THE INFLUENCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UPON THE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF A COASTAL DESTINATION

Purpose - The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the positive linkage of the integral model of planning and sustainable tourism development of the coastal tourism destination. Design - Managing of tourism development should be based on the principles of sustainable development which should be implemented through the cooperation of all interest groups within the community. The special focus of this paper is given to the influence of the local government and the process of strategic planning. Methodology/Approach - Data for this paper were collected through primary and secondary research. The primary research was conducted in nine coastal destinations of three different coastal counties and was based on the research of attitudes of tourism specialists dealing with destination management. The collected data were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis). Findings - According to the research results, it can be concluded that each coastal destination is specific in terms of its geographical, social and economic characteristics and it is necessary to recognize these specifics when designing the model of sustainable tourism development. Originality of the research - The contribution of this paper is reflected in the development of an innovative approach of managing the coastal tourism destination according to the criteria of sustainable development, in order to increase the competitiveness of destination and increase the economic effects of tourism. By establishing the proposed model of coastal destination management, the activities of the public and private sector and the local population can be successfully coordinate.