Local Communities’ Perceptions of Tourism Planning in Natural Areas

Abstract

Local communities face a double-edged sword when it comes to tourism development; their attitude directly influences tourism growth and helps spread the word within the community. The local community is increasingly affected socioeconomically by tourism development, which results in the development of attitudes (both positive and negative) based on the perceived effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tourism and local support for tourism development in a national park in western Serbia. The data were gathered from locals (580) who reside in the municipality where the national park belongs. Based on their own experiences and their belief that tourism can preserve natural and cultural resources and protect them for future generations, the Tara National Park community was found to favor further tourism development. They disagree that problems would arise from factors often associated with increasing tourism, such as traffic, price increases, or pollution. This study was carried out during the pandemic crisis, which is seen as a paradigm shift in the travel and tourism sectors and offers an opportunity to do better and continue operating in a more sustainable way. Therefore, we propose that these findings be taken into account when developing sustainable tourist management strategies, particularly in national parks and other protected places while respecting the needs and rights of the local people.

Awareness and Perception Toward Heritage, Life, and Tourism in Converting Tourism Area

“…Local communities play a crucial role in the growth of tourism, and their attitudes towards tourism can influence its success (Obradović and Tešin 2023). Studies have shown that factors such as economic, socio-cultural, environmental, interaction, awareness, and local development contribute to the perception of rural tourism by local people and farmers (Yilmaz and Merkez 2022).…”

“…One important factor is the perceived effects of tourism on the local community. Positive effects, such as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, can lead to a favorable attitude towards tourism development (Obradović and Tešin 2023). Another factor is the recognition of the role that local communities can play in tourism development.…”

“…Their attitudes towards tourism directly influence its growth and spread within the community (Lapuz 2023). When local communities are socioeconomically affected by tourism development, their attitudes are shaped based on the perceived effects (Obradović and Tešin 2023). Positive attitudes towards tourism can lead to support for further tourism development, as seen in the case of the Tara National Park community in Serbia (Al-Hassan, Obeidat, and Lansford 2010).…”

Planning strategy for Tukad Bindu destination as a tourist Attraction in Denpasar city

“…It leads public and private actors to set a common goal or a strong idea, which motivates them to work together to achieve it. (Pato & Duque, 2023) Tourism can boost local businesses, which can also help local residents get jobs and bring income to the area (Obradović & Tešin, 2023).However, the growth of the tourism industry can also have unfavourable impacts, such as increased crime, a higher cost of living, resentment of local people towards visitors, and lower living standards for locals (Pato & Duque, 2023) In addition, there is a point of view that regarding ecological impacts that are not in accordance with planning in tourism development, it does not have a positive impact but can have a damaging impact on the environment and natural resources, as well as the occurrence of air pollution, unclean water, and other pollution (Nuñez-Torres et al, 2023). In general, tourism growth can increase the accessibility of recreational facilities, encourage better intercultural dialogue, and increase community awareness of cultural identity (Kyriakaki & Kleinaki, 2021).…”