ECS 2026
RePEc - DOAJ - Index Copernicus - OpenAIRE
Heritage-based tourism development in Zlatibor: Strategic frameworks, cultural assets, and indicator gaps
Empirical Article
Author: Brankica TODOROVIĆ
Published online: 4 April 2026
Abstract: Cultural heritage represents a strategic resource for strengthening destination identity and supporting sustainable tourism development, particularly in mountain regions where natural and cultural assets intersect. This study examines the role of cultural heritage in shaping the tourism offer of Zlatibor, Serbia, and evaluates the extent to which cultural resources are integrated into national and regional strategic frameworks. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of key tourism development and marketing strategies of the Republic of Serbia, complemented by a thematic assessment of cultural, natural, and creative assets in the Zlatibor area. A comparative analysis of strategic requirements and measurable realities reveals significant gaps in existing monitoring practices, institutional coordination, and the integration of cultural and creative sectors into destination management. While Zlatibor possesses significant tangible and intangible heritage—ranging from open air museums and traditional crafts to cultural events and creative practices—the lack of coordination between the tourism, cultural, and creative sectors constrains the full valorization of these resources. To address this gap, the study proposes a structured set of indicators for assessing cultural tourism impacts across environmental, economic, and socio cultural dimensions, supported by clear selection criteria and an evaluation of their applicability to the Zlatibor context. These insights contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable destination development and underscore the importance of evidence-based cultural tourism planning in mountain regions. By offering both a conceptual framework and practical monitoring tools, the study advances current understanding of how heritage and creative industries can be systematically integrated into destination management.
Keywords: cultural tourism; cultural heritage; destination management; destination development; tourism indicators; destination marketing
Pages: …
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