Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 2, 67-78 DOI 10.1515/agta-2017-0007 Geoheritage and geotourism potential of the area (eastern )

* ALEKSANDAR ANTIĆ and NEMANJA TOMIĆ University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia (*Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected])

ABSTRACT The region of Homolje in Eastern Serbia represents an area rich with numerous geological and geomorphological features, especially karst formations which are excellent representatives of this area’s geodiversity. However, the geotourism potential of these geosites still remains fully unrevealed. In this paper we analyzed the most representative ones based mainly on their aesthetic value as well as their geotourism potential. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the geotourism potential of Homolje and to determine its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as well as interactions between them when it comes to tourism development. The results of the SWOT and TOWS analysis indicate that Homolje as a tourist destination possesses immense geotourism potential but is still in the exploration phase according to the Butler tourist cycle of destination evolution. Research results also identify four different strategies which can be applied as solutions for current problems and for further tourism development.

Key words: geoheritage, geotourism, SWOT analysis, TOWS analysis, Homolje, Eastern Serbia.

INTRODUCTION River to the west. The geomorphological unit of Homolje consists As a small geographical area in eastern of two parts: Žagubica Valley to the east Serbia, Homolje is an excellent and Krupaj-Krepoljin Valley to the west representative of rich natural heritage. (Prentović et al., 2016). Within this region there are numerous Research was mainly focused on the geosites with unique diversity, which can natural values of Homolje, but there is also provide authentic and unforgettable a great need to point out significant cultural experience to tourists. Such an environment uniqueness. Ethnographic elements possesses an outstanding opportunity certainly have their impact on the tourist regarding geotourism development. offer of Homolje. It is this impact that links This paper will provide an analysis of the cultural identity of the region with other geoheritage in the Homolje region and it tourist attractions and potentials that it will determine which aspects of geoheritage holds, such as natural, scientific, can be implemented for geotourism educational etc. The geoheritage of this area development. The Homolje area an mainly consists of a large number of irregular shape of a rectangle that is 35 km unexplored geosites which is one of the key long with its widest point of 26 km. It is issues in this paper related to geotourism surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. potential and development. Information Zvižd area is located in the north, Beljanica about these unexplored areas can be mostly mountain (1336m) is positioned to the obtained from local residents or through south, mountain top Crni vrh (1027m) in participation in mountain hikes with several the east, while the mountain Gornjak mountaineering associations. Current (825m) extends from the lower plains of the infrastructure development is at a very low,

© 2017 Aleksandar Antić and Nemanja Tomić. This is an open access article licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/). 67 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 2, 67-78 basic level, which significantly complicates have exceptional aesthetic value. Landscape road access to certain sites. This must be and nature in the region have a strong improved in the near future, so that any power of attraction for all nature lovers. It kind of development would be possible. It is this high aesthetic value that makes should also be noted that these natural Homolje a unique destination suitable for resources are often not recognized by local geotourism development. The existence of and regional tourism organizations. As good management and sustainable institutional holders of tourism promotion, development in the future should create these organizations are obliged to present conditions for growth and development of all tourist attractions and potentials in the all types of sustainable tourism, including best way possible. geotourism, as well as favorable conditions Geotourism is a relatively new for the application of geoconservation phenomenon based on an old idea and falls measures. within the category of special interest tourism. In simple words, geotourism represents the promotion and protection of STUDY AREA geological heritage through tourism with the help of education and interpretation The Homolje area is located in the karst (Tomić, 2016). At the end of the twentieth region of Eastern Serbia which is very rich century the concept of promotion and with numerous gorges, canyons, waterfalls, interpretation of geological diversity and springs, caves, pits and other karst geological heritage has been presented to a formations. These geosites are excellent much wider audience. In essence, representatives of this area’s geodiversity. geotourism represents a recognition process Among plenty of geosites, we analyzed the and giving a broader meaning to geosites most representative ones based mainly on which should further lead to better and their aesthetic value as well as their more efficient conservation of geoheritage geotourism potential. The analyzed geosites and geosites (Hose, 1997; Hose, 2005). (Figure 1) are described in the following Taking into consideration the original text. approach by Thomas Hose from the mid Gornjak gorge is a landmark that 1990's and by accepting the best aspects of indicates the entrance to Homolje and it is modern approaches and literature, Hose and located between the peaks Mali Vukan (752 Vasiljević (2012) presented this latest m) and Veliki Vukan (825 m) on the right definition of modern geotourism: “The side, and the peak Ježevac (675 m) on the provision of interpretative and service left side of the Mlava River which flows facilities for geosites and geomorphosites through the gorge. The terrain in this area is and their encompassing topography, made out of red sandstone, cretaceous together with their associated in situ and ex flysch and andesite of the Krepoljin zone. situ artefacts, to constituency-build for their In the basin of the Krupaj river, apart from conservation by generating appreciation, limestones, red sandstones are most learning and research by and for current and dominant. Further downstream, the basin is future generations.” made out of Neogene sediments, This main focus of our research is the represented by sandstones, clays and clay geoheritage of Homolje and how the marl (Manojlović et al., 2012). The road to features of some geosites can be used as a the peaks Mali Vukan, Veliki Vukan and tool for intensive development and growth Ježevac includes areas rich in forests, of geotourism. The aim is to present the wildlife and diverse flora. At the gorge potentials of specific geological heritage entrance, from the lower Mlava River, there resources, as well as to perform a detailed are remains of the medieval analysis of their quality. The observed sites metropolitanate, where 400 monks resided

