ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NAUTICAL TOURISM OF CROATIA

Croatia 's indented coastline and countless islands, its preserved nature and pure sea make the country a competitive destination on the nautical tourism market. Nautical tourism is one of Croatia's most attractive, perspective, as well as profitable tourism products, and its identifiable image on both domestic and international markets contribute to Croatia 's reputation in tourism. Stagnating development in the first half of the 1990s gave way to an upward trend towards the end of the decade, which has lasted into the following years, although the growth rate has been lower than in the past. Factors limiting strategic development include the sluggish privatisation process, the lack of funding needed for modernising and renovating marinas and vessels for rent, and poorly qualified entrepreneurial and managerial personnel. Future development should focus on innovativeness and creativity in structuring nautical services, as well as on entrepreneurial initiatives, with regard to berth rentals, as well as vessel rentals.