Economic Thought and Practice, , 2026.
Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.17818/EMIP/2026/46
SELECTIVE VISIBILITY AND SYMBOLIC URBAN IDENTITY: MONUMENT INTERPRETATION AND TOURISM NARRATIVES IN CENTRAL ZAGREB
Filip Cirkvenčić
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This exploratory study offers a descriptive comparison between the monumental heritage of central Zagreb and tourist guides’ self-reported interpretative priorities, combining an inventory of 69 monuments with a survey of 37 licensed guides. Monuments were classified by theme and physical representation. The survey explored reported inclusion priorities, perceived importance for Zagreb’s identity, and explanations of interpretative choices. Allegorical Depictions and Symbolic Figures form the largest inventory category (26.1%). Among respondents, 21.6% selected this category among those they most frequently interpret, and 48.6% considered it important for Zagreb’s identity. Historical Figures were selected most often for reported inclusion (81.1%). Selective visibility is used as a descriptive framework; no statistical association between inventory and survey data was tested. The small, non-probability sample limits generalisability. Actual tour content and visitor perceptions were not measured. The findings highlight issues relevant to cultural tourism product development, guide education, and destination management.
Keywords
heritage interpretation; tourist guides; tourism narratives; selective visibility; symbolic landscapes; tourism management; Zagreb
Hrčak ID:
352217
URI
Publication date:
19.10.2026.
Visits: 0 *