Mislav Stjepan Čagalj
UTJECAJ JADRANSKE MAGISTRALE NA RAZVOJ TURIZMA NA
JADRANU
DOI: 10.35666/28310438.2020.5.166
UDC: 338.47:338.48(497.5)(283.3)
Abstract: Adriatic Highway, completed in the 1960s, finally connected settlements on the eastern shore of Adriatic Sea with a modern road. Prior to construction only small sections of the road existed, therefore maritime transportation prevalent. With the construction of Adriatic Highway thousands of kilometers of previously inaccessible Adriatic coast became accessible to tourists from the rest of Yugoslavia and Europe. Construction of the Adriatic Highway was turning point in development of tourism on Adriatic coast. The fact that Yugoslavia managed to record strong increase in tourist arrivals in post construction period (without significant investment in tourist infrastructure) proves that assertion. Owing to development of tourism many coastal and island settlements flourished. However, many shortcomings of the highway soon became apparent, most notable being highways inability to absorb larger tourist flows. The biggest shortcoming was its small capacity which led to traffic jams near larger settlements, especially during summer. Adriatic Highway, the road that enabled initial development of tourism, suddenly became an obstacle for its further growth. Traffic congestion eased off in the 21st century with the opening of the Zagreb-Ploče motorway which absorbed tourist flows. At the same time, freight traffic also moved to the Zagreb-Ploče motorway. These developments provide a possibility of tourist valorization of Adriatic Highway, a scenic road that passes through beautiful landscape. The aim of the paper is to explore influence of Adriatic Highway on development of tourism on the Adriatic coast, from the opening of the highway to this day. The research focuses on territory of Croatia since the largest part of Adriatic Highway passes through the country. In the paper author studies political factors that led to the building of Adriatic Highway. Subsequently, influence of Adriatic Highway on development of tourism in Adriatic is studied through analysis of relevant data like traffic numbers on Adriatic Highway and tourist arrivals in vicinity off the Adriatic Highway. Finally, possibility of tourist valorization of the road is considered.
Key words: : Adriatic Highway, tourism, Adriatic sea, Transport geography, Historical geography