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Technologies transform the total marketing mix of hotel products in the dynamic tourism market, where the distribution is detected as a key factor of market placement and profitability. The main goal of this paper is to explore the distribution channels in the hospitality industry and to identify the most successful elements of online distribution for the purposes of realising future excellence in post-COVID-19 tourism. The online distribution elements that could enhance competitiveness and incentives for reservation were identified and ranked. This was realised by choosing the most representative sample and by researching it using a structured questionnaire, where the mix of competitiveness and marketing elements were evaluated. The research findings present the importance of online travel agents (OTA), tour operators, social networks and conferences (MICE segment). The potential of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) systems is detected and, although not fully valorised in practice, implicate future franchising and contracting with global hotel brands and consortia. The answer to the question: “Which tools and techniques of innovative online distribution should be used and what product elements enhance sales in the hotel industry of the future?” is explored by the scientific methodology, which supports the purpose and presents the main contribution of the paper. Implications for Central European audience: The paper represents a considerable contribution in the perception of the distribution channels, affirmed for exchange in the Central European tourism market as an emissive market for the receptive offer of Croatian tourism. Considered in the context of the accessibility of Croatia as a car destination that realises both long-term and short-term “impulsive” bookings, promptness, propulsion and dynamism of online distribution channels used by the hotel offer have exceptional importance for income management and profitability. Correspondingly, a positive perception is being developed of the Central European market demand, as well as tourism awareness about closeness and market potentials, which represents a platform for the development of applicative strategies in communication and business. Recognising the effect on intensification of tourist exchange through the affirmation of innovations and technology contributes to the development of science and practice of the hospitality industry.

Objectives: This interdisciplinary paper researches the importance of sustainable hotel engineering and organisation of facilities for the purposes of realisation of a sustainable and responsible hospitality facility business. Considered through the interdisciplinary aspect, at the same time, it represents a research goal with the focus on the segment of youth tourists, who, as existing consumers of low-budget expenditure, are turning into DINKY, as well as the segment of conscious adult consumers in the future. Methodology: The paper, through a questionnaire, researches the perception of the importance of resource management, with implementation of innovative technologies by youth tourists’ related attitudes and experiences. The methodology is based predominantly on qualitative research methods and includes analysis and conceptual methodology and survey research methods of youth tourists’ attitudes. The quantitative research was processed by using the statistical methodology combined with techniques of creative thinking formation. Findings: The results point to the predominance of importance in which over 90% of respondents confirm the importance of sustainable initiatives and resource management with the following rank: food, water, energy and waste management. Further analysis implies an opposite attitude where only 52.9% of participants would be willing to pay higher prices for sustainable solutions in hotels. Contribution: The results and recommendations contribute to knowledge and ideas by recognising competitiveness of hotels which design and engineer the business system and operations with support of sustainable technologies in an interdisciplinary way. The paper also contributes to the comprehension of combined and successfully communicated economic and marketing values of sustainable innovations supported by digital technologies.

Quality and standards are key segments of the formed hospitality service for realisation of guest satisfaction with all its aspects and for affirmation of future demand. In view of the development of modern hospitality and when looking at it through a prism of responsible mass tourism, continuous investment in the quality and in standard updates is needed, as they are the key that leads towards success. The focus of this research is on international standards and performance indicators of hotel housekeeping and on their perspective in Croatian hospitality, with analytics of grading of hotel quality and guest satisfaction with hospitality services in TripAdvisor. The research was conducted for the purposes of valorisation of the connection between realised indicators of work involvement with realised grades and satisfaction of consumers, tourists. The purpose itself of this paper is reflected in the set goal and is outlined in the form of the question: How much does the amount of involved work affect the realised quality and what are the future recommendations? With aspects of valorisation of elements of hospitality service, they represent a contribution to the research and to quality improvement science. Supported by the qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research conclusions represent a platform for future consideration of the relevance of “soft skills”, given that the quality in hospitality mirrors the way in which people work, skills they have and which they are continuously improving through targeted education of lifelong learning and the manner in which they perceive their consumers.

