The new results of research into the satisfaction of visitors to the Krka NP confirm the good management of the Park

Visitors to the Krka National Park emphasise visiting and enjoying nature and a relaxed vacation as the most important reasons for coming to the Park, while satisfaction with all elements of the Park’s offerings is increasing, and the proportion of domestic visitors is also increasing

This was shown by the research conducted for the Krka National Park by the Polytechnic University in Šibenik as part of the wider cooperation between the two institutions. The research, titled “The Structure and Attitudes of Visitors to the Krka National Park”, was carried out from August to October 2023, and also offered a comparison of results in relation to similar research conducted in 2019.

“This research, like those previous, is extremely important to us, because it serves to aid in the planning of marketing activities and the development of the National Park visiting system, so we thank all our visitors who filled out the survey questionnaires. It has been shown that they are truly nature lovers, because their main reason for coming to the Park is to stay in and enjoy nature, and almost eighty percent of them rated the observation of flora and fauna and learning about the cultural and historical heritage as extremely important reasons for coming, and that makes us extremely happy and confirms the good direction taken by management”, stated the director of the Krka National Park, Nella Slavica, and added: “We have also noted an increase in satisfaction with the Park’s offerings in all analysed elements compared to 2019. This, first of all, refers to the expertise and politeness of our employees, which were evaluated with the highest marks, once again confirming the excellence of the majority of the employees of our institution, whom I hereby thank on this occasion.”

The survey was conducted on a representative stratified sample. The results are based on the analysis of data from 2,314 questionnaires filled out by domestic and foreign visitors who visited the Krka National Park in the period from August to October 2023.

“This research represents only a part of the successful long-term varied cooperation between our two institutions. We are pleased with the excellent results of the research itself, which will contribute to the development of the offerings for visitors and the advancement of management, which also means that it will benefit our students who work, complete professional practice, or volunteer at the Krka National Park, where they have the opportunity to develop their skills and learn from excellent teachers”, was emphasised by the Dean of the Polytechnic University in Šibenik, Ljubo Runjić, PhD.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the existing contents is necessary in the management of a protected area, along with constant efforts to maintain the standards achieved and also to set new developmental goals. The Public Institute of Krka National Park conducts regular survey investigation among visitors to the Krka National Park at various locations within the Park. Survey research is part of the management strategy in the form of long-term establishment of developmental guidelines, with particular emphasis on the needs and behavior of visitors in the protected area.