Utilization and tourism valorisation of geothermal waters in Croatia

Current situation and trends in geothermal water utilization in Croatia have been analyzed based on data gathering and observations in a period of 16 years with special attention devoted to their use for tourism purposes. Early 2014 geothermal water was utilized at 26 locations (15 springs and 11 deep boreholes) for 10 different purposes. The traditional modalities of use - recreation and balneotherapy - remain dominant. The fluctuations in the number of sites that utilized geothermal water were low and a result of temporary closure of facilities due to the necessary modernization or termination of their work because of non-profitability. The changes in geothermal water utilization during the considered period indicate stagnation in the development of this resource. Geothermal waters contain an energy potential significant for heating and cooling sector on a national scale, and for electricity generation and cascade utilization on local scale. Those could be energy self-sufficient tourism facilities with low environmental footprint, enriched by the attractions that can be provided with innovative geothermal utilization schemes. Given the untapped geothermal potential and the anticipated growth in demand for health and spa tourism, increased use of geothermal waters for this purpose can be expected. In the interest of safeguarding this valuable resource, it is important to plan sustainable utilization during each phase of geothermal site development cycle and fully implement joint management principles to transboundary geothermal aquifers by including neighbouring countries.