Tradition and Tourism in Konavle

Abstract

The study presents a local example of traditional culture of Konavle (southernmost Croatian region) within the global tourist movement and it questions the possibility of applying ethnological and cultural-anthropological knowledge in the realm of tourism. Tourism in Konavle is a fitting example of the cultural-anthropological study of cultural tourism, especially in the realm of revival of tradition for the sake of tourism. This study gives a picture of the current situation and is a document representing the actual state of tradition in Konavle. It presents the use of folklore and particular cases of the revival of traditional manufacture (silk-worm breeding, flour milling) for the purpose of tourism. The study confirms that selected elements of traditional culture are significant factors of cultural and native identity of Konavle. It also shows that the cultural forms and the concepts of community identity are lasting and that they are transformed and influenced by contemporary tourist requirements and the interactions between different participants in tourism. The existing tourist offer shows Konavle as a tourist destination that accentuates the specific traditional culture of a micro-region with a strong local identity. Heritage, even though in a folklore packaging nowadays, forms a significant base for the development of this region. Through ensuring the livelihood for a considerable number of families in Konavle, tourism has a favourable influence on maintaining local traditions and identity.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n3p209