68 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 1, 67-78 and wrote and copied scriptures. They meter high cascading waterfall. In the last belonged to the monastery and the few years the waterfall dries up in early famous Resavska school. summer. Downstream from the waterfall, gorge - The Osanica River 1.5 km away, on the hill above the right which passes through the settlement of bank of the Siga river stands Golubinje Osanica is the right tributary of the Mlava cave, a small cave but with an interesting river. It originates from several smaller speleotourism potential. The cave is in streams which arise below the Homolje walkable distance of about 80 meters. mountains. The Osanica Gorge is located Felješana forest has the status of a strict about 500 m upstream from the settlement nature reserve, and it is only 11 kilometers and it is protected as a natural monument away from . The area of the by the Institute for Nature Conservation of reserve is full of mountain beech, in which Serbia. The gorge covers the left and right some of the trees are 300 years old and over bank of the Osanica river in an area of 30 40 meters high. The reserve was first hectares, starting from the artificial dam protected in 1950. and since then it is state- built on the river. A rich variety of owned under the jurisdiction of the Faculty geomorphological formations, mainly karst of Forestry, University of Belgrade which and hydrology features from Palaeozoic, often organizes research expeditions in this Mesozoic and Cainozoic can be found area (www.zzps.rs). Impressive tourist throughout the area. The gorge itself is attractions in the Felješana forest are Gaura unique in this region as it contains 166 Ursuli karst, Danilo spring, Breza ridge and plant communities including relict canyon of the . dominant species, 22 bird species and 15 Picnic park Rajkovo and Lake Veliki mammal species (Mirković, 2003). Zaton- The main attraction in this picnic Mlava spring, or Žagubica spring is park is Rajkova cave. Rajkova cave can be located in northern Beljanica, on the top of reached by asphalt road, off the coast of Homolje valley, where Velika Tisnica river Mali river and the artificial lake Veliki flows out of the meander canyon and arises Zaton. From what is known so far, Rajko's into the valley. The system of Mlava spring cave corridors are over 2 kilometers long includes the basin of Žagubica lake and a and divided into a river and a dry horizon. submerged cave system. The Žagubica lake A concrete path leads through a large is 40 meters long and 35 meters wide. It has concert hall and hedgehogs hall. Then there a surface of 655 m2 and is located at a are the altar, arena waterfalls, winter's tale height of 325 meters (Petrović, 2002.). and the crystal hall. New reconstructions of Krupaj spring is a typical karst spring Rajkova cave connected the two horizons that flows from a cave. It surfaces in the so that visitors could have a circular tour. western side of Beljanica, at a height of 225 The present popularity of the cave opens up meters. The cave from which an a lot of opportunities for geotourism underground river rises is located on the top developement, given the significant natural of the short valley. The length of the valley potential in its immediate vicinity is 30 meters, while the width is 12-15 (Mirković, 2003). meters. At the exit of the valley local Feasibility study of tourism development residents built a stone dam (3 meters high) in the area Rajkovo in Majdanpek, which which flooded the valley and the cave was implemented by the company ’’Amber entrance (Petrović, 2002). Consulting’’, states that there are four areas Waterfall Siga is located 4 kilometers that need to be adequatly valorized for from the Ceremošnja cave. It is located tourism purposes. This potential tourist right beneath the spring of the Siga stream complex could be the main initiator for the which originates under a high karst section development of tourism in Majdanpek, as and then quickly descends, creating a 15 well as an indicator of regional

