GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECT OF THE VALORISATION OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE TOWN OF ŠIROKI BRIJEG
Izabela Ćavar
Olgica Marušić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.07
UDC: 911.3:338.483.11(497.6 Široki Brijeg)
Abstract: The article presents the results of the research into the tourism potential of the town of Široki Brijeg from a geographical point of view. There is a valuable cultural-historical and natural heritage in the area of Široki Brijeg, as well as cultural and sports events that are significant for the tourism valorisation and future tourism development. The town is currently underdeveloped in terms of tourism, as confirmed by research, statistical data on tourist trends, and a survey of the local population. Tourism development should be based on investments and promotion of religious, cultural-historical and natural attractions important for the development of tourism, with significant projects such as Street Food Fest and West Herzegowina Fest. Naturally attractive areas and attractions should be valorised for tourism purposes in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. The area of Široki Brijeg is the most important and the most developed economic centre of the canton and significant outbound tourist centre at the international and regional level. The role of outbound tourism in the region is supported by research on the ownership of second homes and apartments in the beautiful Blidinje Nature Park. Additionally, a survey was conducted on the appealing factors of both international and regional tourist destinations, including the neighbouring Croatian coast and the Blidinje Nature Park, as well as the tourism significance and attractiveness of Mostar, Međugorje (Čitluk), and Ljubuški. The inhabitants of low Herzegovina traditionally went to the mountains – higher parts of Herzegovina - as seasonal herders in the past, and in modern times, going to the mountains - Blidinje Nature Park - is for rest and recreation. The research has shown and confirmed that Široki Brijeg is a significant outbound area, the highest number of registered second homes in the Blidinje Nature Park, near the ski resort and other settlements are owned by the residents of Široki Brijeg, and in the same locations where seasonal cattle farming settlements were located in the past. An economically developed town should take advantage of its excellent geo-traffic position in the vicinity of regional developed tourist destinations, attract a portion of visitors through tourism valorisation and attractions, and find its role in tourist flows and develop sustainable tourism.
Keywords: geographical aspect, tourism potentials, Široki Brijeg, torusim valorisation, Blidinje Nature Park
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