An analysis of dental tourists’ motivations for visiting Kvarner

Daniela Gračan; Milena Podovac; Adriana Jelušić

doi:10.71159/icemit2521G

Authors

Daniela Gračan University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatia, Croatia
Milena Podovac University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia
Adriana Jelušić University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatia, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71159/icemit2521G

Keywords:

dental tourism, dental tourists, motives, Kvarner

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to determine the motives of tourists who choose to visit Kvarner region for its dental tourism offer. Authors used a structured questionnaire prepared according to research of Jaapar et al. (2017), which was distributed both physically in dental clinics, as well as online through e-mail and social networks. Data was collected in the period of end of July until October 2025. A total of 136 correctly filled questionnaires were cllected. The data was analyzed with SPSS 21.0, and for data analysis descriptive statistics was used. Findings indicate Kvarner being recognized as a dental tourism destination, since dental tourists visit it motivared primarily by its Dental Care Quality, Dental Care Information access, Cultural Similarity and Cost savings. Supporting services have proven to be the weakest motivating factor. Taking into account the lack of research of this topic, and in Kvarner in particular, these findings can be used by both dental service providers and destination management in the process of improving current dental tourist offer and achieving greater competitiveness on the (dental) tourist market. Due to a small statistical sample it is advised to continue collecting data to get a clearer insight into the motives of dental tourists who visit Kvarner.

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