69 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 2, 67-78 development and growth of tourism in opportunities. It is necessary to Eastern Serbia. overcome weaknesses to be able to take advantage of some opportunities. 4. Mini - mini (WT). This strategy shows METHODOLOGY weaknesses in comparison to threats. It is extremely defensive strategy. The goal Our research was based on the is to minimize weaknesses and avoid bibliographical-speculative method in the threats. phase of defining the theoretical framework and the descriptive method during For TOWS analysis to perform processing and interpretation. The analysis successfully it is necessary to of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities systematically explore the internal and and threats (SWOT analysis) was also used external condition of the environment, in order to obtain more reliable results of define the information used in the analysis, the study. The results of the SWOT analysis as well as information used in the process were implemented in strategic and of identifying the key relationship between analytical analysis (TOWS analysis) that the environment variables. Only then helped in the process of identifying the competitive strategies could be carried out relationship between the strengths, (Božac, 2008). weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The Successful application of this matrix also provided the basis for methodology was also presented in the formulating strategies on these paper by Višnić and Began (2015) which relationships. dealt with the issues of geotourism in TOWS analysis represents a variation of Serbia. Although the study had some the SWOT analysis that identifies various limitations, it revealed that the two most factors and then binds them together frequently visited geosites in Serbia are (Božac, 2008). This analysis helped to Devil's Town and Cave, the latter determine the level of quality of these being located in eastern Serbia. The same geosites, as well as possibilities for their methodology was also applied by several implementation in the geotourist offer of Iranian researchers (Farsani et al, 2012; Homolje. Tavallaei et al., 2012; Entezari & SWOT analysis enables the development Aghaeipour, 2014) for determining the of strategies within the TOWS analysis. geotourism potential as well as the data Strategies inside the TOWS analysis are analysis and presentation of geotourism based on a suitable combination of factors development strategies in several regions. that represent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. TOWS analysis contains four strategies: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 1. Maxi - maxi (SO). This strategy is focused on strengths and opportunities. Today the concept of landscape is related It explains how strengths can be used for to the various fields and aspects of cultural the realization of certain opportunities. assets. It is, in fact, a sort of fundamental 2. Maxi - mini (ST). This strategy shows notion, which confers new value and strengths in relation to threats (eg. character on the relationships between fromcompetitors). Basically the nature and history, man and territory. In management should strive to use all these terms a landscape can be considered resources in order to minimize threats or as the most complex and morphologically completely remove them. most extended and continuous cultural 3. Mini - maxi (WO). This strategy asset, since it contains and communicates demonstrates weaknesses in relation to messages and values with which everybody

70 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 1, 67-78 can identify. The observation phase is the (Fig. 1) which are of great importance for first step in understanding a tourism in this area. as they are the best for landscape.Therefore, the concept of the development and promotion of landscape takes on a social dimension and geotourism in this region and are among the can be proposed as an object of study with most visited tourist sites in Homolje. From strong educational implications, especially Table 1., it can be concluded that Homolje for constructing a new relationship between offers authentic natural values, which are man and nature. Geomorphological features generally protected by the state or some are among the most widespread and kind of local protection. The preservation of spectacular physical aspects of a landscape: natural resources, high level of landscape a gorge, a mountain peak, a sea cliff and and aesthetic value, popularity of Rajkova many more have always exerted high cave and unique hydrological properties of interest and appeal on account of their Krupaj and Mlava springs represent the scenic component. Nevertheless, these are most important aspects when it comes to not the only attributes, which should confer the strengths of this destination. On the value on landscape elements, but also other other hand, lack of promotion, poor less subjective and more lasting merits development of alternative forms of linked to the more general meaning of tourism, minimum investment in cultural heritage (Panizza and Piacente, infrastructure and the nonexistence of a 2008). complete geotourist offer are the main The analyzed natural resources are weaknesses of Homolje as a tourist located in eastern Serbia, in the Homolje destination. region. They include seven geosites The best opportunities for tourism

