In central Istria, a region rich in history and culture, there is a railway line built in 1876, which represented significant progress, development and integration with the world for the local population at that time. Currently, the railway is unprofitable, slow, poorly maintained and in urgent need of renovation. Despite being one of the best-preserved railway lines, it has not yet been recognized as cultural heritage. The aim of this thesis is to revitalize the railway through a new operating model that introduces a niche tourism program, promotes sustainable and ecological modes of travel, and encourages year-round, participatory tourism. By connecting the railway line with a network of cycling and walking paths, the foundation is created for a new program: cycling and hiking tourism in connection with the hop-on, hop-off train. Along the route from Pula to Buzet, accommodation is planned at strategically chosen station locations, primarily adapted to cycling and other active tourists. By combining slow train travel with cycling, visitors can gradually discover Istria and experience its multiple layers, thereby becoming active participants in its tourism development.
|
