Increasing tourism competitiveness: Connecting Blue and Green Croatia

Authors

  • Ivan Kelić Faculty of Economics in Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3172-1682
  • Aleksandar Erceg Faculty of Economics in Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1141-1919
  • Ivana Čandrlić-Dankoš Department of Investment, Development Projects and European Union Funds in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v11i20.138

Keywords:

competitiveness, blue Croatia, green Croatia, recommendations

Abstract

The objective of this article is to identify if unique local food and local cuisine in some regions can be used as a marketing tool to attract visitors to a destination and increase its competitiveness. This article focuses on establishing success criteria for cooperation between companies from so-called blue (Coastal) and so-called green (Continental Eastern) Croatia for increasing competitiveness of tourism destination. To gain insight into the most important trends in connecting blue and green Croatia, primary research was conducted on identification preferences referring to how high-quality products carry a strong tourist identity of green Croatia. For the purpose of a survey, the authors used a sample of 134 industry experts involved in developing tourism products through formal or informal activities. The first level of research was to explore consumer interrelation based on the frequency of using domestic and foreign products. In the second part, respondents were invited to express a degree of agreement with certain statements. The results indicated that there is statistical significance between the female sex and information on the origin of products, raw materials, and foodstuffs and recipes (education) for the preparation of a product. The paper makes a recommendation on how small and medium-size producers can increase their competitiveness and have better sales results and at the same time give policy recommendations to local and regional governments. As recommendations for further research, we propose to examine a) the economic impact at the national level; and b) the economic impact of programs aimed at connecting blue and green Croatia on both included parts.

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Author Biographies

Ivan Kelić, Faculty of Economics in Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia

Ivan Kelić, PhD

Assistant Professor at J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Economics in Osijek. His research interests are in online marketing, marketing management and consumer behaviour.

Aleksandar Erceg, Faculty of Economics in Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia

Aleksandar Erceg, PhD

Associate Professor at J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Economics in Osijek. His research interests are in entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship, franchising and operations management.

Ivana Čandrlić-Dankoš, Department of Investment, Development Projects and European Union Funds in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia

Ivana Čandrlić-Dankoš, PhD

Assistant Head of the Department of Investment, Development Projects and European Union Funds in Osijek-Baranja County. Her research interests are in European funding and strategic planning.

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Published

2020-06-30

How to Cite

Kelić, I., Erceg, A., & Čandrlić-Dankoš, I. (2020). Increasing tourism competitiveness: Connecting Blue and Green Croatia. Journal of Tourism and Services, 11(20), 132–149. https://doi.org/10.29036/jots.v11i20.138