Fig. 1 Geosites in the Homolje region

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Tab. 1 SWOT analysis

Description 1. Unique natural potentials (hydrological characteristics of Mlava Internal Strengths spring and Krupaj spring, extraordinary representativeness of condition the Siga waterfall, flora and fauna inside of the Felješana forest and geomorhological characteristics of Rajko’s cave); 2. Attractive landscapes of Gornjak gorge and Osanica gorge; 3. High level of aesthetic values of all geosites; 4. Preserved environment; 5. All geosites are relatively close; 6. Popularity of Rajko’s cave; 7. National protection within most of the geosites; 8. The existence of interpretive panels and road signs; 9. The existence of the local support in terms of rural hospitality and traditional cuisine. 1. Insufficient and poor quality promotion of the local tourism Weaknesses organizations; 2. Insufficient implementation of the basic principles of sustainability and environmental protection; 3. Lack of investments in tourism and infrastructure of the receptive centers; 4. Lack of investments in traffic infrastructure; 5. Not developing environmental awareness; 6. Homolje is not well recognized in the tourism market; 7. Alternative forms of tourism are not developing in this area; 8. Lack of geotourist offers for active holiday. 1. Exploiting the popularity of Rajko's cave for the sake of External Opportunities increasing the tourist traffic; condition 2. Mlava spring and Krupaj spring as one consolidated tourist offer; 3. Organizing tours to Ceremošnja and Ravništarka (explore the two caves and waterfall Siga); 4. Organizing tours to Osanica (explore the Osanica gorge and waterfall of the Osanica river); 5. Business networking of local tourist individual organizations and active mountaineering associations, due to increase tourism traffic and tourism revenue of Homolje; 6. More professional and responsible management for the sake of preservation and quality control; 1. Unfavorable economic and political situation in the country and Threats the world; 2. Lack of interest of the local authorities; 3. Tourism competition is currently strong for Homolje; 4. Not developing ecological awareness; 5. Non-existence of local action plan for sustainable development; 6. Non-existence of national awareness about the natural potentials and opportunities for development in this area. development in Homolje are the first steps towards geotourism development. aforementioned geosites. However, firstly it For example, Ceremošnja cave and is necessary for tourist organizations to Ravništarka cave are located in the cooperate with travel agencies and active immediate vicinity of the Siga waterfall. hiking and mountaineering associations in These sites hold a crucial potential for order to increase the number of tourists. geotourism development in the Combining certain geosites into one unique municipality of Kučevo and would certainly offer is also quite significant as one of the assist in the development of tourism in the

72 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 1, 67-78 whole area and it is best to offer them as a also mentioned in this strategy as a combined and unique product on the potential focus of some geotours. tourism market. Moreover, the popularity of Modernization of roads, road signs and Rajkova cave can be used for the sake of interpretive panels is also included in the strengthening the excursion tourism at strategy. A very important aspect of this Rajko picnic park, which has significant strategy is the process of identifying natural and anthropogenic potentials (lake Homolje as a potential candidate for Veliki Zaton, ski center and Rajko obtaining the status of a geopark. Geopark meadows). In terms of threats, Homolje has advantages are numerous and very a very strong competition. Current important. The process is very complex and development of , , demanding, but in the case of Homolje and other mountainous regions negatively quite realistic. According to Dowling and affects the tourist numbers in Homolje. On Newsome (2006) geoparks are a fairly the other hand, Homolje possesses a large recent development that are particularly number of natural sites with great tourism focusing on geotopes of regional and potential, however they still remain national geoscientific importance. They can unexplored and mostly unknown to a wider be seen as instruments to coordinate the audience. Unfavorable economic and many stakeholders towards the common political situation in the country and the purpose of regional sustainable region also has its impact on tourism in this development. In this way Homolje would part of Serbia. The nonexistence of a become an attractive and unique destination management plan for the sustainable with a variety of geotourist attractions. development of Homolje also presents a The second strategy indicates the major problem and falls within the category correlation between strengths and threats. of threats in the analysis. One of the main threats is related to the Although Homolje does not have geopark human factor. This strategy emphasizes the status, it represents an area where there is need for high-quality, educated and potential for this in the future. A Geopark professional staff that will work on represents a territory where protection and improvement of tourism in the given promotion of geological heritage is circumstances. It also includes building combined with sustainable local several tourist information centers and the development (Farsani et al., 2011). For the foundation of the Tourist Organization of sake of sustainability, tourism management Eastern Serbia which would be in charge of of Homolje and local authorities should put tourist promotion of Homolje and entire into effect an action plan with strategic eastern Serbia. effects. This way it is possible for a The third strategy is focused on the destination to have continuous growth and connection between weaknesses and development of tourism with the minimal opportunities of this destination. use of resources. Weaknesses must be eliminated in order to By applying the TOWS analysis, four take advantage of some opportunities. The strategies (Tab. 2) for the improvement of strategy draws attention to the unstable the Homolje tourist offer were developed. cooperation among certain tourism The proposed strategic guidelines represent organizations and hospitality companies. the first step towards successful and Successful internal collaboration is needed profitable management of Homolje as a in order to enable a quality stay for tourists tourist destination. at Homolje. In addition to improving The first strategy, which links strengths internal cooperation it is also necessary to and opportunities, indicates the necessary adopt tourism projects, implement basic integration of geosites into one geotourist principles of sustainability and manage the offer. Specific hydrological features are development of environmental awareness.

