2003;ilbery 1998;látková and Vogt 2011;lukić 2013;Sharpley 2002;Wilson et al 2001;Woods 2005). literature which examines the role of tourism in rural areas in poland and croatia is still limited in scope in comparison with the western european countries.…”