Purpose – Tourism accommodation facilities with workstations for remote work enable stays and business activities. Different contexts of modern tourism and the hospitality industry affect the development of this innovative form of accommodation offer supported by technology, often called “workspitality”. The presented concept is the subject of the research which the authors are conducting with the aim to detect the preparedness of the hospitality industry, namely small private entrepreneurs, to respond to the challenges of competitiveness. Methodology – The methodology includes scientific analyses of the potential for affirmation of innovative accommodation concepts “workspitality” tourism product. The research design included metasearch as well as original scientific processing of data obtained through a structured questionnaire. Methods include statistics as well as qualitative methods, including focus groups and creative thinking techniques and impact the formation of conclusions which point to new scientific knowledge. Findings – The findings point to the conclusion that supply providers should learn about new competitiveness potential, so the education relating to offer organisation and investments could provide solutions to the quality organisation of the specific offer. Contribution – The paper represents a valuable contribution to an understanding of the organisation and innovation of receptive offer in tourist destinations. The research results, as well as the obtained knowledge, could affect the perception of the decision makers i.e., accommodation owners and managers, about the importance of adjustment of existing structures and facility equipment in accordance with demand preferences. The adjustment to the new demand preferences targets competitive advantage and business results. The research results reflect on the formation of scientific knowledge in the area of organisation of accommodation offer, as well as on the consideration and identification of its key elements.

Sažetak: Kvaliteta u suvremenom hotelijerstvu je ultimativni cilj ali i standard vrijednosti koji doprinosi konkurentnosti malih heritage boutique hotela u Hrvatskoj. Cilj rada je analizirati pozicije elemenata kvalitete kroz percepciju potrošača putem Internet rezervacijskog servisa Booking.com te sagledati pozicije zadovoljstva gostiju kroz ocjenjivanje ponude kategoriziranih i nekategoriziranih heritage hotela. Cilj je vezan za svrhu istraživanja, procjenu važnosti kategorije u usklađenju kvalitete integralne ponude malih i srednjih hotela sa kreativnim konceptom povijesne tematizacije i vrednovanja baštine. Istraživanjem se analiziraju realne ocjene kvalitete, kako ukupno tako i u pojedinačnim elementima s posebnim osvrtom na kategoriju percipirane vrijednosti za novac. Podržani kvalitativnom i kvantitativnom metodologijom zaključci istraživanja predstavljaju platformu za buduća promišljanja o važnosti unaprjeđenja hotelske usluge. Ključni elementi kvalitete koje turisti vrednuju trebaju ići u korak s atraktivnošću koncepta ponude i sinergijski doprinijeti ostvarenju konkurentnosti. Abstract: “Quality in modern hospitality is an ultimate goal, but also a value standard which contributes to the competitiveness of small heritage boutique hotels in Croatia. The aim of this paper is to analyse the positions of elements of quality through the perception of consumers who use the Internet booking service Booking.com, as well as to consider the positions of guest satisfaction through the grading of heritage hotels’ categorised and uncategorised offers. The aim relates to the purpose of the research, the estimate of the importance of the category in harmonisation of the integral quality of small and medium-sized hotels with the creative concept of historical theming and heritage validation. By the research, realistic quality assessments are analysed, both aggregately and in individual elements, with a special reference to the category of perceived value for money. Supported by the qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the research conclusions represent a platform for future consideration of the importance of improvement of hotel services. The key quality elements assessed by tourists should be in line with the attractiveness of the concept of the offer and should also contribute to the realisation of competitiveness.

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine the main components of luxury destination services and the preconditions needed for their designing. Because innovation represents the core part of a luxury tourism offering, its importance will be discussed from the destination management perspective Methodology – The data were collected using the structured survey questionnaire method and the interview method on a sample of destination management stakeholders in the region of Istria. The structured questionnaire was used to quantify the presented statements. The interview method enabled respondents to support their viewpoints by providing opinions and attitudes referring to practical examples and experiences. Findings – The concept of luxury tourism service is difficult to define because an understanding of the level of luxury depends on the user’s perception of the service. Hence, the value of the research results is reflected in the qualification of the basic preconditions to designing a luxury tourism offering. The results of the research provide insight into the importance of innovation in creating a luxury tourism offering. Contribution – A significant contribution of the paper is manifested in the systematisation and conceptualisation of the acknowledgments defining the innovative determinants of a luxury tourism offering. In addition to broadened the theoretical knowledge and enriching the scant body of scientific literature that deals with the topic mentioned above, this paper can be useful to destination stakeholders. It represents a starting point for further research into innovative luxury tourism services from the destination stakeholder perspective