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Tab. 2 TOWS analysis Internal condition

Strengths Weaknesses

SO strategy: maxi- maxi WO strategy: mini- maxi  Establishing geotourism (integration of all  Improving internal cooperation between geosites); tourism institutions and hospitality companies;  Creating geotours featuring hydrology (Mlava spring, Krupaj spring, waterfall  More active promotion of geosites and Siga and waterfall of the Osanica river); geotourism;  Modernization of road signs and  Applying the basic principles of interpretative panels; sustainability;

 Promoting local hospitality and traditional  Developing ecological awareness. Opportunities cuisine;

 Identification of Homolje as a potential candidate for receiving the status of geopark; ST strategy: maxi- mini WT strategy: mini- mini  The introduction of professional and  Maximum use of existing natural resources appropriate educational personnel to the and with minimal harm to the most efficient tourism industry of Homolje; manner; Externalcondition  Infrastructure investments for the sake of  Developing alternative forms of tourism,

road improvement, construction of new such as sustainable tourism, geotourism,

units, construction of bicycle and ecotourism, mountain tourism, camping pedestrian paths; tourism and others;

Threats  Setting several tourist information centers  Modernization of roads and other within Homolje; infrastructural units;  Foundation of the Tourist Organization of  More professional and active connection Eastern Serbia that would incorporate all between the tourist organizations through the attractiveness and potentials of the the integration of tourist activities featuring area and promote Homolje as an important nature and culture. destination.

The fourth strategy is related to products, new jobs and new recreational weaknesses and threats. This is a defensive activities. These recreational activities are strategy that involves eliminating often related to the topography and geology weaknesses and avoiding threats as much as of the scientific and educational nature, possible. The strategy includes the which enables the connection of this type of maximum use of natural resources for the tourism with school field trips, science purpose of tourism, with minimal harm. It camps and the like. Within the Homolje includes the development of geotourism as region there are many rural areas, which an alternative form of growth and hold a large number of natural and development of tourism. Furthermore, the anthropogenic tourist potentials. Geosites strategy is focused on modernization of presented in this paper are a valid infrastructure and linking local tourism representatives of these values. Research organizations for the sake of integrating has shown that the geoheritage of Homolje tourist activities that feature nature and has great potential, which is unused and culture. under-researched. Quality tourist The economic importance of geotourism valorization of these geosites could enable for local communities is adequately economic development of local presented in the study of Farsani, Coelho communities, while geoconservation could and Costa (2011). The authors state that lead to continuous preservation and geotourism is an emerging vision that improvement of the existing tourist sites. involves the creation of new tourism Geoconservation refers to active

