IMPACT OF CYCLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ON TOURIST DESTINATION – ATTITUDES OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of the research was to examine the attitudes of local cycle tourism stakeholders towards cycle tourism development in Istria County and its impact on the destination. Also, the goal was to determine local stakeholders’ general opinions and suggestions regarding past and future cycle tourism development. Methodology – The research target group was local cycle tourism stakeholders in Istria County. For the research purpose an online questionnaire was created. The research was carried out online from April 7, 2020, to July 5, 2020. In total, 201 questionnaires were collected. Findings – As the research results show, local stakeholders have a generally positive attitude towards cycle tourism development in the destination. Most respondents evaluated that the local community benefits from cycle tourism development in the destination and that cycle tourism development additionally promotes the destination. Moreover, 30% of local stakeholders consider that they should be more involved in developing and planning cycle tourism in Istria County. Contribution – The paper’s practical value is that research results can be used as a relevant database in future planning of these tourism products. Also, insights obtained by conducting empirical research can contribute to a better understanding of how the local stakeholders can be involved in planning tourism in the destination