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Various socio-historical and cultural influences that have permeated the territory of Serbia have created a specific cultural heritage composed of interesting architecture, spatial and environmental units, folklore, gastronomy, lifestyle, and other specifics, which are usually under protection and are significantly visited by tourists. The value of resources and the state of development determine the overall tourist potential of the area. In this research, two methods were used to assess the tourist potential for six spatial, cultural, and historical units in Serbia: the analytical hierarchical process and the mathematical model, which is based on the du Cros method. The aim of the research is to determine the validity of the obtained results through their comparison and to record the shortcomings. The same indicators and sub-indicators were used in both methodologies, while the weighting coefficients differed according to the methodology. The importance of the research is reflected in the confirmation of the fact that there is a need to develop new methods that would eliminate all the shortcomings and increase the level of objectivity in the assessment of tourism potential.

This paper presents the wine heritage of the municipality of Aleksandrovac, highlights the potential of wine tourism in this area and analyzes the factors that motivate and attract this selective form of tourism. The primary goal of the paper is to determine the possibility and perspectives of wine tourism development, but also the sustainable development of the municipality of Aleksandrovac, its surroundings and this part of Serbia through research, analysis and comparison. The task of the paper is to systematize the existing knowledge and define the segments of the wine tourism offer in the function of sustainable development.

This research presents a methodological framework for assessing the attractiveness of natural resources and landscapes and their importance for tourism development. The research is conducted in the area of Kopaonik Mountain in Serbia, which is partly, due to its natural values, declared a natural heritage of exceptional importance Protection Category I, i.e. the National Park. The goal of this paper is to identify and assess the tourist attractiveness of the natural resources (relief, hydrological and climatological characteristics, and vegetation) and landscapes in the National Park (NP) Kopaonik area. There are two independent methods used to assess the tourist attractiveness of natural resources and landscapes in this study. The first method is based on numerical and statistical analysis and quantitatively expresses the attractiveness of natural resources/elements (relief, climate, hydrology and vegetation) separately and all together, indicating the overall attractiveness of natural resources for tourism development. The second method envisages 8 criteria according to which natural landscapes are scored on a scale from 0 to 3. Based on a clearly defined model for assessing the attractiveness of natural resources and landscapes, we conclude that the area of Kopaonik National Park has a high level of tourist attractiveness.

At a time when tourism in Serbia represents a major segment of its economic development, COVID-19 has hit the tourism industry hard both locally and globally, and thus has affected the country’s economic condition and its development prospects. The government of the Republic of Serbia has taken a number of measures to combat the epidemic and to recover tourism. In order to assess whether these measures have been effective and to what extent they have contributed to the sustainability of tourism as an important economic contributor, field research was conducted on 110 owners of catering and tourist facilities in attractive tourist destinations in Serbia. Statistical analysis provided precise data on the decline in the number of tourists during the epidemic, as well as whether and to what extent these consequences were mitigated by a set of measures adopted by the government of the Republic of Serbia. It was concluded that, in the first five months of 2020, the influx of tourists decreased by almost 50% compared to the same period of the previous year (2019). According to the survey, the recovery of the tourism sector will take at least twelve months, so the measures that are being implemented must have long-term effects.

The aim of this study is to determine and highlight the tourism potentials of the Ibar cultural tourism zone monasteries, which is located in the southwest part of Serbia. In the assessment of tourism potential, a quantitative model consisting of two groups of indicators (resource values and state of development) conceived of seven sub-indicators that were ranked and evaluated by respondents in the field, was applied. The results of the study show that the total tourist potential of the Ibar cultural tourism zone is 0.756, which classifies it as an area with high potential. A substantial difference in grading can be noticed by comparing two groups of indicators. The value of the resource is 0.812, and the value of the development state is 0.700. The main value of the study is that for the first time, a model based on quantitative calculations is applied in order to determine the tourist potential of the Ibar cultural tourism zone monasteries. The study also highlights the advantages and disadvantages and contributes to better promotion and development of this area.

In this study, a tourism value assessment of the monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija, which are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger. The applied model consists of two groups of indicators (resource values and state of development) and seven sub-indicators, which were ranked and evaluated by respondents on site. The aim of the study is to assess and highlight the tourist values and potentials that could contribute to marketing, point out the shortcomings and opportunities for further development and protection. The model was first applied for the valorization of the monastery, which due to the lack of legal protection, governance and political insecurity can become the subject of research performed by experts from various fields.

The municipality of Kursumlija is located in the South of Serbia, encompassing the area of 952 km². According to the census from 2011, it is inhabited by 19,213 people. During the last decades, the municipality is facing the rapid decrease in the number of inhabitants, caused by natural and social factors. The manuscript analyzes the demographic changes reflected in the migration and structure of population in the period after 1948, along with the beginning of the industrial development, to 2011, when the municipality experienced the crash of economy. The analysis established that the municipality of Kursumlija became emigrational area, especially after the closure of large industrial facilities which were the pillars of development. The young ones and those able for work were forced to leave their hearths, in search for employment and survival. All the settlements of Kursumlija were included in the negative demographic processes reflected in the constant decrease of population. Big problem was also the intensity of inhabitants' ageing, and lessening of the percentage of young ones, which points out that the municipality is in the phase of the deepest demographic age. The worrying fact is that the tendency of the population rate decrease in the settlements of Kursumlija 'municipality is prolonged.

