Water quality assessment of the Borska Reka river using the WPI (Water Pollution Index) method

The Borska Reka river (47 km long, 373 km2 of basin area) is located in eastern Serbia and it is the biggest tributary of the river Veliki Timok. It is also one of the most polluted watercourses in Serbia. Using the data of the Republic Hydrometeorological Service of Serbia, the paper analyzes water pollution using the combined physical-chemical WPI index (water pollution index) over two periods: 1993-1996 and 2006-2009. The analysis of parameters showed significantly increased values of heavy metals (especially iron and manganese) which are indicators of inorganic pollution (primarily because of mining), but also increased values of organic pollution indicators (Biological Oxygen Demand-BOD5, ammonium, coliform germs), as the result of uncontrolled domestic wastewater discharge

THERMAL SPRINGS AND HEALTH TOURISM – THE ANALYSIS OF THE METEOROLOGICAL PARAMETERS

In the modern conditions of tourism development, thermal springs are widely presented as they perform recreational functions. Thermal springs are becoming popular tourist attractions in Russia, while their concentration on Russian territory is rather uneven. In comparison with other countries, where thermal springs play a leading role and represent a dynamically growing recreational and tourist segment, in Russia this segment is still an insignificant part of national tourism. In our research, we studied natural conditions of the territories where thermal springs are located, as well as their quality and convenience for people. We also analyzed the regime of meteorological parameters of the territories of thermal springs located in the Ural Federal District for the period 2015-2017. The analysis of the territory showed that the most comfortable climatic conditions are the characteristic of the southwestern part of the district, which comprises the thermal springs located in the Chelyabinsk region and Sverdlovsk region

Tourism attractions: Key elements of tourism resource base

Nesporno je da teoretska misao u turizmu zaostaje iza narasle turističke prakse. Da bi se taj jaz smanjio, teoretski rad u turizmu mora se u intenzivirati i kontinuirano preispitivati, radi naučne objektivnosti i usavršavanja. U tom cilju, neophodno je punu pažnju posvetiti analizi i preciznom tumačenju bitnih pojmova koji su sastavni deo operative turističkog razvoja ali i predmet naučno- istraživačkog rada. U ovom radu analizira se kompleksna struktura turističke resursne osnove, pri čemu su u fokusu razmatranja dva važna pojma za teoriju i praksu turističkog razvoja - turistički resursi i turističke atrakcije. Izvršena je analiza njihovog značenja, međusobnog odnosa i razlika, korišćenjem osnovnih principa turizmoloških istraživanja i uz kritički osvrt na različite stavove i pristupe odnosnoj problematici savremenih teoretičara turizma. Adekvatno tumačenje, uspostavljanje korelacije i distinkcije između turistički relevantnih pojmova, podrazumeva veliku odgovornost i obavezu turizmologa, turističkih geografa, ekonomista i drugih eksperata u oblasti turizma, kako bi oni svojim radom dali doprinos jačanju teoretske misli u turizmu, utičući adekvatno na sve razvijeniju turističku praksu.There is no doubt that theory of tourism lags behind increased tourism practice. In order to decrease such gap, theoretical work in tourism must be intensified and permanently reconsidered in future period. Consequently, it is necessary to pay attention to complex analysis and explicit interpretation of important notions that are integral parts of tourism practice, as well as objects of scientific investigations. The subject of this paper is analysis of complex structure of tourism resource base. Specially are focused two relevant tourism notions - tourist resources and tourist attractions (tourist motives). Analysis of their meaning, interrelationship and differences is made, relying on basic tourismological principles and critical review of contemporary experts opinions in this domain. Correct interpretation, setting the correlation and distinction between tourism relevant notions, at the same time require great responsibility and duty of tourismologists, tourism geographers, economists and other experts in the field of tourism to contribute to strengthening of tourism theory, adequately influencing on growing tourism practice

