Tourist accommodation choices in nature-based destinations

This paper explores the relationship between accommodation choices and visitor interests, and characteristics in the emerging cross-border Karst Geopark, a geologically rich nature-based destination. It examines how demographics, interests, and activity prefer- ences influence lodging decisions. Findings indicate that older visitors, women, and repeat tourists favor agritourism, whereas first-time and cross-border travelers prefer private rooms for greater flexibility. Additionally, interests in geotourism and cycling significantly shape accommodation preferences. The study highlights the need for destination man- agers and accommodation providers to tailor offerings to visitor expectations, enhancing tourism benefits. Methodological limitations, including sample imbalance and overlooked external factors, are discussed, with recommendations for future research to refine pre- dictive models and incorporate supply-side attributes. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and tourism stakeholders in developing targeted, sustainable accommodation strategies.