Bosnia and the destruction of cultural heritage

Located at numerous historical interfaces (i.e. between Eastern and Western Christendom, and between the Ottoman and Habsburg empires), Bosnia and Herzegovina boasts an exquisite cultural heritage, with a rich ethnic and religious diversity. Unlike other Yugoslav countries, Bosnia and Herzegovina was home to a demographic patchwork comprising three principal ethno-national/ethno-religious groups: Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims), Bosnian Croats (Roman Catholics) and Bosnian Serbs (Orthodox Christians). This proved to be the trigger point for a very aggressive race for territory and ethno-national exclusivism in Bosnia after the breakup of Yugoslavia. This, among other things, resulted in the systematic and deliberate destruction of cultural and religious heritage during the 1992–1995 Bosnian War

Book review: Challenges in Tourism Research by Tej Vir Singh

Tourism is very often viewed as either a “golden duck” or a “scapegoat”. The first expression suggests that tourism is often used for showing its economic potential when referred to as one of the largest industries in the world that brings numerous benefits to the host communities and where businesses, firms, services and workforce engage in serving tourists. It is commonly viewed as a primary source for sustainable development and well- being of communities, but also a means of personal growth for those who indulge in travelling and exploring the world outside their home environment. On the other hand, tourism it is often blamed for various negative impacts that come along with tourism development, such as environmental damage, seasonality burden, obstruction of cultural tradition and heritage, issues connected to carrying capacities etc

Branding of a (desti)nation with a deteriorated image: the case of Serbia

This paper offers insights into the differentiation between nation branding and destination branding and how important it is for the successful rebranding of a country with a deteriorated and negative image. It is on the case of Serbia that authors wish to demonstrate how a country engages in competitive marketing strategies in order to boost investments, exports and employment opportunities, but fails to develop a coherent nation branding platform at the highest strategic level. The literature review highlights the differences and relations between three concepts - place branding, nation branding and destination branding. The paper presents the results of the content analysis of key branding initiatives, followed by visual messages, developed and implemented by the Serbian Government and the National Tourism Organization of Serbia in the period from 1996 to 2016. The results are chronologically presented in the form of a discussion, establishing links between destination branding and nation branding practices in Serbia. The conclusion is that none of the branding initiatives have proved successful until now. This is predominantly due to the Government’s lack of understanding of the very concept of nation branding and it being mistaken for destination branding and tourism marketing. Current promotional efforts focus on presenting Serbia to internal and external stakeholders primarily as a tourist destination