The aim of the paper is to analyse the justification for and efficiency of the organisation of a Living Lab within the higher education system as an environment for the development of stimulating tourism ideas and entrepreneurship recommendations. The paper proposes the methodology by means of which the set problem area would be addressed and innovative solutions and recommendations reached for tourism entrepreneurship.For the purposes of identification of the concept elements and research methodology which the “Living Lab”, as an innovative dynamic laboratory implements, quantitative statistics and qualitative methods of creative thinking Brainstorming and Brainwriting are analysed in the paper. Through the Living Lab model, they contribute to the development of creativity and generate quality and innovative ideas and, in accordance with these, establishment of the most efficient model for problem solving in the tourism environment is proposed.The purpose of the paper is to present an innovative model of consideration and evaluation of problems and potential solutions in tourism entrepreneurship. Summarised considerations represent a scientific contribution to the new theory of problem solving and innovations in tourism entrepreneurship. This work is licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Indoor camping is an innovative, sustainable model of accommodation, the least intrusive one in solid facilities. Its temporary tourism function demands almost no additional construction work, meaning no permanent modification of space is needed for tourism purposes. Fortifications and defence buildings are recognised as valuable cultural attractions and present an anthropogenic resource with potential for touristic valorisation, both as sightseeing facilities as well as accommodation facilities. This paper explores the connection between the requirements of heritage protection of fortifications and the requirements of the application of indoor camping in these fortifications. The purpose of this paper is to help conserve fortifications by providing funding for their maintenance with the application of this innovative accommodation model respecting the principles of sustainability and health and safety standards in post-Covid tourism. The goal is to provide a general framework that could reconcile tourism businesses on one side and conservators on the other. The main scientific contribution is summarised in the framework of adequate implementation of indoor camping in fortified buildings according to conservators&rsquo, requirements. The interview technique was used to assess this. The authors found that indoor camping can be a suitable accommodation model in fortified buildings. The key limitation of the model is based on the fact that an individual approach is necessary for every heritage building, as well as fortification, since they are unique. Therefore, each application of an indoor camping model should receive a proper conservators&rsquo, permit before the entrepreneurship venture. Furthermore, the opinions of key stakeholders were also investigated.

Purpose – The competitiveness of tourist offer is, among other things, conditioned by the quality of the accommodation facilities. The aim of this paper is to describe the concept and development of innovative accommodation facilities and to establish whether this is merely a new form of accommodation or whether there is potential for the accommodation facilities to become a significant form of tourist offer in interaction with tourist offer holders. Design – By creating an innovative climate for holders of accommodation facilities, bringing about a shift towards the innovative concept and providing a creative service, satisfaction of customers is achieved, as well as a competitive position on the tourism market. Innovative and creative accommodation facilities are an important element of tourist offer Methodology – A combination of research methods has been adopted for this study. The theoretical overview on innovative accommodation facilities as part of creating an offer in tourist destinations is presented in the paper. Theoretical arguments are supported by case-based empirical data obtained from interview questions addressed to innovative accommodation facility owners. Findings – Research results in scientific understanding of the organization and innovation of receptive offer and combining innovative accommodation facilities with holders of tourist destination offer to achieve greater competitiveness. Originality of the research – this paper is a valuable contribution to existing research on how the competitive offer of a tourist destination is influenced by innovative accommodation facilities. The research also points to the need to promote horizontal merging of innovative accommodation facilities and holders of tourist offer.

Recognising modern tourist demands, tourist destinations perceive comparative advantages and potential available resources, placing them in the tourist market through selective tourist products and events. "How are gastronomic events perceived within the framework of sustainable tourist development?" is the research problem area, which leads to the definition of the paper purpose and goal. It relates to the assessment of perception of the importance of organisation of gastronomic events within the framework of sustainable tourist destination development by the local producers of original tourist products and the local population. The research includes assessment of how many gastronomic events intensify gastronomic tourism and how they valorise pre and post tourist season, which the Strategy of Development of Croatian and Istrian tourism recognises as the terms which must be touristically intensified, strategically enriching the tourist offer. In the paper, the social component of sustainability is also perceived through the attitudes of gastronomic event visitors. The research, which affirmed new scientific knowledge, was conducted by means of survey and interview methodology. For data processing, quantitative methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, meta-analysis and other scientific and research methods were used. The generated knowledge confirms the purpose of the paper, which is channelled towards the determination of the importance of promotion of original products at gastronomic events, in accordance with the principles of sustainability. The research was conducted at the event Days of Fresh Olive Oil in Vodnjan, which was organised as a sustainable gastronomic tourist event.

