The chapters of this book have been developed in conjunction with the research and consultancy activities of the Institute for Tourism and its associates. The central message of this book is that tourism planning and development needs to be located not only within the context of tourism but within its broader economic, social, cultural, political and environmental concerts. While Croatian tourism development is a success story, the problems it deals with are common to destinations worldwide. To understand these problems, situate them in the broader economical and socio-political contexts and reflect upon them realistically, researchers need to have a thorough understanding of real-life practices and challenges.

This book has been made possible by many individuals and organisations that have worked with the research team of the Institute for Tourism. We are grateful to the managers and staff of tourism boards and professional associations who have spent with us a lot of time discussing the issues that they face and proposing solutions and organised many workshops and site inspections to get us in touch and facilitate our understanding of many facets of tourism from operators’ perspectives. Much of the research that the chapters are based on has been supported by national tourism institutions–the Ministry of Tourism, Croatian National Tourism Board and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce–and we are grateful for their support and cooperation.