108RESEARCH ON TOURISTS' ATTITUDES ON THE POTENTIAL OF GOC MOUNTAIN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-TOURISM
Snezana Milicevic1, Natasa Dordevic2, Zivana Krejic3, *Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]
ARTICLEINFO ABSTRACT
Goc Mountain has a wealth of natural resources, which represent the most important prerequisite for the development of ecotourism. However, the natural resources of this mountain are inadequately utilized for tourism. The aim of the research is to examine the views of tourists on the possibilities for the development of ecotourism on the mountain Goc, with a view to the more intensive tourist development of this mountain. Special attention is paid to the analysis of possibilities for expanding the existing tourist offer, additional attractive contents and activities, which would contribute to the greater competitiveness of this mountain in the ecotourism market. The survey method was used to collect primary data in the research and it included 174 respondents. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis showed that Goc Mountain has the potential for ecotourism development and that the construction of eco-accommodation facilities would contribute to the greater competitiveness of Goc Mountain.
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Introduction
Mountain Goc is located near the leading spa in Serbia, Vrnjacka Banja. The comparative advantage of Goc Mountain is reflected primarily in its natural predispositions. An ecologically preserved environment, characterized by distinct forestedness, natural landscapes and rich flora and fauna, distinguish Mountain Goc as still insufficiently explored and included in tourist flows (Podovac, Dordevic, Milicevic, 2018). Owing
1 Snezana Milicevic, Associate professor, University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjacka Banja, Vojvodanska 5A, 36210 Vrnjacka Banja, 036/5150024, snezana. [email protected], ORCID ID (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1972-9585)
2 Natasa Dordevic, Teaching assistant, University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjacka Banja, Vojvodanska 5A, 36210 Vrnjacka Banja, 036/5150024, [email protected] ORCID ID (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3630-6867)
3 Zivana Krejic, Assistant professor, Union University, Faculty of Business Studies and Law, Jurija Gagarina 149a, 11070 Novi Beograd, 066/9007878, [email protected], ORCID ID (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2490-5755)
Review Article Received: 31 October 2019 Accepted: 26 November 2019 doi:10.5937/ekoPolj2001223M UDC 338.486.41(497.11 Goc) Keywords:
Goc mountain, ecotourism, eco-accommodation, tourists attitudes
JEL: L83, Z32
to its natural features, first of all biodiversity conservation and forest communities, as well as the beauty of the countryside, favourable climate, richness of rivers and created values, Mountain Goc fully meets the requirements for protection as the Institute for Nature Conservation of Serbia, 2019). The whole area of the Goc Mountain is characterized by tourist potentials with dominant health and sports and recreational character, which unfortunately have not yet been adequately utilized. Existing natural resources should be a significant factor in the intensive tourism development of this mountain, with particular emphasis on the development of ecotourism.
In recent years, tourists have been coming to Goc Mountain in the summer when the main motive is exploring nature, walking through natural areas and relaxing in the clear mountain air. However, the tourist offer of this mountain is not sufficiently developed, and therefore not attractive to potential tourists, which is confirmed by tourist traffic. Mountain Goc recorded an extremely small number of tourists. In 2017, 8,350 tourists visited this mountain, including domestic tourists, who realized 46,265 overnight stays (Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, 2019).
Considering the strong impact on the environment and a wide range of positive and negative effects on rural communities, long-term sustainability of agricultural activities must be taken into account (Bokic, 2019). Each rural area has natural and anthropogenic values, which can serve as a basis for creating an attractive tourist product. However, particularly insisted on lately is ecology and sustainable development. Tourists of today want an environmentally friendly environment in which to spend their free time (Vukovic, Arsic, Cvijanovic, 2010; Milicevic, Podovac, Jovanovic, 2013). Ecotourism is a form of tourism that emphasizes natural and ecological attractions. This type of tourism aims at "returning to nature", learning about nature and respecting the connection between people and the country. It takes place in undisturbed natural areas and is a form of tourism that seeks to protect the environment, improve the quality of life of the local population, and educate tourists (Milicevic, Stetic, 2017).
