Tourism In Serbia Research Articles

Tourism perspectives and Local communities’ development within two different countries

Paper discusses local municipality touristic development and tourism strategies analysing achievements of national touristic objectives regarding foreign and domestic tourists in two groups of selected municipalities within two different countries. First group includes three municipalities from Slovenia and the second group includes three comparable municipalities from Serbia. Throughout our analysis we carefully considered countries basic documents Slovenian and Serbian tourism development strategy. After analysing statistical data, we conclude, that it is of great signicifance for each municipality the direction of tourism industry development, investments into modern tourist capacities as well as professional marketing, as is the case with municipality ob Brežice.

PROBLEMS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Tourism represents one of few real chances for significant development that Serbia have. Serbia is rich in natural and cultural resources. Great variety of tourism resources concentrated in Serbia provides many possibilities for tourism development. In order for tourism to become one of the main strongholds of Serbian economy, there must be a strategy that will give guidelines for its future development. There are several main problems of Serbian tourism. Biggest one is the lack of traffic infrastructure. Also, Serbia is not very well recognized as attractive tourist destination. Tourist facilities are insufficiently developed. Also, the structure of employees working in the field of tourism industry in Serbia is problematic. The fact that tourists stay in Serbia between three and five days, means that tourists are not very well informed about the possibilities that Serbian tourism offers. Making Serbia globally recognizable as an attractive tourist destination is a task reachable only whit the synergetic effect of all relevant factors in this process. Keywwords: Tourism, development, problems of segmentation, resources, solutions, advantages

Spatial Resources and Sustainable Development of Business Tourism in Serbia

Serbia has numerous tourist resources which can be used for tourism development and it is base for strategic documents about tourism. Business tourism, for its economic contribution to tourist destinations is globally recognized. Preserved and unchanged natural environment, geodiversity and biodiversity are representing important resources for the development of business tourism in Serbia. Trips and excursions are constitutive part of modern business events and because of that diversity of natural and anthropogenic resources is one of the main drives of business tourism development. This paper focuses on identification of such resources and points on possibilities of their use in development of Serbia as destination of business tourism. Tourism is one of the best opportunities for a sustainable economic and social development for Serbia and this paper is trying to explain how business tourism resources, accommodation, tourist agencies specialized in business tourism should be developed and used by tourism policy makers.

Employee satisfaction in destinations of spa tourism in Serbia

In organizations of spa tourism (hotels, wellness and spa centers, rehabilitation centers), tourists and employees are referred to mutually cooperation in creating services, and how their interaction will be successful depends mostly on the ability of employees in service providing. In this regard, employees have directly and indirectly a major impact on the perception and satisfaction of tourists. Good business results originate from satisfied and loyal tourists as a result of the quality of service, and at the same time good service is the result of a process serving that depends primarily on satisfaction of employees, but also the motivation, knowledge and skills of their immediate managers. The paper presents the research results of the tourist destinations of spa tourism in Serbia in order to determine on which satisfaction indicator employees in spa centers are the most and the least consistent and the relation between characteristics of the subjects on the highest and lowest consent. By applying the methods of field research, a research was carried in the period from September 2013 until mid-April 2014, on a sample of202 respondents. Based on collected data, we analyzed and presented results. The result shows that loyalty to the team contributes the most to the satisfaction of employees, while interpersonal relationships are the weakest contributors to satisfaction, as well as there are an influence of the subjects characteristics to observed indicators of employee satisfaction.

Religious tourism and possible negative effects in relation to the monasteries

Religious tourism occupies an important place at the global level. How much do tourism deals with religious tourism in Serbia and of any significance is this branch of tourism for the further development of tourism in our country. Does the besides positive effects can have adverse effects, and to what extent. Would you like the placing emphasis on religious tourism in Serbia noticeable affected the reducing the number of unemployed? It is undisputed that tourist visits to monasteries, not the believers, to disrupt the work and lifestyle of a priest. The ultimate effect of the visit to religious property, in addition to the positive effect for culture and cultural heritage of, can result in the transformation of the monastery in museum and so SPC loses its significance.

