In 2024, visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park had the opportunity to participate in a survey assessing their satisfaction with their visit to the Park. The survey was accessible by scanning QR codes placed on information boards throughout the Park, fences at boat docks, information offices, and tables in some restaurants and cafés.
Here, we present the results related to sustainability:
The most positively rated measure is “Protection of Nature and Animals“, with the highest number of respondents being extremely satisfied (217) and satisfied (173). This indicates that visitors highly value the efforts invested in preserving the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
“Health and Safety of People” also received a high percentage of positive ratings, with 189 visitors satisfied and 148 extremely satisfied. These results suggest that visitors recognize and appreciate the measures taken to ensure a safe experience in the Park, which is essential for fully enjoying nature without any obstacles.
The highest number of neutral responses was recorded for “Getting to Know Local Traditions” (178 respondents), which may suggest a lower level of visitor engagement with this aspect of the experience. Since elements of tradition—such as dance, music, and customs—are not part of the Park’s regular offerings, some visitors may not have had the opportunity to actively participate in such activities. This presents an opportunity for improvement by introducing new, permanent ways to showcase traditional elements.
The highest proportion of dissatisfied and completely dissatisfied responses was recorded for “Opportunities for Waste Disposal and/or Separation” and “Use of Biodegradable Packaging.” These results highlight the need for better education of visitors about the reasoning behind placing trash bins only at specific locations, as well as introduction of additional environmental initiatives for sustainable waste management within the Park. Strengthening these efforts would help meet increasingly stringent environmental standards and rising visitor expectations.