Many mountain communities around the world have promoted ecotourism ventures to ameliorate problems of environmental degradation and underdevelopment. It is generally believed that this form of tourism in the mountains will foster responsible tourist behavior, conservation of important wildlife habitats and ecosystems, appreciation of local cultures and traditional life styles, and provision of sustainable forms of livelihood for people living in remote areas and communities (Nepal, 2002). Based on the fundamental functions of ecotourism we can say that its success at a destination is reflected by the extent to which it satisfies these key requirements: preserves natural resources and biodiversity; generates money to finance conservation; contributes to the local economy; promotes community partnership; and educates visitors and members of local communities (Batta, 2006).
The aim of the paper is to examine the views of tourists on the possibilities for the development of ecotourism on the mountain Goc, with a view to the more intensive tourist development of this mountain. Special attention is paid to the analysis of
possibilities for expanding the existing tourist offer, additional attractive contents and activities, which would contribute to the greater competitiveness of this mountain in the ecotourism market. The survey was conducted among tourists of Goc Mountain.
Literature review
The concept of sustainable development is faced with great interest both in theory, by scientific researchers, and in practice, by managers and policy makers in many countries (Sudarevic, Milovanov, 2015). The development of environmental awareness of the threat of the natural environment leads to a new nature of tourism and essential changes in relation to the environment (Susic, Bordevic, 2019). The term ecotourism has often been equated with a number of terms like alternative tourism, green tourism, sustainable tourism (Butler 1991), or nature tourism, even though these are distinct forms of tourism (Nepal, 2002). The lack of a precise definition of the term ecotourism has encouraged increasing free use of the term to gain competitive advantage (Batta, 2006).
According to Ceballos-Lascuráin (1987), ecotourism is defined as travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with the specific objective of studying, admiring, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations found in these areas. Ecotourism is a form of tourism that fosters learning experiences and appreciation of the natural environment, or some component thereof, within its associated cultural context' (Weaver, 2008). The most important motivations for travel by ecotourists are to enjoy the natural environment, have an "experiential" vacation, and learn while traveling. Typically, the most popular ecotourism activities in all surveys are visiting national parks and protected areas, hiking, water-based activities (especially rafting), admiring nature, camping and touring. Additionally, cultural experiences may be of interest (Wight, 2001). Activity preferences vary from destination to destination. For example, diving is rated highly in the Pacific, while jungle/ rainforest trekking and birdwatching are rated highly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and game viewing is popular in Africa (IFC, 2004). Tourists learning is central to all forms of ecotourism (Weaver, Lawton, 2007), and one expressed goal of ecotourism is the self-formation of tourists towards more pro-environmental attitudes and behaviour (Buckley, 2009). Ecotourists are simply interested in natural places and experiences for the benefits of enjoyment and learning, physical activity and adventure (Beaumont, 2011). Recent ecotourism research has found that ecotourism markets prefer more than the conventional hotel options. They desire more rustic, adventure-type accommodation (such as ecolodges, campings, backpacker hostels, ranches, etc.) which is a growing market trend. The overall vacation experience seems to determine the accommodation choice (Wight, 2001).
Achieving ecotourism requires certain activities including the production of ecologically safe, recyclable and biodegradable products, using energy efficient operations with minimal or no pollution, efficient waste management, con-serving cultural and natural assets, etc. (Gavrilovic, Maksimovic, 2018). According to UNWTO (2019), ecotourism refers to forms of tourism which have the following characteristics:
1. All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.
2. It contains educational and interpretation features.
3. It is generally, but not exclusively organised by specialised tour operators for small groups. Service provider partners at the destinations tend to be small locally owned businesses.
4. It minimises negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment.
5. It supports the maintenance of natural areas which are used as ecotourism attractions by:
• Generating economic benefits for host communities, organisations and authorities managing natural areas with conservation purposes;
• Providing alternative employment and income opportunities for local communities;
• Increasing awareness towards the conservation of natural and cultural assets, both among locals and tourists.