Turističke atrakcije - ključni elementi turističke resursne osnove

There is no doubt that theory of tourism lags behind increased tourism practice. In order to decrease such gap, theoretical work in tourism must be intensified and permanently reconsidered in future period. Consequently, it is necessary to pay attention to complex analysis and explicit interpretation of important notions that are integral parts of tourism practice, as well as objects of scientific investigations. The subject of this paper is analysis of complex structure of tourism resource base. Specially are focused two relevant tourism notions - tourist resources and tourist attractions (tourist motives). Analysis of their meaning, interrelationship and differences is made, relying on basic tourismological principles and critical review of contemporary experts opinions in this domain. Correct interpretation, setting the correlation and distinction between tourism relevant notions, at the same time require great responsibility and duty of tourismologists, tourism geographers, economists and other experts in the field of tourism to contribute to strengthening of tourism theory, adequately influencing on growing tourism practice.Nesporno je da teoretska misao u turizmu zaostaje iza narasle turističke prakse. Da bi se taj jaz smanjio, teoretski rad u turizmu mora se u intenzivirati i kontinuirano preispitivati, radi naučne objektivnosti i usavršavanja. U tom cilju, neophodno je punu pažnju posvetiti analizi i preciznom tumačenju bitnih pojmova koji su sastavni deo operative turističkog razvoja ali i predmet naučno- istraživačkog rada. U ovom radu analizira se kompleksna struktura turističke resursne osnove, pri čemu su u fokusu razmatranja dva važna pojma za teoriju i praksu turističkog razvoja - turistički resursi i turističke atrakcije. Izvršena je analiza njihovog značenja, međusobnog odnosa i razlika, korišćenjem osnovnih principa turizmoloških istraživanja i uz kritički osvrt na različite stavove i pristupe odnosnoj problematici savremenih teoretičara turizma. Adekvatno tumačenje, uspostavljanje korelacije i distinkcije između turistički relevantnih pojmova, podrazumeva veliku odgovornost i obavezu turizmologa, turističkih geografa, ekonomista i drugih eksperata u oblasti turizma, kako bi oni svojim radom dali doprinos jačanju teoretske misli u turizmu, utičući adekvatno na sve razvijeniju turističku praksu

Turističke atrakcije - ključni elementi turističke resursne osnove

There is no doubt that theory of tourism lags behind increased tourism practice. In order to decrease such gap, theoretical work in tourism must be intensified and permanently reconsidered in future period. Consequently, it is necessary to pay attention to complex analysis and explicit interpretation of important notions that are integral parts of tourism practice, as well as objects of scientific investigations. The subject of this paper is analysis of complex structure of tourism resource base. Specially are focused two relevant tourism notions - tourist resources and tourist attractions (tourist motives). Analysis of their meaning, interrelationship and differences is made, relying on basic tourismological principles and critical review of contemporary experts opinions in this domain. Correct interpretation, setting the correlation and distinction between tourism relevant notions, at the same time require great responsibility and duty of tourismologists, tourism geographers, economists and other experts in the field of tourism to contribute to strengthening of tourism theory, adequately influencing on growing tourism practice.Nesporno je da teoretska misao u turizmu zaostaje iza narasle turističke prakse. Da bi se taj jaz smanjio, teoretski rad u turizmu mora se u intenzivirati i kontinuirano preispitivati, radi naučne objektivnosti i usavršavanja. U tom cilju, neophodno je punu pažnju posvetiti analizi i preciznom tumačenju bitnih pojmova koji su sastavni deo operative turističkog razvoja ali i predmet naučno- istraživačkog rada. U ovom radu analizira se kompleksna struktura turističke resursne osnove, pri čemu su u fokusu razmatranja dva važna pojma za teoriju i praksu turističkog razvoja - turistički resursi i turističke atrakcije. Izvršena je analiza njihovog značenja, međusobnog odnosa i razlika, korišćenjem osnovnih principa turizmoloških istraživanja i uz kritički osvrt na različite stavove i pristupe odnosnoj problematici savremenih teoretičara turizma. Adekvatno tumačenje, uspostavljanje korelacije i distinkcije između turistički relevantnih pojmova, podrazumeva veliku odgovornost i obavezu turizmologa, turističkih geografa, ekonomista i drugih eksperata u oblasti turizma, kako bi oni svojim radom dali doprinos jačanju teoretske misli u turizmu, utičući adekvatno na sve razvijeniju turističku praksu

