GASTRONOMY TOURISM AND DESTINATION BRANDING: THE STUDY OF MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS IN CROATIA
This paper explores the role of Michelin-starred restaurants and their chefs as change-makers and advocates of successful gastronomy tourism destination branding in Croatia. In this qualitative research, in-depth surveys were conducted with all of the seven chefs of Michelin-starred restaurants in Croatia. These restaurants are: Draga di Lovrana, Boškinac, Monte, Pelegrini, LD Restaurant and 360° located in Zagreb, Lovran, Novalja, Rovinj, Šibenik, Korčula and Dubrovnik. Results of research uncover whether and which are the significant forms of activities that Croatian Michelin-starred restaurants implement in order to enhance destination attractiveness and by that influence placing Croatia on the world gastronomy map, creating stronger gastronomy destination brands.