Contribution to the Research on Rural Resorts in the Function of Tourism Products and Services Distribution: the Example of the Republic of Croatia

Abstract The primary function of the rural resort is to renovate and put into function existing, old, abandoned buildings/constructions, giving them a new purpose for tourism services. At the same time, construction of new buildings/structures, which can distort the authentic rural environment, is reduced. This paper intends to identify and analyse the elements of the tourism market in the Republic of Croatia which affect the process of revitalisation of the historic settlements through tourism products and services, while these elements are maintained, and popularise traditional culture and create an additional source of income in the countryside. The aim is to explore the place and role of rural resorts to enhance the distribution of tourism products and services, and the relevance of the application/use of tourist valorisation potentials of rural areas in the continuous efforts of improving tourism in the Republic of Croatia. The above is presented through a marketing policy and destination and space management, with a focus on limiting administrative, organisational and financial factors that influence the prosperity growth and substantial investment cycles in this segment in the Republic of Croatia.