"Safe in Dalmatia" - a digital platform that places safety at the center of the tourist experience

Split-Dalmatia County hosted the conference "Safety as the foundation of a quality tourist destination - presenting safeindalmatia.hr", which highlighted the growing role of security in modern tourism. The event brought together representatives from the public, security and tourism sectors with the aim of exchanging experiences and improving the security system at the destination.

In the context of global instability and changes in tourist behavior, security is increasingly positioned as a key factor when choosing a destination. It is no longer just an operational function of emergency services, but a strategic element that directly affects the perception of quality and the overall experience of the stay.

It was precisely this "second of uncertainty" - the moment when a tourist does not know who to turn to or where to seek help - that was one of the key triggers for the development of the project. The idea was to consolidate all relevant information in one place and make it accessible without additional obstacles such as downloading apps or language barriers.

Safe in Dalmatia: a digital tool for an informed and safe guest

At the center of the conference was the presentation of the safeindalmatia.hr web platform, a digital solution developed as part of the Digital Dalmatia initiative. It is a tool that enables tourists quick and easy access to key security information via mobile devices, usually by scanning a QR code, without the need to install the application.

The platform combines emergency service contacts, information on health and transport infrastructure, and instructions for dealing with various situations. The content is available in multiple languages, and further development includes the possibility of two-way communication with users.

Special emphasis is placed on ease of use - the platform functions as a web application precisely because in crisis situations users are looking for the fastest possible solution without additional steps.

Inter-institutional cooperation as the foundation of the project

The Safe in Dalmatia project is the result of collaboration between multiple stakeholders - Digital Dalmatia, the Split-Dalmatia Police Department, tourist boards, emergency services and county institutions. It is precisely this coordination model that has been recognized as the key to success.

In addition to key institutions, the project also includes numerous operational stakeholders such as the Ministry of the Interior, health institutions, pharmacies, the airport, Jadrolinija, and port authorities, which further ensures the comprehensiveness of the information available to users.

"Split-Dalmatia County is an area of ​​exceptional natural and cultural wealth and manages almost a third of the Adriatic coast. Although the sun and sea are the foundation of our tourist offer, what truly sets us apart is safety. That is precisely why we must not stop, but must continuously improve the system."", the prefect emphasized the importance of continuous investment in security Blaženko Boban.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Tonči Glavina He emphasized that security is increasingly important in global tourism:

"Safety is a crucial factor when choosing a destination today, especially in conditions of global instability. Croatia has timely adjusted its approach to markets, emphasizing safety, accessibility and quality. Such a position needs to be continuously built upon with innovations, a systematic approach and projects that show that we take safety seriously - not only when something happens, but also preventively and digitally. Safe in Dalmatia is exactly such a project."

From a need in the field to a functional solution

The idea for the platform arose during the previous tourist season, when the need for a simple and accessible information tool for tourists was recognized. The development was led by Digital Dalmatia, in cooperation with the police and other relevant services.

As emphasized at the conference, the development of the platform was guided by a simple question: what a tourist is really looking for on their mobile device in a moment of uncertainty. It is precisely this user-friendly approach that defined the structure and content of the platform.

"This platform was developed to provide tourists with quick and easy access to key information in situations when they need help the most", the project manager emphasized the practical value of the solution Damir BrcicThe focus was on the user experience - providing exactly what the tourist is looking for in a moment of uncertainty, without additional steps and complications.

The panel discussion further emphasized how safety is increasingly becoming an element of destination branding. Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board Kristjan Staničić He pointed out that Croatia already enjoys a reputation as a safe country, but that this position needs to be continuously confirmed and developed. In this context, projects such as Safe in Dalmatia contribute not only to operational safety, but also to the perception of reliability and organization of the destination.

Panel participants also pointed out that available data increasingly clearly shows that tourists no longer take safety for granted, but actively include it in the travel decision-making process.

A model for the future: towards the "Safe in Croatia" concept

The project is already being seen as a potential model for wider application. at the national level. The concept could be developed into the "Safe in Croatia" platform, which would standardize the availability of safety information in all tourist regions. Such an approach represents a step towards the development of smart and sustainable destinations, where digital solutions play a key role in quality and safety management.

As part of the project's promotion, additional dissemination of information to tourists was announced, including broadcasting promotional content on ferry lines during the main season, which will allow the platform to reach a large number of visitors upon arrival at the destination.

Safe in Dalmatia shows how safety can be integrated into the tourism product without disrupting the experience of the destination. Quite the opposite - timely and available information increases the feeling of security and trust, which becomes an important differentiator in a competitive market.

For the tourism sector, this project confirms that investing in security is no longer an option, but a necessity - and not just operational, but strategic. The platform is already available to all visitors via web address, and its further development is focused on integrating new functionalities and strengthening the concept of a smart and safe destination.