1. Polytechnic of Rijeka, Croatia
QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS THROUGH A HOLISTIC APPROACH: ON THE CASE OF “BIOS GARDEN”
Ozren Rafajac
Polytechnic of Rijeka, Croatia

2. Introduction
How to develop a holistic products and services in tourism?
How to increase return visits and boost loyalty?
What are the main benefits of the project Bios garden?

3. Methodology
According to Smith (2003) holistic holidays are based on the opportunities for creative actions that enable the reconciliation of body, mind and spirit
Holistic products and services create synergy among all involved stakeholders.

4. This project is particularly interesting because...
significantly improves the tourist offer of a tourist destination;
is primarily focused on health tourism, active vacation and education;
uses holistic methods in the production of seedlings, spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits;
allows guests to participate in planting and gardening - contact with nature;
includes educational workshops for children and adults (eg. medicinal plants);
allows that production and sales of the product are at the same location.

5. Here's how we do what we do:
Guests and locals
Sale of seasonal fruits, vegetables and smoothies
People
Gardening
Sale of seedlings and preparations from medicinal herbs
Smoothie bar
Garden
Workshops
The workshops and donations
Equipment
Bios shop

6. + Workshops MEDICINAL PLANTS; ORGANIC FARMING; MUSIC SCHOOL;
PHILOSOPHY;
ASTRONOMY;
DRAWING AND PAINTING;
MEDITATION;
YOGA;
SCHOOL OF BREATHING;
DESIGN OF ECO-JEWELERY;
HEALTHY DIET;
FOREST CUISINE
AND OTHERS.
intended for guests of all age
promotes diversity and quality of tourism
  brings new guests in season and low season
  fills accommodation capacity even in winter +

7. Strategic scheme

8. Retrurn of
Investment
(ROI)

9. SWOT

10. This project is important because it ...
learns our visitors about environmentally sustainable and holistic life
produces healthy seeds, herbs, fruits and vegetables for all visitors and residents
qualitatively and environmentally improves a destination on which we operate
Improves retur visits and loyalty - year-round tourism offer
our environment lacks holistic parks and gardens
helps in the preservation of nature
creates new jobs for the local community
The strategy of “visitor involvement” can be applied in different types of artistic, cultural, agricultural, historical and environmental projects.

11. Thank you for your attention!
Ozren Rafajac, PhD
Polytechnic of Rijeka
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