Economic Review, Vol. 77 No. 5, 2026.
Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.32910/ep.77.5.3
Sustainable Tourism Development: Tourist Intensity and Spatial Planning Challenges
Maša Trinajstić
Marinela Krstinić Nižić
Abstract
This study analyzes sustainable tourism development through the lens of spatial planning, focusing on regional differences in tourist intensity and economic structures in Croatia. Using secondary data from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the tourist intensity rate (TIR) was calculated for cities and municipalities, while primary data were collected through a survey of mayors and deputy mayors to assess existing and future economic development priorities. The analysis employs univariate and bivariate statistical methods. The results show pronounced regional disparities, with tourist intensity in Adriatic Croatia exceeding that of Continental Croatia by more than twenty times, confirming a strong spatial concentration of tourism activity. Smaller cities and municipalities have particularly high TIR values, indicating greater spatial sensitivity to tourism development. Significant differences in economic structures are also identified: cities in Continental Croatia focus on agriculture and industry, while Adriatic cities prioritize tourism and fishing. In Continental Croatia a notable shift toward tourism as a future development priority is observed. The findings underscore the critical role of spatial planning in managing tourism intensity, mitigating spatial pressures, and guiding balanced and sustainable tourism development. The study offers valuable insights for local and regional authorities in aligning tourism strategies with spatial capacities and long-term development goals.
Keywords
sustainable tourism; spatial planning; tourist intensity rate; regional disparities; Croatia; NUTS2 region.
Hrčak ID:
353000
URI
Publication date:
3.11.2026.
Visits: 0 *