CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL POLICING FOR A SAFER TOURISM

Criminality is a key risk for tourism industry of any country or tourist destination. Tourist perception of safety is important decision making factor, no matter if decision is making for destination, accommodation or transport. The purpose of the research is to identify and analyse the forms of criminality in accommodation and catering. Main research aim is to analyse the forms and characteristics of criminal offences in Slovenian accommodation and hospitality facilities for the period 2007-2013. We performed a quantitative empirical research where the data on criminal offences in Slovenian hospitality was analysed and compared with the period 2007-2013. The research was based on the (crime record) databases of the Slovenian Police. The results are applied to practical solutions in the area of preventing criminal offences in accommodation and catering facilities, increase the safety of guests and co-operation between employees and hotel/motel management on one hand, and the police and security services on the other. The findings on the patterns of criminal offences in accommodation and catering facilities have a direct practical value for the tourism industry, especially for the management of hotels/motels.