Political aspects of tourism as a factor of peace and security with particular reference to Croatia

In the context of different functions of modern tourism, those political ones are quite often neglected in scientific considerations and research in general. The authors of this paper, therefore, try to explain them by emphasizing their manifold importance. Political dimensions of tourism are linked to the globalization process as well as to problems of social and economic stability, particularly frequent armed conflicts and other forms of unrest. The prevailing political environments influence to a large extent today's peaceful mass migrations, both in generating and host countries. The arguments of some authors dealing with the relationship of tourism and peace, together with their critical observations, are also discussed. Tourism has furthermore been included in the European security and cooperation system and has an important role in the creation of a common cultural identity on the continent. croatian tourism also fulfils a political task in terms of strengthening patriotism and in the building of a positive image of the country abroad. The paper, therefore, gives detailed information about bilateral tourist cooperation and membership in international organizations in that field, stressing the peaceful character of tourism in a new democratic state.