IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i21p15621-d1274110.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Protected Natural Areas and Ecotourism—Priority Strategies for Future Development in Selected Serbian Case Studies

Author

Listed:
  • Milena Cvetković

    (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, 22–26, Nemanjina, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Jovana Brankov

    (Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ðure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
    Institute of Sports, Tourism and Service, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Ave., 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia)

  • Nevena Ćurčić

    (Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg. D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Sanja Pavlović

    (University of Belgrade, Faculty of Geography, Studentski trg 3/III, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Milica Dobričić

    (Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, 22–26, Nemanjina, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Tatiana N. Tretiakova

    (Institute of Sports, Tourism and Service, South Ural State University, 76 Lenin Ave., 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia)

Abstract

This research deals with the evaluation of tourist attractions in selected protected areas (PAs) in Serbia for the purpose of developing ecotourism. Using the integral AHP-SWOT method, two authentic mountain areas were analyzed—Stara Planina Nature Park and Suva Planina Special Nature Reserve. The results confirmed the presence of numerous natural and, to a lesser extent, anthropogenic resources that represent the basis for the future ecotourism activities. However, significant weaknesses were also registered, which are reflected in overall poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure and depopulation. The analysis also showed that the highest rated factors for the development of ecotourism are local products that should be offered on the regional market, as well as the use of the geographical position of both areas (near the state border) through the use of donor funds (IPA funds). The application of the AHP-SWOT method enabled the definition and prioritization of several development strategies, of which the ones with the greatest weight are based on the use of the variegated biodiversity of both PAs. This research advances knowledge about strategic decision-making in PAs and could be beneficial to destination managers for the creation of successful strategic plans. Results suggest that future actions should be aimed at maximizing the detected advantages, which means creating an appropriate development policy, drafting legislation, encouraging social mobilization activities and determining the institutional elements for the development and management of ecotourism.