Pojam kulturne baštine je širok i kompleksan. Brojne su definicije kojima se opisuju spoznaje o kulturi i o baštini te rezimirano kulturnoj baštini, a ujedno i samim konzumentima/turistima koji su motivirani i inspirirani kulturom. UNESCO, kao krovna institucija upravljanja i očuvanja svjetske kulturne i prirodne baštine, razvija programe i mjere sukladno odrednicama održivoga razvoja ‒ Agenda 2030 za budućnost. Ističe se važnost različitih oblika turizma kroz koje se afirmira motivacija turista kojima primarni motiv dolaska nije obilazak kulturnih znamenitosti, već oni svojim posjetom i boravkom u destinaciji uče o lokalnom nasljeđu koje, ukoliko je zadržalo jedinstvenost i autentičnost, utječe na razvoj razumijevanja, percepcije i uvažavanja. To predstavlja temeljne odrednice i sukus turizma baštine, predstavlja potencijale marketinškog vrednovanja i daje odgovore na niz pitanja od održivosti, prihvatnog kapaciteta do socioloških aspekata povezanih s edukacijom, identitetom te urbanom i ruralnom regeneracijom koju kulturni turizam omogućava. Međunarodna institucija ICOMOS baštinu definira kao širok koncept koji povezuje prirodno i kulturno okružje sa spektrom specifičnosti koje svjedoče o dugom procesu povijesnoga razvoja, a one utječu na formiranje raznolikih nacionalnih, regionalnih i lokalnih identiteta. Ti identiteti su sastavni dio modernoga života, a zadatak je legislative i strategija lokalnih samouprava, gradova i općina, kvalitetno ih i održivo vrednovati te njima upravljati. Također, ICOMOS ističe kako su određena baština i kolektivno pamćenje svakoga lokaliteta ili zajednice nezamjenjivi i važni za razvoj, kako sada tako i u budućnosti. Stoga je za definiranje i implementaciju razvojnih strategija nužno uspostaviti kooridniranu suradnju i partnerstvo svih dionika u turističkoj destinaciji: od čelnika lokalne samouprave gradova i općina, turističkih zajednica, ugostiteljskih poduzeća, turističkih agencija, prometnih subjekata, trgovačkih društava, turističkih atrakcija te drugih interesnih skupina uz uključivanje stavova lokalne zajednice. Zadovoljno stanovništvo reflektira pozitivne emocije prema posjetiteljima/turistima i gostoljubivo je i ukazuje poštovanje i razumijevanje te uzvraća kvalitetnom promocijom, prezentacijom lokalnih autohtonih vrijednosti te komunikacijom kulture. Osnovnom diversifikacijom, baština se razvrstava na prirodnu i društvenu, društvena kulturna baština može biti nematerijalna i materijalna i upravo problematikom ove potonje vrste bavi se ova publikacija. Naš je cilj bio sagledati potencijale održivoga vrednovanja i upravljanja materijalnom baštinom kroz različite aspekte valorizacije koji doprinose stvaranju nove dodane vrijednosti u kulturnom turizmu te očuvanju i inovativnoj prezentaciji kulturnoga nasljeđa destinacije. Suradnja među dionicima od velike je važnosti za ustrojstvo održivoga lanca vrijednosti te kvalitetno i odgovorno upravljanje baštinom. Materijalna kulturna baština može biti razvrstana u različite kategorije; pokretna ubraja umjetnine, namještaj, riznice, proizvode umjetničkoga obrta, etnografska, arhivska ili bibliotečna građa, dok nepokretna obuhvaća nepokretne spomenike i građevine: arheološka nalazišta, spomeničke cjeline, memorijalna područja i građevine, pojedinačne sakralne građevine, pojedinačne svjetovne zgrade i građevine te vrtnu arhitekturu. U razmatranju tematike te potencijala valorizacije sagledava se problematika arheoloških parkova kao nepokretne