Impementation of Sustainable Tourism in Protected and Sensitive Areas, a Case Study of the Balkan Mountains, Serbia

The development of tourism in protected areas is a particular challenge for the tourism business and nature conservation. The goal of this research is to discuss an approach, or potential model, that would improve the implementation of sustainable tourism in protected and sensitive natural areas. The paper analyses the case of the Balkan Mountains destination in Serbia. In addition to the case study, the authors used the following methods: observation, content analysis and comparative analysis. This study assumes that community-based ecotourism, as a form of alternative tourism, must embrace individual initiatives within the community as a model of sustainable tourism implementation. It is understood that individual local initiatives must be thoroughly reviewed by all stakeholders. Bearing in mind that the inclusive appreciation not only of nature, but also of indigenous cultures that prevail in natural areas is a part of the visitor experience, this empirical research is primarly focused on the local initiatives concerning the quality of visitor experience in the Balkan Mountains. Preference is given to responsible community-based ecotourism initiatives. This could result in many benefits for the local communities.