Nature park Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje and the potential for developing social distancing tourism

Turizam socijalne distance je vrlo aktualna tema prvenstveno zbog uvjeta u kojima trenutno živimo i trenutne situacije s pandemijom COVID-19. Ova potpuno nova situacija donijela je brojne promjene kako u svakodnevnom životu tako i u turizmu. Iznimno je važno razmišljati o drugačijem smjeru razvoja turizma, odnosno o turizmu socijalne distance. Zaštićena prirodna područja, poput parkova prirode, zbog svoje očuvane prirode te rijetke naseljenosti, posebno nude brojne potencijale za razvoj upravo takvog turizma. U ovom radu istraženo je postojeće stanje i daljnje mogućnosti razvoja turizma na području Parka prirode Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje. Primarna metoda za provođenje istraživanja je anketa, a od ostalih izvora proučavale su se knjige i analiza sadržaja. Dobiveni rezultati ukazali su da trenutno stanje Parka nije u potpunosti zadovoljavajuće, ali postoji izraziti potencijal za razvoj, pri čemu je važno istaknuti visoku razinu spremnosti Parka za razvoj turizma socijalne distance.Social distancing tourism is a very actual topic primarily due to current conditions we are living in and the situation with COVID-19 pandemic. This completely new situation has brought about numerous changes not just in everyday life but in tourism as well. Thinking about a different direction tourism is heading is exceptionally important, i.e., social distancing tourism. Protected nature areas, such as nature parks, due to their conserved nature and sparsely populated areas, offers much potential for developing this kind of tourism. This paper explores the existing situation and further opportunities for developing tourism in the area of the Nature Park Žumberak - Samoborsko gorje . The primary method of undertaking the research is using a survey, in addition to investigating books and analysing content. The obtained results suggest that the current situation at the Park is not entirely satisfactory, but there exists exceptional potential for further development, while highlighting the importance of the high level of readiness at the Park for the development of social distancing tourism