CYCLING TOURISM AS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FACTOR IN SLOVENIA

Kolesarski turizem kot dejavnik turizma v destinaciji ima veliko možnosti za razvoj tako na področju infrastrukture, kot tudi na področju turistične ponudbe in nastanitvenih objektov primernih za kolesarje. Takšna oblika turizma še vedno pridobiva vse več privržencev vseh starostnih skupin, ki se odločajo za različne oblike kolesarjenja. Na področju turizma gre predvsem za krajše ali daljše kolesarske izlete po urejenih asfaltiranih poteh ali poteh v naravi, kolesarjenje po urejenih in za to namenjenih parkih, med turistično ponudbo pa lahko štejemo tudi različne prireditive in tekmovanja tako na lokalni, regionalni in državni ravni. V diplomski nalogi bomo predstavili osnove destinacijskega managementa, definirali pojma kolesarski turizem in turistična destinacija. Prav tako bomo opisali različne vrste kolesarjenja, predstavili kolesarsko infrastrukturo in kolesarske poti. Namen diplomske naloge je pripraviti predlog tematske krožne kolesarske poti na območju občin Celje, Vojnik, Dobrna, Žalec in Laško, ter izdelati priporočilo kako ta regionalni kolesarski produkt povezati z obstoječo kolesarsko-turistično ponudbo Slovenije. V empiričnem delu bomo predstavili tematsko krožno kolesarsko pot in kraje skozi katere poteka trasa kolesarske poti. Našteli bomo tudi glavne znamenitosti posameznih krajev ter vključili subjektivno mnenje o stanju kolesarske infrastrukture v občinah. Pri SWOT analizi se bomo dotaknili prednosti in priložnosti kolesarske poti med občinami in hkrati slabosti ter nevarnosti, ki spremljajo razvoj tega proizvoda. Del empiričnega dela predstavlja analiza ankete, s katero smo želeli pridobiti informacije, ki so pri izbiri kolesarskih poti posameznikom pomembne. Pridobljene informacije in podane predloge bomo upoštevali pri realiziranju krožne tematske kolesarske poti. Sklepni del bo predstavljal sintezo teoretičnega dela in ugotovitev analize anketnih vprašalnikov. Prav tako bo zajemal predloge za izboljšanje obstoječe kolesarske infrastrukture in možnosti trženja ter promocije krožne tematske kolesarske poti.Cycling tourism as part of tourism in concerning region has plenty of opportunity for development – both in its infrastructure part as well as in development of cyclist specific types of accommodation which is most suitable for cyclist tourists. This type of tourism is attracting more and more enthusiasts in all age groups. When we are describing the cycling tourism we talk about shorter or longer cycling trips on groomed paved roads or trails in the nature, cycling on marked routes and in the cycling dedicated parks. Local tourist attractions, various local events and all types of competitions are also very important for development of the cycling tourism. In this thesis I will introduce and describe the basics of destination management. Further, I will define the term cycling tourism and tourist destination. I will describe different types of cycling tourism and introduce the existing cycling infrastructure and cycling routes. The main purpose of this thesis is to prepare the proposal of the circular cycling route in the Region of Celje, Vojnik, Dobrna, Žalec and Laško and to prepare the recommendation of how to implement this regional circular cycling route into the existing cycling infrastructure in Slovenia. Empirical part of this thesis will include the detailed introduction of cycling route and the cities this route is travelling through. Also included in this part is detailed description of the main attractions. I will submit the personal opinion on the existing cycling infrastructure in each individual municipality. With the help of the “SWOT” analysis I will determine the strengths and opportunities of the above mentioned regional circular cycling route and the impacts that it could have on each individual municipality. Further, I will identify and asses the weaknesses and threats that could arise with the implementation of such cycling infrastructure and the impact that the development of such product has on minicipalities. I will also introduce the results of the survey which was prepared in order to gain information which is relevant to the end user – cycling tourist. Gathered information and suggestions will be used in the realization of the circular cycling route. In conclusion, I will present a synthesis of theory and findings of the analysis of the survey performed. It also will include proposals for improving the existing cycling infrastructure and marketing opportunities as well as promoting circular themed cycling routes