From the above it is clear that ecotourism can be defined by three core criteria: nature, learning and sustainability (Beaumont, 2011), ie, (1) attractions should be predominantly nature based, (2) visitor interactions with those attractions should be focused on learning or education, and (3) experience and product management should follow the principles and practices associated with ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability (Blamey, 2001).
Many mountain tourist destinations have become major players in the local economy. Hiking, camping, mountain and rock climbing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and other forms of non-consumptive recreation are in growing demand. However, there are dangers in promoting mountain destinations for ecotourism, especially if there is no strategic focus on the type and intensity of activities to be promoted, the benefits and the beneficiaries, and the decisions related to governance, control and regulations. Some of the major environmental impacts with direct implications for local mountain communities include overcrowding, noise pollution, garbage pollution, extraction of valuable resources (for example, collection of firewood and rare plant specimens), fire hazard, and a sewage outflow (Nepal, 2002).
Environmental anxiety about tourism impacts has increased and the accommodation sector in tourism has identified the necessity to improve its sustainable management and process (Trauer, 1998). The development of eco-accommodation is an example of this change to more sustainable tourism accommodations. Eco-accommodations are environmentally friendly establishments where hospitality services are provided to the eco-tourists while practicing ecotourism principles, such as saving water and
energy as well as reducing solid waste - while saving money - to help protect earth (Manaktola, Jauhari, 2007; Arachchi, Yajid, Khatibi, 2015; Milicevic, 2016; Green Hotels Association, 2019). They can be found in nature tourism destinations around the world. There are different types of eco-accommodations: Ecohotels, Ecoresorts, Ecoguesthouses, Ecolodges, Ecoapartments, Ecocampings, Glampings, etc. The primary difference between these eco-accommodations is generally the amount of services that are provided on site. For example, ecoresorts tend to be located on larger properties, and may offer more amenities, such as spas, a choice of restaurants, and/ or a variety of local tours. One thing all of these eco-accommodation options have in common is that they emphasize elements such as environmental responsibility and minimizing the negative impact (Green Global Travel, 2019). Ecotourism is rapidly evolving, so accommodation facilities should use this as a chance to improve their business (Milicevic, Petrovic, Suleic, 2017).
Regional nature parks of France have developed specific trade marks for environmentally friendly accommodations - Ecogites. The Ecogites are part of a way of life based on preserving natural resources, using the renewable energies, the use of natural, local and recyclable material with no harmful effects on health. Ecogites properties have facilities and equipment for saving energy, sorting rubbish and economising water (Gites de France, 2019). These self-catering accommodations provide visitors information about the local fauna and flora, direct access by foot to nature sites, and provide materials intended to increase visitor awareness of the areas visited (Blangy, Vautier, 2001).
An excellent example of ecolodge is Eden Lodge Madagascar, which is several times selected in the Top 10 ecolodges in the World (elected 2014 World's best sustainable lodge). Eden Lodge is also the first Green Globe certified lodge in Madagascar. Eden Lodge co-exists in harmony with the natural environment and wildlife that surrounds it. The area is renowned for its very high rate of endemism that includes Boab trees over 500 year's old, marine turtles, lemurs, birdlife, reptiles and amphibians. The property uses 100% solar power. Eden Lodge was exclusively built with local natural renewable materials (stone walls, local wood, ravinala roofs) and construction is based on traditional building principles that suit the climate. Eden Lodge is part of a tight knit community and has formed strong relationships with local villagers, many of whom are employed at the Lodge (Eden Lodge, 2019).
