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

Milena Cvetković, Jovana Brankov (), Nevena Ćurčić, Sanja Pavlović, Milica Dobričić and Tatiana N. Tretiakova
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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
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

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 21, 1-31

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.

Keywords: protected areas; AHP-SWOT; ecotourism; Stara Planina Mountain; Suva Planina Mountain; Serbia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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