Trends and New Initiatives in Tourism at the Time of the General Economic Crisis and the Current Situation in Serbian Tourism

Abstract Even though tourism has been facing different crises since the beginning of this century, recently it has faced the biggest economic crisis ever. Once again tourism has proved its resilience, with emerging markets playing a key role in its recovery. At the same time, the crisis has brought to the surface all weaknesses and showed an urge for innovation. Nowadays, consumers are more experienced, independent, better informed, relying more on word of mouth and social networks than on paid promotion. Additional value for money and unique experiences, have become more important than ever. This paper is pointing out these and some other trends in tourism, such as the increasing role of new tourism markets, modern technology, quality matters, etc. Despite its turbulent history and the fact that it is not a seaside destination, Serbia was one of the few countries which didn’t report any negative results in international arrivals during the global economic crisis. Nevertheless, domestic tourism suffered and stakeholders need to implement some new strategies in order to stimulate domestic tourism and enhance the international one. A review of literature on tourism and the crisis, analyses of official data (mainly from UNWTO and tourism organizations), and field research conducted in Serbia on a stratified sample of 1005 interviewed citizens give an insight into the matter of the current situation in international tourism on the one hand and Serbian tourism on the other. The main conclusions are that stakeholders in tourism are now dealing with changed consumer behaviour. By improving service quality, adding value to tourism products, offering unique experiences and events, addressing new customer segments, focusing on the markets from the region and using modern technologies as a tool for promotion and communication better results could be achieved.

Common Histories, Constructed Identities: Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Rebranding of Serbia

Even though Serbia is especially rich in intangible cultural heritage and folklore, there is still no established register of intangible cultural assets in Serbia that could evaluate particular elements of folk heritage. The ethnographic heritage of Serbia is rich in spiritual values related to customs, celebrations, music, song, dance, stories and legends, and this type of heritage is presented through numerous festivals, gatherings and tourist events. The Network for the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage was formed in 2012. Of the twenty-seven proposals submitted, six representative elements of ICH that reflect the ethnic cultural identity of the Serbian nation were initially chosen: the feasts for patron-saints, the St. George's Day ritual, a folklore dance called kolo, singing with the gusle, flute playing and rug making in Pirot. These elements play an important role in the creation of national identity and have the potential to become significant for tourism in Serbia. In this study, some of the elements proposed for the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage are described, and their importance for the cultural identity of the Serbian people is explained.

Changes in vegetation cover on Stara planina: Towards sustainable management of ski resorts in sensitive areas

Tourism is an indicator and the consequence of the development of many countries. Among the priority areas of the tourism strategy are high mountain areas with complex ecosystems. Mountain tourism in Serbia, as well as continental country is one of the leading forms of tourism through various projects stimulated by the state. In the last ten years, build up and expand the ski slopes of Stara planina in eastern Serbia, leading to various, mostly negative changes in the environment. This paper analyzes the changes in the forest areas of the site Babin Zub in years 2000 and 2013, using satellite imagery (Landsat 7 and Landsat 8) and remote sensing software. We used unsupervised multispectral analysis resolution 30 m and obtained data on forest areas. The aim is to draw attention to the change of vegetation cover and degradation of forest areas. Following to the experiences of the world's ski resorts, the paper presents the opportunities and examples of restoration of ski runs, and sustainable forest management in the studied highland area.

Legislation in the field of environmental protection as a factor of preserving tourist resource basis

Tourism and environment are closely linked, whereas the environmental protection has fundamental importance for the future development of tourist destinations. Motivation of modern tourists is increasingly linked to the destinations guided by the principles of sustainable development, which is why the state as well as the local communities should pay greater attention to the efficiency of regulations related to the environmental protection. Even though, tourism in Serbia has been identified as one of the sectors with the greatest potential for development, it is necessary to do more about the system of environmental protection and conservation as well as the enforcement of regulations. The harmonization of laws in the field of environmental protection with the EU regulations affects tourism, which is expected to have an important stake in the future economic growth of the country.

Common histories, constructed identities: Intangible cultural heritage and the rebranding of Serbia

Even though Serbia is especially rich in intangible cultural heritage and folklore, there is still no established register of intangible cultural assets in Serbia that could evaluate particular elements of folk heritage. The ethnographic heritage of Serbia is rich in spiritual values related to customs, celebrations, music, song, dance, stories and legends, and this type of heritage is presented through numerous festivals, gatherings and tourist events. The Network for the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage was formed in 2012. Of the twenty-seven proposals submitted, six representative elements of ICH that reflect the ethnic cultural identity of the Serbian nation were initially chosen: the feasts for patron-saints, the St. George's Day ritual, a folklore dance called kolo, singing with the gusle, flute playing and rug making in Pirot. These elements play an important role in the creation of national identity and have the potential to become significant for tourism in Serbia. In this study, some of the elements proposed for the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage are described, and their importance for the cultural identity of the Serbian people is explained.

