The EU Comparative Indicators of Sustainable Tourism Development – A Case Study of Zlatibor Tourist Resort (Serbia)

Abstract

Nowadays, tourism is one of the leading activities both at the global and the local level. However, the continuous mass tourism development, especially in the second half of the 20th century, apart from positive economic effects, has caused numerous problems. They relate primarily to environmental, but also socio-cultural challenges that are incompatible with the concept of sustainable development presented at the Rio conference in the early 1990s. Therefore, the empirical research encompassed the area of Zlatibor tourist center located in Central Serbia. Due to the emphasized natural and cultural values, it is one of the most visited resorts after Belgrade and Vrnjačka Banja. The aim of this paper is to point out the tourism sustainability in this area and the possibilities for its improvement. In that context, we applied European Union five group comparative indicators. For this purpose, the data from statistical yearbooks as well as the existing spatial-planning documents were used. Additionally, the data of Regional development agency regarding visitor satisfaction were also evaluated. The research results showed that the tourism situation in this area designated as critical (red zone) in respect of certain socio-cultural and environmental indicators. On the other hand, significantly better results were achieved in terms of economic indicators and tourist satisfaction. Finally, these indicators can serve stakeholders in order to ensure destination sustainability and its competitiveness in the future.