TOWN-MARITIME PASSENGER PORT INTERFACE IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA - BASIC FACTOR OF THEIR SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT

Contrasts between towns and ports are results of imposed coexistence within limited area-as two separate entities with interests and purposes appearing different at first sight. Port as traffic chain link has been oriented towards economy, productivity, market competitiveness and development of business operation whilst community of residents is oriented towards promotion of citizens' welfare and quality of their lives; therefore, it aims for ecological, cultural and visual values. Such difference of vision contributes to appearance of conflict making physical and functional compatibility of these two centers questionable. This work analysis possibilities and steps for cooperation between town and port, advantages and disadvantages of the port and town where the port is situated have been evaluated as well as factors having influence on attractiveness and efficiency of maritime passenger port and town development. The research indicates the need to take into consideration and to implement additional factors from which the most important are: resources and range of services offered to tourists, structure, public services and town planning, communication and image as well as trends, as their influence on development of town and port is the most important. The research results indicate the fact that city-port interface should lead to creation of system that would taking into consideration and developing all interconnected factors seeks to create a port being strategic leader of transformation of the whole town, region and beyond.