Potentials for the development of Goc mountain as a rural tourist destination

Rural areas represent a significant potential for tourism development. Rural tourism includes visits to rural areas by tourists who want to establish contact with nature, get to know the culture and the tradition of the place they stay at, and also participate in everyday activities of the rural population. Serbia is a country that has numerous villages and remarkable potentials for the development of rural tourism. Despite that, rural tourism in Serbia is not developed enough. A great example for this issue in our country is the mountain of Goč. Despite the attraction factor, tourism is not adequately developed there. The subject of this paper is the analysis of resources for tourism development on the mountain of Goč, with the aim to identify crucial potentials for rural tourism development. We will also try to give a special contribution with this paper in terms of directions for the future development of Goč as a destination of rural tourism. Rural tourism on Goč might contribute to the environment protection in rural areas and to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, but it could also give a financial incentive for rural population to stay in their villages. Besides that, rural tourism would present a meaningful factor of sustainable village development. Special emphasis in the paper is placed on the cooperation between public and private sector, as a key factor in rural tourism development.

Assessment of innate working properties of German wirehaired pointers in Serbia

In conditions of accelerated pace of life, reduced financial capacities and free time, modern hunters give a high priority to breeds of hunting dogs characterized by versatility or multiple usability in hunting. Accordingly, German Wirehaired Pointer is a kind of hunting dog which breeding is based on the principle of versatility. The objective of this work was to assess the quality of innate i.e. hereditary working properties of German Wirehaired Pointer in Serbia, in order to get an insight into their versatile usability in hunting and hunting tourism in Serbia. After analyzing the working results of 211 dogs, which had passed the spring breeding exams in the period from 2006. to 2013., the obtained data indicate that the quality of work, that is, the quality of innate working characteristics of German Wirehaired Pointer in Serbia, is increasing.

The archeological park Mediana: Insufficiently used potential of Serbian tourism

This paper presents the archaeological park Mediana as one of the most important Roman sites in Serbia. Despite its remarkable findings and the fact that is included in the cultural route entitled 'Road of Roman Emperors in Serbia,' Mediana still has not been properly presented or prepared for tourism. After conducted evaluation, we came to the conclusion that it is a cultural asset of medium quality indicators for market attractiveness and of high cultural significance/robustness, which makes it quite suitable for tourism development at a destination. Having in mind that the analysis was conducted when the site had seen its most important protection project, i.e. erecting of the solid construction over the villa with peristyle probably dating back from the epoch of Constantine the Great, we believe that the completion of this project will substantially improve results of similar analyses in the future. Along with the necessary professional efforts and additional measures for improving the appeal of this archeological site, Mediana can become one of the main destinations of cultural tourism in South-eastern Serbia and significantly contribute to the general image of tourism in the city of Nis.

Educational role of excursion tourism

Excursion tourism as a mode of travelling to closer destinations has had a long tradition and a cognitive character. Excursions belong to the specific forms of tourism trends and as such, can be viewed in terms of their significant impact on tourist trade within the Serbian tourism market. The demand for this type of tourist travel is constant, thereby highlighting its economic importance. Themed excursions of children in protected areas are developing an interest in nature and are building environmental practices. Thus, children are introduced to the ways of environmental protection, fostering a positive attitude towards the values of preserved natural environment as an opportunity to raise environmental awareness of future generations.

Intangible cultural heritage as a tourist brand of Serbia

Presented as a part of intangible cultural heritage, Serbian national folklore is rich in spiritual and worldly values and it is transposed in customs, celebrations, music, songs, dances, stories and legends. As a part of tourist offer, these elements are presented in numerous festivals and tourist events. In the year 2012, the Network on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia was formed. The National Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage registers 27 elements of intangible cultural heritage, among which most representative are the patron saint festivity, St. George's Day ritual, the national dance - kolo, singing accompanied with the musical instrument gusle, Vuk's Parliament, naive painting of Slovak minority, Pirot carpet-making and pottery from Zlakusa village, which reflect the national cultural identity both of Serbian people, and partly of certain ethnic minorities. There are also some elements that are not included in this list, but they also represent a significant tourist value, such as the harvest bread ritual (Dužijanca), Haymaking in Rajac, folk-shoe making (opanak) and many others. In this paper, categorization and classification of intangible heritage is made. Those cultural elements that have certain tourist potential and as such may represent a significant factor in the formation of Serbian tourism brand are identified.

