THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN SOUTH CROATIA IN THE BEGINNING OF THE 20TH CENTURY Marija BENI PENAVA1 Marija GJURAŠI2 University of Dubrovnik, 29 Branitelja Dubrovnika, 20000 Dubrovnik, CROATIA University of Dubrovnik, 29 Branitelja Dubrovnika, 20000 Dubrovnik, CROATIA * Marija Beni Penava; E-mail:
[email protected]; phone: +385 20445934 Abstract — This paper analyses, using archive records and relevant literature, the application of technological advances in transport and tourism in South Croatia in the period that preceded cruisers with thousands of passengers, mass air transport, as well as the usage of computers reservation systems and credit cards that are used in tourism industry nowadays. Technology was intensively involved in the tourism industry in the past. The impacts of technology could be seen on the connectivity by railway as well as sea, land and air traffic. In addition to the mentioned factors of communicative tourism, its receptive factors – hotel industry, catering, marketing, cultural institutions, public services etc became more dependent on technologies in the interwar period. The connection between the advances in technology and the new growing service sector of tourism in the Croatian south was a prerequisite of the coming development of mass tourism. Therefore, the human need for rest, recreation and adventure while abandoning their permanent residence achieved its purpose – enjoyment and relaxation. Peripheral parts of the Croatian south outgrew into world tourist destinations due to the progress of both transport and communication technology in the first half of the 20th century. Keywords— technology, tourism, South Croatia, 20th century 1. INTRODUCTION The Republic of Croatia is oriented towards tourism development, it is a recognized and popular destination with a clear development strategy and vision of its future in tourism.