Sustainability from the Local Perspective: The Evidence from Zlatibor Tourist Center (Republic of Serbia)

Abstract

Tourism sustainability is a ubiquitous topic of scientific circles. To this day, there is controversy about the environmental, economic and socio-cultural sustainability of this global industry. Although selective forms are increasingly being promoted, mass tourism is still dominant, with many consequences. Its impacts are especially visible in small and sensitive areas, with many visitors and associated infrastructure (uncontrolled urbanization). Therefore, this paper aims to point out the sustainability of its development in the area of the mountain center Zlatibor in southwestern Serbia. As one of the most visited destinations after the capital of Belgrade and Vrnjačka Banja Spa, in the last two decades have been under increasing pressure that exceeds its capacity. The European Union methodology for comparative indicators of sustainable tourism was used. The survey was supplemented by an analysis of official statistics. The obtained results highlighted numerous problems in terms of environmental sustainability (red zone), while a significantly better situation was observed in terms of a social and economic system. In this way, this research can be a starting point for key tourism policymakers and future development directions.