Complementarity in the development of rural tourism with the development of thermal baths, spa and wellness tourism

Serbia has a long tradition in thermal baths tourism development. In the second half of the twentieth century, this branch of tourism attracted a significant segment of tourist demand, both domestic and foreign. However, due to difficult business conditions in the nineties, its infrastructure became outdated. This resulted in negative trends in tourism development and a negative image appeared in the tourism market. On the other hand, rural tourism is a relatively new form of tourism. In Serbia, it started developing from the 1970ies. A significant interim in this form of tourism was also noticed during the nineties. Today, these two forms of tourism are emphasized as the development chance of Serbian tourism and economy in diverse development-strategic documents by the Government and the departmental ministry. The conceptual approach to these forms of tourism is used in this work, in order to scope the possibilities of their complementary development. What is primarily borne in mind is the resource basis that Serbia possesses for their development, but also the newer tendencies and trends on the tourism market. Expectations are that a synergic cooperation of these forms of tourism would ensure better results, and Serbia would position itself higher on the international tourism market.

New strategic cycle in the Serbian trade and tourism development

Trade and tourism, as significant areas of the service sector in Serbia are entering a new development cycle. In fact, in commerce as well as in tourism, previously adopted strategic documents expire. This creates a need to provide new development strategies for the coming development period in order to coordinate and guide the efforts of the public and private sectors. In both cases, a similar set of questions arises: what has been achieved that was planned in the previously adopted strategies, what is still very relevant and whether it is the necessary to make radical shifts or only purifying, complement and update of the existing strategic documents is acceptable. The macroeconomic environment is not favorable neither for tourism nor commerce. However, at least when it comes to tourism, global trends suggest the continual growth of demand for tourist services so it can be expected from Serbian tourism to grab some effects of this global positive trend. This paper specifically examines unrealized projects in both areas and investigates the causes of these failures. The aim is to give some recommendations in conclusion. One option is a possible change of attitude, if the strategic goals were wrong. Another possibility is to change the ways of solving problems and the realization of the project, if the attitudes remain the same, but the way of implementation proved to be ineffective. In the conclusion, it was argued that, so far used strategic documents were basically correct and that the new document should bring updated suggestions on how to start and develop tourism and trade in Serbia more successfully, in the future.

Creation of the competition's profile of Serbia as a tourism destination

During the last several decades tourism has more and more significant role in economic and social development of other countries, as well as in everyday life of a contemporary man. The Republic of Serbia, also, tends to use valorization of its touristic potentials to realize numerous objectives of its economic and general social development. Number of destinations that offer their tourist products on the tourist market increases, leading to intensified competition. Competitiveness is emphasized as a crucial issue in contemporary tourism, as destinations strive to be better than competitors. Observed from today's perspective we can come to a general conclusion that Serbia as a touristic destination, still hasn't taken adequate competitive position regarding other tourist destinations in the region. The aim of this paper is to point out the necessity of repositioning the present competitive position of Serbia to make it, within as short time period as possible, an attractive tourist destination on the regional and international tourist market. With adequate implementation of theoretical concepts and chosen research methods this paper is expected to enrich domestic professional literature from this field, also to point out new possibilities of Serbian tourism development to creators and those who carry out such economic and touristic politics.

Achieving destination competitiveness: an importance–performance analysis of Serbia

As a relatively new and under-researched tourism destination, Serbia provides an interesting context to assess destination competitiveness in conditions of global environmental changes and the additional challenges of transition from a socialist economy to a market-based economy. This article uses importance–performance analysis (IPA) to assess the importance of different activities to underpin tourism development in Serbia, as well as the industry's perceived performance in respect of these activities. There are a number of areas in which Serbian tourism industry considers itself to be underperforming in the implementation of activities to maintain destination competitiveness. This article analyses these results in detail using IPA as a diagnostic tool. Particular attention is paid to investigating the implications of the findings for both destination managers and private tourism operators in Serbia that can assist them to develop a focused action agenda to achieve and maintain destination competitive advantage. The approach can be used in other destinations to assess tourism ability to meet the challenges of global trends.

Ecological component of sustainable development of spa tourism in Serbia

What makes spa tourism to be one of the most developed kinds of tourism in Serbia is a large number of thermo-mineral springs, a long tradition of spa resorts and their importance for the development of tourism. During the time, this kind of tourism showed numerous peculiarities. Nowadays, many of them are still there and they refer to an emphasized amount of tourist traffic during the summer months, a shorter and shorter average residence of guests as well as a great deal of participation of complementary accommodation facilities in comparison with the basic ones. The aim of this assignment is the emphasis of ecological components in sustainable development of spa tourism in Serbia.