materijalne baštine, turističkoga resursa značajnoga za vrednovanje te uključivanje u ekonomiku turizma. U sklopu iste predstavlja se projekt „Arheološki park Vižula“ koji se odnosi na integrirano ulaganje u uređenje poluotoka Vižule kao arheološkoga parka za posjetitelje te u razvoj turističkih sadržaja, infrastrukture i sustava upravljanja i promocije temeljenih na kulturnoj baštini. Projekt je proveden u terminu od 2017. – 2019. godine, a financiran je sredstvima Europskog fonda za regionalni razvoj u sklopu Operativnog programa Konkurentnost i kohezija 2014. – 2020. Nositelj projekta je Općina Medulin, a na projektu je kao partner sudjelovao i Hrvatski restauratorski zavod, koji je proveo aktivnosti istraživanja podvodnoga dijela arheološkoga nalazišta. Uz navedene institucije na provedbi projekta sudjelovala je i Turistička zajednica općine Medulin, Sveučilište Jurja Dobrile u Puli – Fakultet ekonomije i turizma „Dr. Mijo Mirković“, Javna ustanova Kamenjak i Institut društvenih znanosti „Ivo Pilar“. Glavni cilj projekta bio je obnova i valorizacija kulturne baštine te doprinos održivom društveno-gospodarskom razvoju Općine Medulin kao prepoznatljivom odredištu kulturnoga i povijesnoga turizma. Uz glavni cilj, afirmirali su se i prateći ciljevi projekta usmjereni na edukaciju niza dionika u turističkoj destinaciji, od lokalne samouprave, turističkih zajednica, ugostiteljskih poduzeća, turističkih agencija i turističkih atrakcija te drugih dionika involviranih u održivi razvoj konkurentnih turističkih proizvoda u destinaciji. Uz vrednovanje kulturne baštine na lokalitetu su sukladno zahtjevima stručnih službi odrađeni i neinvazivni infrastrukturni zahvati koji su se uklopili u prostor poluotoka Vižula. Planirana je i reaizirana održiva infrastruktura, od solarne rasvjete do „pametnh stabla“ te izgradnja „montažne“ šetnice slaganjem i nasipavanjem bez betonizacije i trajnog narušavanja okoliša. Uključuju minimalne intervencije u prostoru te su učinjene u cilju popratnih sadržaja parka, u skladu s arheološkim i ekološkim segmentima. Tijekom veljače i ožujka 2019. godine održan je niz radionica u suradnji Općine Medulin i Fakulteta ekonomije i turizma „Dr. Mijo Mirković“ koje su se bavile različitim aspektima problematike vrednovanja kulturne atrakcijske osnove s osvrtom na Arheološki park Vižula: 1. Upravljati dodajući vrijednost – vodič uza proizvode, iskustva i usluge – vodič za proizvode, iskustva i usluge. 2. Razvoj vodstva i menadžerskih sposobnosti u upravljanju kulturnom baštinom. 3. Izazovi održivoga razvoja kulturnoga dobra: kulturna vrijednost nasuprot ekonomskoj vrijednosti. 4. Kooperacijski modeli utjecajno-interesnih skupina destinacije – kreiranje partnerstva arheološkoga nalazišta Vižula. 5. Vidljivost kulturnoga nasljeđa na webu. Ova monografija ističe važnost suradnje te predstavlja ključne odrednice formiranja novih turističkih proizvoda – turističkih atrakcija i pratećih usluga, destinacijskoga menadžmenta i vođenja u cilju vrednovanja turističke resursne osnove – kulturne baštine. Predstavljene tematike platforma su za pripremu znanstvenih radova profesora edukatora. Isti predstavljaju doprinos projekta razvoju kako znanosti kroz znanstvenu metodologiju tako i aplikativnih znanja usmjerenih na dionike kulturnoga turizma destinacije. Ujedno su temelj provedbe novih istraživanja i budućih razmatranja u cilju razvoja kvalitete, suradnje i održivosti u upravljanju atrakcijskom osnovom u turističkoj destinaciji.