Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas—The Case of the Vršac Mountains Outstanding Natural Landscape, Vojvodina Province (Northern Serbia)

Abstract

The sustainable development of tourism in protected areas and the planning of its development is extremely important for mountain regions. The local population and tourists have a very important role in this process. Therefore, surveys of the local population and visitor satisfaction represent the basis of this research. The Vršac Mountains Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) could represent a significant destination for sustainable tourism. This mountainous area is characterized by a favorable geographical position, a diversity of natural and social factors, rare flora and fauna, and the rich ethno-social heritage of the local population. It is in a very favorable geographical position, and the proximity of the big cities Serbia and Romania, as well as many other factors, are important for tourism development in this area. A quantitative methodology was used for the purposes of this paper during our research. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of tourism development on the satisfaction of residents and visitors of the ONL by applying a survey technique, with the help of a questionnaire as a research instrument. A total of 1419 respondents were surveyed (789 residents and 630 visitors). The research results show that the ecological and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability have the greatest importance for the respondents, and that these two dimensions of sustainability have the greatest impact on sustainable tourism in this protected area. Our main research hypothesis, which states that sustainable tourism has a positive impact on the satisfaction of residents and visitors, is fully confirmed. These data could be significant for tourism planning and the management of protected areas.

Natural and Sociocultural Values of a Tourism Destination in the Function of Sustainable Tourism Development—An Example of a Protected Area

“…Therefore, those activities that take into account the biological, geological, spatial, and ecosystem characteristics of protected areas are important. Supporting positive and limiting negative impacts of tourism on the environment, the valorization of natural and sociocultural values, and their monitoring are especially important in tourist destinations such as protected areas [94]. In addition, analysis of the state and perspectives of tourism development is an integral part of management processes where ecosystem protection is a primary management function.…”

Satisfaction with Sustainable Tourism—A Case of the Special Nature Reserve “Meadows of Great Bustard”, Vojvodina Province

“…The first part concerns data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, i.e., gender, age structure, and level of education. The second part of the questionnaire contained 17 statements grouped into four dimensions: ecological, economic, socio-cultural, and institutional [69,85,86]. The statements in the questionnaire were taken from the questionnaire, which is an integral part of the research model in examining the impact of sustainable tourism on residents [67,[82][83][84].…”

“…The impact of sustainable tourism on residents' satisfaction was investigated by Trišić et al [69], through the individual impacts of each of the four dimensions of sustainability on the sustainable development of tourism within two protected areas in Serbia and Croatia. The PoS model was also used during this research.…”

Aquafaba ve Gastronomide Kullanımı

“…These examples demonstrate effective strategies for engaging local communities and preserving cultural and natural resources. The literature suggests that social value should be a key consideration in tourism planning and development (Al-Hinai et al, 2024;Trisic et al, 2023). Engaging with local communities, preserving cultural assets, and protecting natural resources can contribute to the creation of positive social impacts.…”