A Climate for Change

Human Development Report - Croatia 2008 Tourism^67

In addition to the historical involvement of the pub-
lic sector in these six areas, one cannot lose sight of
the much larger fact that tourism is a major indus-
try in Croatia. To the extent that climate change and
sea-level rise threaten the future of beach tourism in
Croatia, the most important role of the public sector
may be to develop new forms of economic activity
to generate income, wages and tax revenues that are
lost due to climate change. Much of this activity may
come from developments in sectors other than tour-
ism. This broader view emphasizes the interplay be-
tween (and perhaps the indivisibility of ) development
policy and climate change adaptation policy. It applies
more broadly to the direct and indirect impacts of cli-
mate change on the economy as a whole. If we take
this broader view, then the potential for public sector
involvement in adaptation policy is very broad indeed.

4.4.3. Analysis of available technological

options for adaptation

Based on the results of the PESETA study and the re-

sults of other modelling-based studies for the EU,

the preliminary evidence is that foreign tourists and

probably Croatian tourists as well, will adapt to cli-

mate change by choosing a new vacation spot and

no longer visiting the Croatian coast. This would be

a potentially devastating blow to many communities

on the Croatian coast and to the whole Croatian econ-

omy, which is heavily dependant on beach tourism.

It would result in reduced income from (and employ-

ment in) the tourism industry in Croatia. Most actors

within the tourist sector in Croatia are only beginning

to think about the effect that climate change may

have. Efforts should begin immediately to better un-

Category Description

1. Planning, development and
   operation of public services and
   transport infrastructure

Providing clean water, sanitation, port facilities and services and transport links to tourist

destinations.

2. Regulation of land use Urban and suburban land use zoning, building and electrical codes, wilderness protection
   and natural hazard zoning. In addition to urban planning, the Croatian Government has
   spent significant resources building eco-tourism infrastructure, including bicycle trails.


3. Regulation of environmental quality The development, promulgation and enforcement of regulations and measures to ensure
   clean air and water.


4. Promotion of economic
   development and tourism

The activities undertaken by the public sector to increase tourism through advertising and

public relations. The Croatian Government is actively involved with the Croatian National

Tourist Board in promoting the country as a summer tourist destination internationally –

including paying for commercials on outlets such as CNN.

5. Planning and implementation of
   taxation and investment policies
   to promote development

Providing economic incentives to private developers and investors to overcome barriers to

economic development. The Croatian Government has been active in encouraging “renova-

tion” activities among small tourist operators, offering grants to numerous small-scale

entrepreneurs. This has focused on inland rural tourism.

6. Disaster relief planning and
   management

Including activities to avoid the consequences of natural disasters and to provide various

forms of aid and services to victims of natural disasters.

Table 4-3: Categories of State involvement in tourism