All at Sea: Sustaining livelihoods through maritime tourism in Croatia

Abstract

This paper explores the development of maritime tourism activities undertaken by a Seafaring Croatian community, largely in response to changing economic circumstances. Empirical data gathered in May 2013 from narrative stories given by boat Captains and questionnaires underpin the case study. The paper argues that in studying community livelihoods, the historical context of that community is an important factor in determining the success of tourism development and any policy formation and intervention. The sustainable livelihoods framework provides the bases for assessing the potential for success. The five factors of the SL approach (financial capital, human capital, physical and social aspect, and natural capital) have proved to be an essential framework and toolkit for tourism development in the observed community. Despite evident ongoing challenges, maritime tourism activities provide a commercially viable way of life in this
community.

Keywords: Sustainable livelihoods, maritime tourism, seafaring community, entrepreneurship, Croatia.