Residents' perception toward protected areas: Carska Bara Special Nature Reserve (Vojvodina, Serbia)

The research was carried out in the villages of the buffer zone and the close environment of the Ramsar site 'Stari Begej - Carska Bara' Special Nature Reserve, in the Serbian part of Banat. The survey method was used to establish the local population's attitude towards the impact of area protection on their life quality and the degree of cooperation with the managing body. A total of 393 adults were surveyed, which accounted for 5.34% of the total adult population of the studied area (fve villages). In order to provide opinions from all stakeholders, the managing body was also asked to respond to some of the questions. A comparison of the responses revealed a generally low level of dialogue and understanding between the two interested parties. The results indicate some differences in the degree of impact depending on the location of the villages, as well as the occupation of the respondents and their age

Image of Hajduks and Uskoks and its role in formation of traditional sports and games as intangible heritage of Ex-Yugoslav area

The history and cultural memory of hajduk's and uskok's movements in the Balkan territory are well-documented, and even became recognized as a part of tangible and intangible heritage through the Balkan region. The historical and cultural importance of those movements is mostly reflected in oral epic literature, toponomastics, and some local traditions and customs. The research aims to analyze the contexts of "hajduks and uskoks" heritage in the territory of former Yugoslavia (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro), and in particular, the reflections of cultural remains of those movements emphasized in oral traditions and traditional sports and games as intangible cultural heritage of the region. Special focus is placed on various traditional "hajduk games and skills" which were transmitted to the traditional sports events, and reflect great similarities on a regional level. This is confirmed by a comparison of selected events of the ex-Yugoslav area within different contexts. These events are perceived as part of living folk culture and sort of public memorialization of hajduk's and uskok's movements and historic battles, recently becoming a prospective element of intangible cultural heritage with international recognition (eg. Nevesinje Olympics, Alka of Sinj, Ljubičevo Equestrian Games, etc.). However, under the process of popularization and globalization, traditional folk sports and games became a sort of invented tradition under the process of commoditization and commercialization. The scopes and popularity of such sports events and traditions are limited and endangered, demanding more public attention, reaffirmation and support

Residents’ Perceptions of Tourism Impact on Community in National Parks in Serbia

The research involved a comparison of two case studies dealing with the perceptions of the local population to tourism. The effects and the control of tourism development were analyzed, as well as the availability of information on sustainable tourism and impact on the community in two national parks (NPs) in Serbia. The survey method was applied on a sample of 227 (NP Đerdap) and 210 (NP Tara) respondents. The survey results identified the strong positive perception of the presence of tourists among the two categories of respondents and also certain differences regarding economic benefits of tourism. Research also recognized a poor impact of tourism on the local community in terms of their knowledge and personal involvement. Education and employment in tourism industry were found to be strong factors affecting the residents’ perceptions. Some independent variables significantly predicted the level of local population’s support for tourism in both national parks (tourism impact on job creation, tourism impact on fostering a local culture, etc.). This comparative analysis provides inputs for directing future tourism programmes and devising a development policies adjusted to the needs of the local community

Utilization of geothermal springs as a renewable energy source: Vranjska Banja case study

Despite the significant natural potential, geothermal energy in Serbia has traditionally been used in balneology and recreation, while its share in the country’s total energy balance is almost negligible (0.05%). The present paper deals with the City Municipality of Vranjska Banja as a pioneer in the territory of Serbia in using geothermal energy for heating. The concept and methodology of the present research are directly related to the utilization of geothermal resources for district heating in the Vranjska Banja area. The presented analysis includes: determining the available amount of energy, identifying the energy needs of selected public facilities, and the estimation of investment necessary for energy utilization. A survey, combined with field research, is focused on four public facilities connected to the heating system relying on geothermal sources, as well as on two facilities that should be connected to the system in the next phases. The results show economic, ecological, and technological advantages of using geothermal heating systems, as well as the acceptable price of equipment maintenance. An economic assessment of the transition of one facility from the existing heating system to a system relying on geothermal energy has also been made. The analysis confirms the cost-effectiveness of using geothermal energy and reveals numerous ecological advantages (safe heating, absence of CO2 emission) over other energy sources