Abstract
Podunavlje, a region located along the Danube River in Serbia, features a very rich cultural heritage with different notable periods ranging from prehistoric to medieval times. It is also a unique and valuable region with natural beauty. Our research concentrates on this area, using a case study as the methodology. The starting hypothesis is that strategic orientation to develop tourist docks for river cruises and marinas along the corridor of 588 km, at certain locations, primarily in urban centers and near the prominent archaeological sites, will form conditions for the better accessibility and presentation of priceless cultural treasures. By collecting data about various trends in the region and comparing these data with international studies, the authors support the utilization of an integrated method derived from the context of sustainable spatial planning. Such a method would support the creation of suitable conditions for the reconstruction, presentation, and development of creative tourist offerings. The urban plans that regulate these areas must observe and harmonize all aspects, especially the conditions for preserving heritage alongside the need for creating new accompanying content and events that will stimulate the economy and thereby ensure self-preservation and protection. The goal of the strategic analysis presented here is to determine which tourist and cultural offers are effective and thus should be promoted. The purpose of this study is to indicate the steps and required conditions for the implementation of suitable strategies. Apart from decision making on the strategic level and the implementation process, it is necessary to consider further impacts and investigate other possibilities to fully utilize the potential in the region.
Highlights
The academic relevance of our study is that it contributes to understanding Danube cruise tourism, which is a special hybrid in terms of its cultural, natural, and urban locations
This study considers a wide methodological frame, using a multidisciplinary approach by combining the knowledge fields of tourism, the protection of public goods, the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage, and spatial and urban planning
The strategy highlighted here is a positive in idea in terms of developing and promoting tourism offers using the Danube as a main axis, the remarks here regarding the results before finalization are tentative, with the belief that the number of suggested locations is sufficient and should not be expanded, except in cases where potential locations are evaluated as impossible after more detailed consideration
Summary
When cruise tourism is mentioned, even in academic papers, it is usually about sea and ocean cruising destinations (commonly the Mediterranean, northern European fjords, Caribbean, Pacific, and other areas) and the impact of mass tourism on local attractions. River (and canal) cruise tourism seems to be neglected in the literature, or at least limited to rare locations and topics. This is surprising considering that cruise tourism was first studied a long time ago and is a popular topic, especially in Europe, with rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Loire, and Volga. River cruise operators are actively developing new journeys in order to retain old customers and attract new customers For this reason, non-traditional river cruise ports are increasingly visited, including ports in cities that are not located along popular itineraries” [3] Proponents of water traffic claim that is the environmentally cleanest and safest transport method, with numerous development opportunities, there are issues connected with cruising industry regarding mass usage and pollution control. This claim is important because, as Jones et al concluded, “river cruises are a limited onboard offer, meaning passengers spend more time on shore, predominantly participating in organized excursions included in the cruise package or offered as optional components” [17] (pp. 61–71)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