Analysis of the tourist offer of the mountain Goc
Goc is a mountain in central Serbia, located 200 km from Belgrade. In its immediate surroundings are Vrnjacka Banja (15 km), Kraljevo (31 km), Aleksandrovac and Brus (22 km). It is part of the north-Kopaonik range and belongs to the category of lower mountains. The highest peak of Goc is the Krnja jela, with an altitude of 1,127 m. On the Kraljevo side of the mountain Goc there is a tourist center "Good Water ", on the spa side there are settlements "Horizont" and "Stanisinci", while from the Aleksandrovac side of Goc, i.e. on its southern slope, there is a settlement "Mitrovo Polje" (Goc Mountain, 2019a).
Due to its geographical location, climatic characteristics, and especially relief and geological background, this area has a versatile plants coverage, which has so far identified about 650 plant species, of which 250 are medicinal species (Institute for nature conservation of Serbia, 2019). Pursuant to the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, in 2014, the forest complex "Goc-Gvozdac" was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve of category II. The protected area is 3.957ha 17a 39m2. The most common species of trees in the protected natural resource is beech, which accounts for 52.4% of the total volume. The forest complex consists of 25 species of trees, some of which are under a special regime of protection (maple, Pancic's spruce- placed, Turkish hazel (a relic), black rake (a relic), wild cherry, wild apple, etc.) (Faculty of Forestry Belgrade, 2019a).
In the area 129 bird species have been recorded, of which 108 are breeding birds. A large number of these birds are of particular national importance. According to the Decree on the Protection of Natural Rarities of Serbia, 75 bird species have been recorded so far as natural rarities. The presence of 317 species of insects was also recorded, of which 56 species are rare and endangered at national and international levels. 27 species of mammals have been identified in the wider Goc area. Certainly of the highest value is the otter (Lutra lutra), which is protected by law as a natural rarity. This species is an indicator of water pollution (Institute for nature conservation of Serbia, 2019). There are also 20 species of amphibians and reptiles (Faculty of Forestry Belgrade, 2019a). In the forest area of the mountain Goc, there are different kinds of game: deer, roe deer, wild boar, rabbit, wolf, fox and others.
This whole area is extremely rich in water resources. It has numerous springs and clear mountain rivers flowing towards the West Morava River in the north and the Rasina River in the south. The hydrographic network also includes the artificial reservoir Seliste, built on the river Zagrza, which covers an area of about 8 ha (Rsovac, 2008). Swimming and fishing are prohibited on the artificial lake, as well as any other activities because Vrnjacka Banja is supplied with water from this lake.
Goc also has cultural and historical monuments, the most interesting of which is the "Roman Cemetery", that is, the place where the Saxons, miners who mined and smelt iron during the period of the Nemanjic were buried (National Tourism Organization of Serbia, 2019). There are a couple of sacral objects on the territory of Goc Mountain and the foothills: the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Stanisinci and the Church of St. John in Vukosica, which is unique because it belongs to the type of smallest chalet churches in Serbia (Borovic Dimic, 2008). The entire surroundings of Goc Mountain abound in medieval monasteries (Studenica, Ljubostinja, Zica, etc.) and the remains of medieval cities and fortifications (Ras, Maglic, Koznik, etc.).
Ethnographic values exist, but are not sufficiently valorised. They are found in the gastronomic offer, which is characterized by cheese, kajmak and brandy from Goc, as well as raspberry and blackberry products. A special experience is the trout ponds, where visitors can enjoy a meal and an unspoiled nature on site (Milicevic, Dordevic, 2015).
