Tourism potential of the Western Serbian lakes

Abstract

Western Serbia boasts a hilly landscape and rich natural and cultural heritage, enriched by its hydrographic network of rivers and artificial lakes. While the lakes are mainly used as water management facilities, recently their coastal areas have been improved to promote tourism, turning the lakes into tourist attractions. Their tourist valorisation is therefore essential for water-based tourism development and its integration with other forms of tourism. This paper analyzes the current state, development opportunities, and preservation of the observed area through planning documents and legislation. Spatial Plans in Serbia have a key role as the mechanism for the improvement and protection of the lakes. They contribute to the preservation of natural resources while creating added value through tourism. The emphasis of this paper is on a detailed review of the spatial plans aimed at preserving and protecting the lakes’ potential, identifying, and minimizing negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems, as well as encouraging the development of activities compatible with natural resources and goods. The biggest challenge is planning and developing tourism within protected areas. While stimulating the economy and benefiting the local communities, dense tourism could also harm ecosystems and the spatial balance. Improving the coastal areas of lakes and developing tourist infrastructure can significantly increase attractiveness, but it is vital to simultaneously preserve natural resources. Balancing economic development with the protection of natural values to ensure their long-term sustainability is both a challenge and a necessity. Planning tourism development and involving the local population in it can be important steps in that direction.