Serbia is a country rich in geoheritage with eighty geomorphological sites now under protection. Although a canyon, the site of Devil’s Town is a unique geomorphological site in Serbia and deserves special attention. The geotouristic values of Devil's Town were assessed based on the analysis of its present state and comparison with three similar and nearby geosites on the Balkan Pennisula (the Sand Pyramids in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Stob and Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria). The assessment was performed using a ‘modified geosite assessment model’ (M-GAM), which includes estimation of the main indicators and sub-indicators. Devil's Town has an average level of major and additional values. Indicators show that this geosite has great tourist, scientific and aesthetic value, as well as enough space for improving the ecological and functional values, as a basis for the development of tourism. Devil's Town displays a higher touristic value than the Sand pyramids and slightly lower than the Stob pyramids. However, in comparison with the Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria, its touristic value is significantly lower. This study could serve as a guide for managing development strategies concerning decision-making and engagement in tourism of the analysed geosite, addressing the needs of modern tourists.

Serbia is a country rich in geoheritage with eighty geomorphological sites now under protection. Although a canyon, the site of Devil’s Town is a unique geomorphological site in Serbia and deserves special attention. The geotouristic values of Devil’s Town were assessed based on the analysis of its present state and comparison with three similar and nearby geosites on the Balkan Pennisula (the Sand Pyramids in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Stob and Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria). The assessment was performed using a ‘modified geosite assessment model’ (M-GAM), which includes estimation of the main indicators and sub-indicators. Devil’s Town has an average level of major and additional values. Indicators show that this geosite has great tourist, scientific and aesthetic value, as well as enough space for improving the ecological and functional values, as a basis for the development of tourism. Devil’s Town displays a higher touristic value than the Sand pyramids and slightly lower than the Stob pyramids. However, in comparison with the Melnik Earth pyramids in Bulgaria, its touristic value is significantly lower. This study could serve as a guide for managing development strategies concerning decision-making and engagement in tourism of the analysed geosite, addressing the needs of modern tourists.

Abandoned mines can pose a major environmental hazard. At the beginning of the 21st century, significant steps were taken all around the world in order to protect these historically valuable complexes, and the mining heritage was recognized as a potential for the development of alternative tourism. This exploration covers mines in the Kopaonik Mountain area. Mining on this mountain began in ancient times. It has developed throughout history, and today only one mine is active. Three abandoned (Gvozdac, Suvo Rudi&scaron, te and Raičeva Gora) and one active mine (Belo Brdo-Zaplanina) are the subject of research. The basic aim of the research is twofold. The estimation of geo-tourist values was performed using the Geosite Assessment Model (GAM), and the ecological status assessment WAS performed according to the standard model based on negative and positive values. Based on the applied methods, it was concluded that mines (geosites) have a high level of natural characteristics, and that differences between geosites are evident in tourist values. The reason for this is insufficient tourist affirmation and the insufficient availability of tourist infrastructure. With the ecological status, positive values were observed on the geosites, which also differ from one (Raičeva Gora) to 15 points (Gvozdac). In the end, the results obtained are of great scientific importance, and their direct application is in the development of the Tourism Development Strategy in the Kopaonik area.

After the war in 1999, Kosovska Mitrovica located in the north of Kosovo, became a part of the group of politically and ethnically divided cities. The process of division began in June 1999 when Serbs from the parts located south of the Ibar River were forced to flee. In the following years, antagonism between local Albanians and Serbs intensified. Since 2000, the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica and later the whole municipality has been developing rapidly, becoming an administrative, educational and cultural centre for the Serbian community in Kosovo. In accordance with arrangements of the Brussels Agreement (2013), two municipalities and two settlements emerged: North Mitrovica with Serb majority and South Mitrovica with Albanian majority. The Ibar River is a natural boundary of the two cities. This study deals with the causes and the consequences of the splitting of Kosovska Mitrovica, which has been developing into two separate (parallel) cities since the beginning of the twenty-first century. Spatial divisions of post-war development of the Kosovska Mitrovica’s urban space are discussed in their symbolic, ethno-demographic and institutional dimensions.