When it comes to the receptive elements necessary for the development of tourism on the Goc Mountain, it must be said that they are underdeveloped. The existing accommodation on Mount Goc is modest. The accommodation offer includes primarily holiday homes ("Kacunak", "Goc", "Gocka kuca"), mountain houses ("Goc", "Pecic", "Radulovic"), apartments ("Horizont", "Velja", "Djurovski", "Nikola and Barbara") and a villa ("Slavica"). From Kraljevo side of Goc there is a resort "Good Water", as well as two ethno log cabins (Podovac, Bordevic, Milicevic, 2018). The Center for Teaching and Scientific Facilities of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade is located in this settlement, which has five accommodation facilities: "Novi Studenac", "Piramida", "Villa Vlasta", "Villa Planinka" and "Depadans". Fieldwork for students of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade is organized in them, as well as for students of other faculties in Serbia. The facilities offer accommodation for individual tourists as well as organized groups (Faculty of Forestry Belgrade, 2019b). To the list of accommodation, facilities should be added the resorts in Mitrovsko Polje, on the Aleksandrovac side of Goc, namely the "Red Cross" resort from Aleksandrovac and the "Cvetna dolina" resort belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia (Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, 2019) . A great problem on the Goc mountain is the cottages that are being built without a permit, which initiates communal problems, but also affects the disturbance of natural landscapes (Milicevic, Bordevic, 2015). Goc Mountain provides numerous opportunities for improving the existing accommodation offer, through the construction of various eco-accommodation capacities, which would be in harmony with the natural environment.
When it comes to sports, recreational and entertainment facilities, several locations on Mount Goc have outdoor sports grounds for basketball, handball, volleyball, football and tennis. Within the children's resort "Good Water" (Dobre vode in Serbian), there are several outdoor sports fields, as well as a sports balloon hall of 1000m2, which contains three volleyball courts, handball (mini football), basketball, tennis court and gym. The natural beauties of Goc Mountain combined with these sports facilities are ideal for the preparation of athletes of all types and categories (Resort Goc, 2019a). There are also small sports fields, three sand volleyball courts and an outdoor pool in Mitrovo Polje. The pool is with thermomineral water in Mitrovo Polje (Mitar's Field), which operates within the Red Cross resort of Aleksandrovac (Mitrovo Polje, 2019).
Goc Mountain also has several marked recreational walking trails, which give tourists and one-day visitors the opportunity to take long walks and pleasant aromatherapy while picking the various plants and teas that this mountain abounds in. More and more tourists and one-day visitors come to Goc in the summer when the main motive is walking and resting in the clear mountain air. For this purpose, 5 walking trails have been established and marked from Kraljevo side of the Goc Mountain. The trails are of different lengths (from 5,000 m to 18,500 m) and different ascent (from 100 meters to 700 meters) and are marked with different colours: yellow, green, brown, blue and red (Resort Goc, 2019b). From Aleksandrovac side of Mount Goc, there are marked hiking trails that lead to the top of Mount Zeljin and Ljukten (one of the peaks on Mount Goc).
After hiking on the slopes of Goc Mountain and the surrounding mountains, tourists can relax in the open-air swimming pool with thermo-mineral water in Mitrovo Polje, which operates within the Red Cross Resort in Aleksandrovac (Mitrovo Polje, 2019).
Goc has mountaineering associations operating in its area, namely the mountaineering sports association Ljukten from Trstenik and the mountaineering association Goc from Vrnjacka Banja. These associations also deal with the marking of walking trails, and thanks to them, most of the mountain is marked and facilitates movement for visitors to the mountain (Goc Mountain, 2019b).
In addition to the walking paths, Goc offers five excursion points and four lookout points. The checkpoints are used for holidaying tourists in the countryside and picnics, that is, the possibility for preparing and consuming food. The viewpoint offers a unique view of Vrnjacka Banja, the West Morava valley and the surrounding mountains: Kopaonik, Zeljin and the Gledic Mountains (Rudincanin, 2008).
Research methodology and hypothesis
The subject of this paper deals with the analysis of the potential of the Goc Mountain for the development of ecotourism, which would have the effect of increasing the number of tourists, i.e. the competitiveness of this mountain in the ecotourism market. The survey method was used to collect primary data in the research. The survey was conducted during July and August of 2019 on Goc Mountain. The survey was preceded by the preparation of a questionnaire consisting of 10 closed-ended questions. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part of the questionnaire deals with the socio-demographic profile of tourists: gender of respondents, age and level of education. In the second part of the questionnaire, the respondents gave an assessment of the existing tourism offer of Goc Mountain, as well as answered questions related to the potential of this mountain for the development of ecotourism, with special emphasis on additional contents that would contribute to the faster development of this type of tourism. The questionnaire was completed by 174 respondents, that is, tourists of the Goc Mountain. The obtained data were processed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23 - SPSS.
