Fifth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

Cultural routes, as proposed by the Council of Europe, UNWTO, UNESCO et al, are complex cultural products, which can have significant economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts for the involved local and regional communities. The paper focuses on valorisation of archaeological heritage through culture routes. The purpose of the paper is to propose cultural routes which will valorise the archaeological heritage in the Istrian County, the most developed Croatian region, characterized by abundance of archaeological sites, which are not adequately valorised, presented, and interpreted. The study is based on previously realised research process which has involved, through a participatory model, all relevant stakeholders (experts, local inhabitants, tourists). The research was conducted within the project ArchaeoCulTour, focused on a local case study – the Municipality of Vrsar, a typical Mediterranean tourist destination, characterized by mass tourism and high seasonality. The research has shown the potentials of valorisation of archaeological heritage in the county through cultural tourism The paper presents the theoretical background, an overview on actual best practices in valorisation of cultural heritage through cultural routes and the proposals for valorisation of archaeological heritage in the Istria County through cultural routes. The research results could contribute to proper valorisation, presentation and interpretation of a valuable archaeological heritage in the county through a new tourist product which will satisfy cultural tourists’ demand, respect the interests of all involved stakeholders, and contribute to resolving related sustainability issues.