2026-07-17T06:35:10.706Z http://ezaposleni.singidunum.ac.rs/rest/sciNaucniRezultati/oai

ezaposleni.singidunum.ac.rs/rest/sciNaucniRezultati/oai:2:12109 2026-07-14T21:23:54Z 2

Crossroads of change: the role of degrowth in shaping sustainable destination development 2026 http://ezaposleni.singidunum.ac.rs/rest/sciNaucniRezultati/oai/record/2/12109 https://periodicos.uninove.br/podium/article/view/28507 A. Vujko M. Knežević M. Arsić Objectives: This study examines the potential applicability of degrowth principles to the sustainable development of tourism in Kopaonik, Serbia, with a particular focus on sustainability, equity, and resilience. Drawing on the example of Bohinjska Bistrica, Slovenia, the research investigates which tourism practices and development approaches may contribute to a more sustainable and community-oriented tourism model in Kopaonik. Particular attention is given to destination diversification, local community involvement, and long-term destination viability. Methodology/Approach: The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods. It includes interviews with 69 hotel managers in Kopaonik and Bohinjska Bistrica, and a survey of 387 tourists in Bohinjska Bistrica. Factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling are used to examine tourist motivations and identify differences in sustainability practices and community involvement between the two destinations. Originality/Relevance: This is one of the first studies to explore the potential of degrowth-oriented tourism in a major Serbian mountain resort. By comparing Kopaonik with Bohinjska Bistrica, it offers practical insights into how sustainable tourism models from similar European destinations can be adapted to the Serbian context. Main Results: Hotel managers in Kopaonik emphasize the need for sustainable practices and diversification into wellness and cultural tourism. Tourists in Bohinjska Bistrica value Authentic, Sustainable, and Meaningful travel, suggesting strong potential for Kopaonik to follow a similar path. Theoretical and Methodological Contributions: The study contributes to degrowth and sustainable tourism theory while demonstrating the value of integrating qualitative insights with SEM. It provides a replicable model for assessing tourism transformation in mountain and rural destinations. article https://doi.org/10.5585/2026.28507 15 2 1 25 2316-932X PODIUM Sport, Leisure and Tourism Review