Author(s)

I. Jurincic

Abstract

The method of carrying capacity assessment has been found to be a useful tool for saturation prevention as well as for implementing sustainable tourism development strategies in Slovene Istria. It has been found that sustainable tourism development allows for variations in tourism development intensity in the region. The aim of sustainable tourism development is a long-term optimal use of tourism resources without negative impacts on the natural, social and economic environments. The major constraints that will have to be considered if tourism development is to be sustainable are: waste water collection and treatment, lack of car parks, road and rail transport, sea water quality, potable water resources, solid waste disposal and management, and last but not least the dissatisfaction of the local community and tourists with tourism. The development of more accommodation facilities would not be reasonable without investments in general infrastructure facilities. Measures for increasing carrying capacity have also been suggested. Keywords: carrying capacity, sustainable tourism, indicators, tourist destination, regional planning, geographical information systems. 1 Introduction Today the development of tourism demands careful planning. The environmental impact of tourism is harmful and has frequently been uncoordinated with other users of the land. Moreover, the fragility of the environment has been seldom taken into consideration. Tourism development has been often led by individual investors who put profitability in the first place. To make the situation worse, this has been repeatedly done with complete disregard for tourism development

Keywords

carrying capacity, sustainable tourism, indicators, touristdestination, regional planning, geographical information systems.