Conclusion
Although the Adriatic region offers many attractions, cruise shipping in this region is still heavily dependent on Venice and Dubrovnik. Both these ports struggle with city congestion, but it does not prevent cruise passengers from willing to visit these cities. These two cities fulfil all the important factors for being a home port or port of call, becoming more and more popular as cruise destinations. Even though there are many more cruise ports in the Adriatic region, there is no one that could conquer with Venice and Dubrovnik right now.
Even though the port of Rijeka serves mainly as cargo port, relatively recently the port of Rijeka has started to make its place in cruising industry. The number of cruise vessels mooring in Rijeka as in cruise’s port of call is growing every year. This city fulfils many of the important conditions to become a cruise port of call. Although many things should be improved, like air connectivity with other countries, or yet limited offer of day trips adjusted to cruise passenger needs, city still has some places of interest to visit during days stop in Rijeka.
Rijeka as a cruise port of call has very big potentional, but it does not depend on only port authority, only national government or municipality, or only tourist agencies. This potentional can be achieved only by collaboration between all involved parties. The city has to understand that this goal can be achieved only by treating cruise passengers as the primary source of business. The local community has to understand the opportunities and challenges brought by cruise market, and that the key to success is satisfaction of cruise tourist needs.
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