Author(s)

S. FAVRO, M. KOVAČIĆ & A. ZEKIC

Abstract

The development of tourism has always been connected with the development of traffic. The meaning and role of transport in meeting the needs of tourists is largely determined by the size and condition of transport infrastructure and capacity. Traffic availability may be a limited, but also an incentive factor of the development of tourist destinations. Due to the extremely high speed, comfort and reasonable prices, an important milestone in the development of tourism has been marked by the air traffic. Voyages and vacations in the most remote destinations have been made possible for tourists.

Croatia has adequate road infrastructure, but inadequate air and sea infrastructure, which are insufficient for the needs of tourism. Due to the length of the coast and the large number of islands, Croatia is faced with the need to implement different transport solutions whereat seaplanes, in long term with existing forms of transport, are one of the possible and acceptable solutions.

The authors explore the importance and role of air transport in tourism development, and they analyse the existing infrastructure for the reception of seaplanes as well as natural traffic limits. The environ- mental and economic impacts of transport by seaplane are analysed, in comparison to other modes of transport. Social effects of this type of air-sea transport brings are particularly analysed.

Keywords

air transport, Croatia, effects, seaplanes, tourism, transport infrastructure