Assessing Environmental Indicators for Sustainable Tourism Development in Rural Areas

In the context of global environmental changes, there is an increasing emphasis on analysing various activities to promote sustainability. As tourism has evolved, it has adopted certain principles and goals that align with the principles of sustainable development. This research was conducted in Ravni Kotari, a rural region in the central part of Littoral Croatia, located in the hinterland of well-established coastal tourism destinations in Zadar County. Although this area is still in the early stages of tourism development, a noticeable increase in tourism activity is observed annually. Simultaneously, Ravni Kotari is rich in natural heritage, safeguarded by national legislation and the Natura 2000 network. In this context, the paper aimed to assess environmental indicators but also to determine the natural values integral to tourism purposes. To achieve this, a survey was conducted using a questionnaire targeting the local population, tourists, and relevant stakeholders. The findings offer insights for policy planning and more effective environmental and tourism management.