74 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 1, 67-78 management. The main role of policies, partnerships with NGOs, training geoconservation is to maintain quality and and education, and equitable distribution of ensure that certain natural phenomena and tourism opportunities and revenues.As a processes occur at "normal" speed and by tool that brings empowerment to a the laws of nature, without being slowed community and sets a basis for sustainable down or sped up by human activities development, community-based mountain (Burek & Prosser, 2008). The tourism, then, suggests a highly responsible geoconservation concept also includes the form of tourism through which the tourist development of mechanisms and measures experience, environment and community that will enable the preservation of are all mutually benefited. Local geodiversity for future generations. This communities thus take a leadership role in primarily includes the inventory and the planning, decision making, management interpretation of geological diversity, and ownership of these mountain tourism creating tourist trails and pathways, projects. Policy makers have effectively publishing various publications, both assisted mountain communities by scientific and those intended for the general supporting local ownership and audience, maintaining geosites in good strengthening traditional stewardship roles condition and of course adequate toward mountain resources (Godde, 1999). presentation at visitor centers or museums To catch the attention of potential (Boškov et al., 2015; Tomić, 2016). geotourists, outcrops with spectacular The geoconservation and geotourism aims patterns should be promoted properly by need the support of several types of guides, brochures, special signs, on-line initiatives and products in order to achieve resources, etc. Such a classification will different target groups. The deliverables for facilitate the choice of objects suitable for management should be technical, though of such a promotion, and it will also indicate easy to understand and use by the natural on features that should be promoted. In this parks staff. The products for the public way, the approach “aesthetics first, geology should be designed according to the target second” may work well in support of the public, although simplified, attractive and necessary tourist flows to geosites and well-structured products can be understood geoparks (Mikhailenko et al., 2017). by different types of public even without According to Popesku (2011) one of the awareness of geomorphological heritage most widely accepted approach to the and geoconservation (Pereira et al., 2009). model of life cycle or the evolution of Given the fact that Homolje is a tourist destinations is by R.W. Butler mountainous region and that all geosites are (1980). According to this model, a tourist located near , it holds destination is passing through a cycle that potential for community-based mountain consists of six basic phases: exploration, tourism. This form of tourism represents involvement, development, consolidation, only a small fraction of the overall tourism stagnation and decline, rejuvenation or activity in mountain areas. In its ideal form, conversion. Based on the results of it is initiated and operated by local descriptive analysis, Homolje is positioned mountain communities in harmony with in the initial phase, or research phase in the their traditional culture and responsible Butler model (Fig. 2). This circumstance is stewardship of the land. It also works a result of the apparent lack of interest of toward balancing power within local authorities for the development of communities so that conservation and tourism in Eastern Serbia, which certainly communal well-being, not individual profit, requires a much larger and more important are emphasized. dedication. One of the main reasons for this Communities may be empowered through is political. People that are leading local supportive, arbitrating regional and national tourist organizations are quite often people

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Fig. 2 Modification of the Butler Tourist Cycle of Evolution Model that have no or very little knowledge about geoheritage potential of the Homolje the tourism industry. They are appointed as region, as well as prerequisites for the heads of tourism organizations simply development of geotourism in this area. Our based on their political merit and not on SWOT analysis presents the strengths, their expertise. They are usually not weaknesses, opportunities and threats of interested in making an effort and this tourist destination. The TOWS analysis contributing to further tourism included all measures, which are necessary development. This is one of the main for research, identification and eventual obstacles for further tourism development involvement of Homolje in the tourist not only in eastern Serbia, but throughout market. Displayed strategies are adequate the country as well. The first step towards solutions to the current condition and better tourism development would be to problems of the area. The study presented a employ people who actually have high level of tourism potential, both in knowledge and experience in the tourism terms of natural resources, and in terms of industry, regardless of their political views. anthropogenic values. By using the Better yet, local people who possess the strategies presented by the TOWS analysis, knowledge and actually wish to do the natural and anthropogenic values are something for their local communities, but highlighted, tourist potentials which can do not have the opportunity due to their create economic benefits are identified and political beliefs. This has proven to be the an ambiences which emphasizes geological, best solution and there are some geomorphological and archaeological municipalities in Serbia (for example, values is created. The main reason why Sombor and Zrenjanin) where this solution Homolje is a suitable territory for the has given good results. development of geotourism is the fact that there is a prominent diversity of geomorphological and hydrological CONCLUSION phenomena. However, according to our study analysis it can be concluded that this The purpose of this study is to show the destination is in the exploration phase. It is

