THE ROLE OF STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS IN LOCAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS AND METHODOLOGICAL INSIGHT INTO THE APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC TOOLS IN SERBIA

Snezana Maksimovic; Milorad Šolević; Vesela Vlašković; Aleksandra  Tornjanski

doi:10.59267/ekoPolj2601287M

Authors

Snezana Maksimovic Faculty of Business and Law, MB University, Teodora Drajzera 27, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9928-1292
Milorad Šolević Faculty of Business and Law, MB University, Teodora Drajzera 27, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7935-0558
Vesela Vlašković Faculty of Business and Law, MB University, Teodora Drajzera 27, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6573-1600
Aleksandra Tornjanski Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, The College of Tourism, Belgrade https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4362-3561

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59267/ekoPolj2601287M

Keywords:

strategic planning, local tourism, comparative analysis, VIKOR method, sustainable development

Abstract

This paper examines the alignment between local tourismdevelopment strategies and the current national strategyin Serbia, with a focus on the application of key strategicplanning tools. The purpose is to assess how effectivelylocal governments implement these tools and to whatextent their strategies reflect national priorities. The studyapplies comparative analysis to selected municipalitieswith adopted tourism strategies and includes a control casewithout such a document. The methodology incorporatesqualitative assessment and quantitative ranking usinga multi-criteria decision-making approach. The resultshighlight significant variations in the use of strategictools, limited institutional coordination, and the lackof monitoring mechanisms. The findings suggest thatexisting strategies often prioritize formal complianceover practical functionality. The paper concludes thatenhancing institutional capacity and participatoryplanning is essential for improving strategic outcomes. Itrecommends developing a more integrated and responsiveplanning framework to support sustainable tourism growthin Serbia.

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