In the Kopaonik tourist region of Serbia, there are numerous thermal-mineral (TM) springs with an outlet temperature which ranges from 21 to 78.7 °C. The main objective of the study is to determine the capacities, thermal power and energy potential of 19 TM springs in 4 spas of this region. This study supports the hypothesis that in the Kopaonik tourist region, TM springs have considerable capacity, as well as heat power and energy potential. The modern method for determining the energy potential and heat power, based on the flow rate, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the TM springs, was applied in the region with rich geothermal sources, and the obtained results were converted to the fossil fuel energy. The research of the given region, using the above method, is more detailed than the previous research carried out at the national level, so the results are more reliable and suggest that similar research should be carried out at the regional and local level. The estimated total heat energy is 758.51 TJ/year, and heat power (capacity) is 24.1 MWt. The TM springs of this region make up 9.06% of the estimated geothermal energy of Serbia and 7.53% of the estimated heat power. The total energy of this region is equivalent to 210697222.3 kW/h (210.7 GWh) or 18116.7 toe and represent significant energy saving potential. The results indicate the possibility of direct use of energy from TM spring and replacement of fossil fuels, which reduces CO2 emissions and positively affects the quality of the environment. The use of geothermal energy will reduce heating costs and ensure electricity supply due to the growing need for it.

The settlements along the administrative line in Serbia towards Kosovo and Metohija had a very turbulent demographic changes in the past. These changes have influenced the present. In this paper we investigated the depopulation process of this area which is intensified with the political instability, social and economic changes. The main goal of this research was to analyze the causes and effects in the reduction of the number of inhabitants, as well as the possibility of revitalizing the rural settlements of a given area. To obtain the desired results, we analyzed the existing literature and statistical data, used comparative and historical methods as well as implemented the field surveys. The application of the SWOT analysis to the researched area have showed us the strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats that can effect the process of revitalization of the village.

The following the average and extreme values of climatic elements, specific climatic indices and field research, we can select three climatic types in Kosovo and Metohija - the altered Mediterranean, continental and mountainous type. The altered Mediterranean type is present in southern and western Metohija, to be specific, it affects the Prizren Field, the Suva Reka and Orahovac Valley as well as the right bank of the Beli Drim from Pećka Bistrica to the Serbia - Albania border. Gradually and practically unnoticeably, it transforms itself into a moderate continental type which dominates over the remaining valley and mountainous parts of Kosovo. It affects parts of northern Metohija, Drenica and the entire Kosovo valley along with smaller sidelong dells - Malo Kosovo and Kosovsko Pomoravlje. Because of their exquisite heights, the mountains that complete the Kosovo Metohija Valley have a specific climatic type, at their lower slopes it is sub - mountainous and at the higher ones it is typically mountainous. Within these climatic types, several climatic sub regions are present. Their frontiers are not precise or sharp. Rather, their climatic changes are gradual and moderate from one sub-region to the other.

With the formulation of tourism development strategies for the social and economic development of an area, rural tourism moved to a more complex phase of development. Numerous empirical studies have shown that different forms of rural tourism can have positive and negative effects on the natural and socio-economic context in the area where they are present. There are several methodologies for assessing the development of tourism in rural areas. One of the efficient and commonly used tools in preliminary decision-making phases and a precursor to strategic planning is SWOT analysis, which allows the identification of the best strategy that maximizes strengths and opportunities, and minimizes weaknesses and threats. In this study, a survey was conducted using the method of selecting respondents in order to diagnose the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects with a focus on strengths and weaknesses in rural settlements in the area of National Park (NP) Kopaonik and its protection zone. Through the SWOT analysis, based on the attitudes of the local population, defined twenty indicators that determine the Sustainable Rural Development Index (SRDI). Research has shown that in area, the influence factor in strengths is higher in relation to the weaknesses, while the influence factor in opportunities is higher than in threats. The final result of the SRDI (0.63), shows that the current development of tourism is within the limits of sustainability and contributes to the sustainable development of rural settlements. The results of the research are the basis for the development of the strategy for future development of tourism in the research area.

In the relatively small area of the National Park (NP) „Kopaonik“ a lot of exogenous and endogenous processes took part and continue to act until present day. In this paper are presented the geotouristic resources evaluation results for six geosites in the NP „Kopaonik“. The experts on this field gave their assessment in three versions. The first one is concerned with the evaluation of the educative contents, the second one is concerned with the evaluation of geotouristic values, while the third version, which is based on the Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM) offers the assessment regarding education, aesthetic significance, protection, functional and touristic values. The M-GAM method takes in consideration the opinion of visitors along with the estimation of subindicators given by experts, on whom relies the previous two versions. The include of visitors in the evaluation process leads to more objective estimations. Results obtained by this study can be useful for the improvement and planning of touristic activities on geosites because, bearing in mind their significance for the tourists, they indicate on the lower values that require more attention in the future.

There are, in Serbia, 240 geo-thermal areas, of which 60 host commercial spas. Most are found in the southern edge of the Pannonian Basin in the west and south-east of the country. Of these, the highest and one of the more potentially important spas is the Lukovska Spa, the subject of this paper. The study uses spatial modelling based on indices of attractiveness of geographical and touristic attributes to determine the attractiveness of Lukovska as a spa destination, and to indicate ways in which it might be managed.