76 Acta Geoturistica, vol. 8 (2017), nr. 1, 67-78 necessary to modernize road signs and Geosciences, vol. 7, 531-546. interpretive panels, develop and promote Božić, S., Tomić, N. and Pavić, D. (2014) Canyons as a potential geotourism attractions of Serbia– geoturs in the Homolje area, significantly comparative analysis of Lazar and canyons invest in infrastructure and hire skilled and by using M-GAM model. Acta Geoturistica, vol professional personnel with extensive 5, nr. 2, 18- 30. knowledge of geology, which will take into Burek, C.V. and Prosser, C.D. (2008) The history account the preservation and promotion of of geoconservation: an introduction. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, pp. 1-5. geological heritage of Homolje. When it Butler, R.W. (1980) The concept of the tourist area comes to geotourism development in other life-cycle of evolution: implications for parts of Eastern Serbia similar problems management of resources. Canadian Geographer, also occur. Extensive research of vol. 24, nr. 1, 5-12 geotourism potential in other areas of Dowling, R. and Newsome, D. (2006) Geotourism. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 260 p. Eastern Serbia has been done by several Entezari, M. and Aghaeipour, Y. (2014) other researchers (Tomić, 2011; Tomić & Evaluation of ecotourism and geotourism Božić, 2014; Marković et al., 2014; Božić potential of tourism Bisetoon by SWOT method. et al., 2014; Božić & Tomić, 2015; Tomić Research and Urban Planning, vol. 5, nr. 16, 75- et al., 2015) and the existing problems are 88. Farsani, N.T., Coelho, C. and Costa, C. (2011) almost always pretty much the same in Geotourism and geoparks as novel strategies for every case. socio‐economic development in rural areas. According to the strategy for tourism International Journal of Tourism Research, development of the republic of Serbia, our vol. 13, nr. 1, 68-81. country’s priority are tourism destinations Farsani, N.T., Coelho, C. and Costa, C. (2012) which do not require large investments. Geotourism and geoparks as gateways to socio- cultural sustainability in Qeshm rural areas, Iran. Since geotourism is a type of tourism which Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, does not require big investments it is ideal vol. 17, nr. 1, 30-48. and completely in accordance with the Godde, P. (1999) Community-based mountain tourism strategy of the Republic of Serbia. tourism: Practices for linking conservation with It is not a type of mass tourism and it can enterprise. Synthesis of an Electronic Conference, April 13- May 18, 1998. Mountain generate larger income with smaller Forum and The Mountain Institute. investments. The inclusion of the local Hose, T.A. (1997) Geotourism - Selling the earth to community is also a integral part of the Europe. In: Marinos, P.G., Koukis, G.C., geotourism concept and thus the Tsiambaos, G.C. & Stournass, G.C. (eds.) development of this type of tourism can be Engineering Geology and the Environment. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Balkema, 2955-2960. an important factor in the economic Hose, T.A. (2005) Geo-Tourism - Appreciating the development of rural areas in Serbia where deep side of landscapes. In: Novelli, M. (ed.) most of the geosites are located. Niche Tourism; contemporary issues, trends and cases, Elsevier Science, Oxford, UK, 27-37. Hose, T.A. and Vasiljević, Dj.A. (2012) Defining the Nature and Purpose of Modern Geotourism REFERENCES with Particular Reference to the United Kingdom and South-East Europe. Geoheritage, vol. 4, nr. Boškov, J., Kotrla, S., Tomić, N., Jovanović, M. 1-2, 25-43. and Rvović, I. (2015) Perspectives for Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, geotourism development in the Bela Crkva available at: http://www.zzps.rs (accessed date: municipality (Serbia). Acta Geoturistica, vol. 6, 16. April 2017). nr. 1, 1-10. Manojlović, P., Mustafić, S. and Mladenović, B. Božac, M.G. (2008) Swot analysis and tows matrix- (2012) Chemical and mechanical water erosion similarities and differences. Economic research, ratio in the Mlava River basin. Glasnik Srpskog vol. 21, nr. 1, 19-34. geografskog društva, vol. 92, nr. 1, 27-46. Božić, S. and Tomić, N. (2015) Canyons and gorges Marković, S.B., Korać, M., Mrđić, N., Buylaert, as potential geotourism destinations in Serbia: J-P., Thiel, C., McLaren, S.J., Stevens, T., comparative analysis from two perspectives – Tomić, N., Petić, N., Jovanović, M., Vasiljević, general geotourists’ and pure geotourists’. Open Dj.A., Sümegi, P., Gavrilov, M.B. and Obreht,

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