Croatia initiates major sustainable tourism centre

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Tourism Minister Nikolina Brnjac and Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation Zurab Pololikashvili recently formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement marks a significant advancement in mutual cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and the World Tourism Organisation, focusing on the establishment of the Croatian Sustainable Tourism Centre.

This memorandum paves the way for creating a research and development center which will operate as an independent public institution dedicated to sustainable tourism. The center will engage in various initiatives and projects with a primary focus on research and development concerning sustainable policies in tourism. It aims to promote sustainable tourism practices, create relevant guidelines and recommendations, and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices globally.

The decision to establish the first Croatian Sustainable Tourism Centre, spearheaded by the World Tourism Organisation, was influenced by Croatia’s role as a leader in developing sustainable tourism policies on a global scale. Minister Brnjac expressed that this initiative is a significant honor and an excellent opportunity to enhance Croatia’s reputation as a pioneer in sustainable tourism. This initiative also presents a valuable platform for Croatia’s academic and scientific communities to engage in global cooperation and contribute to the development of sustainable tourism.

The University of Zagreb has shown a keen interest in participating in this project, involving a wide array of stakeholders from Croatia’s academic and scientific sectors. Minister Brnjac emphasized the importance of involving these communities in policy creation, highlighting their role in drafting key legislative documents like the Law on Tourism and collaborating on significant projects such as the development of sustainable tourism satellite accounts.

Secretary General Pololikashvili acknowledged Croatia’s leadership in sustainable tourism, citing it as a key reason for choosing it as the location for this pioneering centre. He noted that the new research centre in Zagreb would play a crucial role in creating data-driven policies at various levels and promoting responsible and inclusive tourism development.

This partnership and the establishment of the Croatian Sustainable Tourism Centre are set to position Croatia as a vibrant hub for sustainable tourism research and development. It will not only enhance the academic prowess of the University of Zagreb but also bolster the overall economic and social fabric of the region, promoting Croatia as a destination committed to sustainability and innovation in tourism.

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