Suggested Citation

  • Milena Cvetković & Jovana Brankov & Nevena Ćurčić & Sanja Pavlović & Milica Dobričić & Tatiana N. Tretiakova, 2023. "Protected Natural Areas and Ecotourism—Priority Strategies for Future Development in Selected Serbian Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-31, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15621-:d:1274110
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/21/15621/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/21/15621/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yihao Zhu & Chou Chen & Guodao Zhang & Zimin Lin & Sarita Gajbhiye Meshram & Ehsan Alvandi, 2023. "Investigation of West Lake Ecotourism Capabilities Using SWOT and TOPSIS Decision-Making Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Parvaneh Sobhani & Hassan Esmaeilzadeh & Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi & Marina Viorela Marcu, 2022. "Estimation of Ecotourism Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Development of Protected Areas in Iran," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Senior Assist. Tamara Floricic Ph. D, & Assist. Elvin Jelenkovic, 2014. "Tourist Valorisation Of National Parks In Spain And Croatia – Comparison Between The National Parks Of Cabrera And Kornati," Revista Tinerilor Economisti (The Young Economists Journal), University of Craiova, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 1(23), pages 51-64, November.
    4. Reimer, J.K. (Kila) & Walter, Pierre, 2013. "How do you know it when you see it? Community-based ecotourism in the Cardamom Mountains of southwestern Cambodia," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(C), pages 122-132.
    5. Bentley, Tim A. & Cater, Carl & Page, Stephen J., 2010. "Adventure and ecotourism safety in Queensland: Operator experiences and practice," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 563-571.
    6. María Camila Sánchez-Prieto & Antonio Luna-González & Alejandro Espinoza-Tenorio & Héctor Abelardo González-Ocampo, 2021. "Planning Ecotourism in Coastal Protected Areas; Projecting Temporal Management Scenarios," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-13, July.
    7. Zhang, Heng & Lei, Siu Lai, 2012. "A structural model of residents’ intention to participate in ecotourism: The case of a wetland community," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 916-925.
    8. Riyan Mohammed Sahahiri & Amy L. Griffin & Qian (Chayn) Sun, 2023. "Investigating Ecotourism Opportunities Measurements in a Complex Adaptive System: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, February.
    9. Tawfik, Rady & Sarhan, Mahmoud, 2021. "Ecotourism And Protected Areas Sustainable Financing: A Case Study Of Wadi El Gemal Visitor Center," Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, Cinturs - Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, University of Algarve, vol. 9(2), pages 156-172.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Chih-Cheng Huang & Shang-Pin Li & Yung-Kuan Chan & Ming-Yuan Hsieh & Jiin-Chyuan Mark Lai, 2023. "Empirical Research on the Sustainable Development of Ecotourism with Environmental Education Concepts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-15, June.
    2. Parvaneh Sobhani & Hassan Esmaeilzadeh & Seyed Mohammad Moein Sadeghi & Marina Viorela Marcu, 2022. "Estimation of Ecotourism Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Development of Protected Areas in Iran," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-19, January.
    3. Islam Elbayoumi Salem & Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz & Alamir Al-Alawi & Nasser Alhamar Alkathiri & Kareem A. Rashwan, 2022. "Investigating the Role of Green Hotel Sustainable Strategies to Improve Customer Cognitive and Affective Image: Evidence from PLS-SEM and fsQCA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-17, March.
    4. Sood, Jyoti & Lynch, Paul & Anastasiadou, Constantia, 2017. "Community non-participation in homestays in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 332-347.
    5. Zain ul Abedin Janjua & Gengeswari Krishnapillai & Mobashar Rahman, 2021. "A Systematic Literature Review of Rural Homestays and Sustainability in Tourism," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(2), pages 21582440211, April.
    6. Seweryn Zielinski & Yoonjeong Jeong & Seong-il Kim & Celene B. Milanés, 2020. "Why Community-Based Tourism and Rural Tourism in Developing and Developed Nations are Treated Differently? A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-21, July.
    7. Conrado Carrascosa-López & Mauricio Carvache-Franco & Wilmer Carvache-Franco, 2021. "Perceived Value and Its Predictive Relationship with Satisfaction and Loyalty in Ecotourism: A Study in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-16, July.
    8. Beatriz Palacios-Florencio & Luna Santos-Roldán & Juan Manuel Berbel-Pineda & Ana María Castillo-Canalejo, 2021. "Sustainable Tourism as a Driving force of the Tourism Industry in a Post-Covid-19 Scenario," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 158(3), pages 991-1011, December.
    9. Xiaocheng Vicky Zhang & Suk Ha Grace Chan, 2021. "Do Knowledge and Experience Value Affect Green Tourism Activity Participation and Buying Decision? A Case Study of Natural Dyeing Experience in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-18, July.
    10. Andrea Yanes & Seweryn Zielinski & Marlenny Diaz Cano & Seong-il Kim, 2019. "Community-Based Tourism in Developing Countries: A Framework for Policy Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-23, April.
    11. Madhumita Das & Bani Chatterjee, 2020. "Livelihood In Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India: An Impact Assessment Of Ecotourism Practices," The Singapore Economic Review (SER), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 65(03), pages 653-681, June.
    12. Lonn, Pichdara & Mizoue, Nobuya & Ota, Tetsuji & Kajisa, Tsuyoshi & Yoshida, Shigejiro, 2018. "Evaluating the Contribution of Community-based Ecotourism (CBET) to Household Income and Livelihood Changes: A Case Study of the Chambok CBET Program in Cambodia," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 151(C), pages 62-69.
    13. Kanokporn Swangjang & Phitwalan Kornpiphat, 2021. "Does ecotourism in a Mangrove area at Klong Kone, Thailand, conform to sustainable tourism? A case study using SWOT and DPSIR," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(11), pages 15960-15985, November.
    14. Wu, Tsung-Chiung (Emily) & Xie, Philip Feifan & Tsai, Miao-Chi, 2015. "Perceptions of attractiveness for salt heritage tourism: A tourist perspective," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 201-209.
    15. Claudia Patricia Maldonado-Erazo & María de la Cruz del Río-Rama & Patricio Noboa-Viñan & José Álvarez-García, 2020. "Community-Based Tourism in Ecuador: Community Ventures of the Provincial and Cantonal Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-31, August.
    16. Kiros Tsegay Deribew & Yared Mihretu & Girmay Abreha & Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda, 2022. "Spatial analysis of potential ecological sites in the northeastern parts of Ethiopia using multi-criteria decision-making models," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 6(3), pages 961-991, October.
    17. Marin Kim & Yi Xie & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2019. "Sustainable Transformative Economy: Community-Based Ecotourism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-15, September.
    18. Shafinar Ismail & Mohammed `Izzudin Ismail & Putri Aliah Mohd Hidzir & Suharni Rahmat & Suzila Ismail, 2023. "Moderating Effect of WAQF for Tourism Sustainability in Malaysia: A Mixed-Method Approach," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 15(4), pages 16-30.
    19. Cater, Carl I., 2017. "Tourism on two wheels: Patterns of motorcycle leisure in Wales," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 180-189.
    20. Rady Tawfik, 2023. "The Application of D(A)PSI(W)R(M) Framework to Coral Reef Conservation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, June.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15621-:d:1274110. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.