Modelling the Extent of Sustainability of Tourism Destinations in Serbia

Abstract

There are different aspects of perceptions of tourism sustainability. Yet, studies are limited in putting the focus on policy enablers' perception. In this line, the policymakers represent those who contribute to manage and control tourism destination development. The aim of the paper is to identify the level of sustainability of tourism destinations in Serbia from a policy perspective (such as governmental bodies, contributors to management strategies, tourist organizations, etc.). By identifying the main tourism impacts from the three-pillar sustainability dimension, the research determines destinations' operating sustainability. Based on a multi-staged methodology, data was collected by using a qualitative method (expert's judgment and content analysis of the existing strategic tourism development documents) and a quantitative method (219 halfstructured deep interviews). A model is proposed that posts directions for systematic organization of policymakers to infer conclusions on the current state of well-being of tourism destinations. Such model enables thorough assessment of the progress of sustainability, thus initiating strategic tourism development reforms.