THE TRANSITION TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM.

The fundamental challenge of the contemporary world is how to transform the existing linear, unsustainable and irresponsible economy towards the circular economy, i.e. a closed, balanced and integral process of responsible use of resources considering the needs of present and future generations. Tourism, as a significant and powerful socioeconomic phenomenon, has a very important role in that transition. The aim of the paper was to point out the importance of responsible tourism, as a concept that refers to the willingness of different stakeholders involved in tourism to take responsibility to respond, to act and to contribute to sustainability. The empirical research was aimed to estimate the contribution of local population to environmental conservation of tourism destinations. The Istrian County, as the most developed tourist region in Croatia was taken as a case study. It has shown that in the Istrian County local people are environmentally conscious, but with a relatively low level of environmental literacy. It was explained with lack of free time, financial constraints, insufficient knowledge, etc. Tourism is considered as contributing to the conservation of natural heritage. The preserved environment is considered as an important competitive advantage of Croatian tourism. The inhabitants of cities more oriented toward tourism have a higher level of environmental literacy and are more satisfied with the state of the environment in their local communities. As it was supposed, women have a higher level of environmental literacy than men. They are more critical and less satisfied with the state of the environment, but in the same time, more ready to be active engaged. It can be concluded that tourism development have a positive impact on conservation of natural heritage in the observed communities. Educational activities (formal, informal and nonformal education) and relevant media could improve the level of environmental literacy of various stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]