Descriptive statistical analysis was used in the paper. The basic hypotheses on which the research is based are the following:
H1 - Goc Mountain has the potential to develop ecotourism
H2 - Eco-accommodation facilities would contribute to greater competitiveness of
mountain Goc in the ecotourism market.
The main objective of the conducted research is to examine the possibilities for the development of ecotourism on the mountain Goc. Special attention was paid to the analysis of possibilities for expanding the existing tourist offer through the construction of eco-accommodation capacities, all with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of this mountain in the ecotourism market.
Results and discussion
The survey included 174 respondents, of whom 98 were female (56.3%) and 76 were male (43.7%). The largest number of respondents is 36-50 years old (33.3%), followed by 26-35 years old respondents (28.7%). Regarding the level of education, the most represented are respondents with university education (50.6%), while the least are those with a high school degree (14.9%). When asked Have you ever been to Goc Mountain, as many as 173 respondents answered positively (99.4%), while only 1 respondent (0.6%) had never been to Goc (Table 1).
Table 1. Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
Frequency Percent Mean Std. dev.
Gender Male 76 43,7 1,56 ,497
Female 98 56,3
Age 20-25 31 17,8 2,56 1,006
26-35 50 28,7
36-50 58 33,3
More than 50 35 20,1
Level of education High school 28 16,1
College 26 14,9 2,71 ,948
University degree 88 50,6
Master/Magistar/PhD 32 18,4
Have you ever been to Goc Mountain Yes 173 99,4 1,01 0,76
No 1 0,6
Source: Authors, based on research
When asked for an Assessment of the current state of certain elements of Goc Mountain tourism offer, the respondents gave a rating on the Likert scale, ranging from 1 (the worst rating) to 5 (the best rating). After analyzing the responses shown in Table 2, it is evident that the average ratings of individual elements of the tourist offer of this mountain range from 3.47 to 4.58. The highest average marks were given by the following elements of the tourist offer: The natural beauties of Goc Mountain (4.58), the tidiness and cleanliness of Goc Mountain (4.51), as well as The conservation of rural areas and rural architecture (4.30). Tourists are the most satisfied with the natural resources of Goc Mountains, which is a good basis for the development of eco-tourism. On the other hand, the worst rated elements are Local Tourist Signalling (3.47) and Traffic Access (3.51). With an average mark of 3.72, the tourists rated Accommodation facilities on this mountain, indicating that there is a need to improve the quality of existing tourist accommodation facilities, but also to introduce new, attractive accommodation facilities, which would increase the level of tourist satisfaction.
Table 2. Tourists' satisfaction with certain elements of Goc mountain tourist offer
Min mark Max mark Mean Std. dev.
1 The natural beauties of Goc mountain 2.00 5.00 4,58 ,777
2 The arrangement and cleanliness of mountain Goc 2.00 5.00 4,51 ,788
3 Preservation of rural area and rural architecture 2.00 5.00 4,30 ,773
4 Cultural and historical heritage 2.00 5.00 4,21 ,681
5 Places for picnic and camping 1.00 5.00 4,11 ,788
6 The offer of the restaurants 2.00 5.00 4,10 ,732
7 Sports and recreational offer 1.00 5.00 3,81 ,821
8 Accommodation facilities 1.00 5.00 3,72 ,778
9 Traffic accessibility 1.00 5.00 3,51 ,854
10 Local tourist signage 1.00 5.00 3,47 ,687
Source: Authors, based on the research
To the next question, Has Mount Goc got the potential to develop ecotourism?, as many as 169 respondents (97.1%) answered affirmatively, while only 5 (2.9%) answered in the negatively (Table 3).
Table 3. Has Mount Goc got the potential to develop ecotourism?
Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent Mean Std. dev.
Valid Yes 169 97,1 97,1 97,1
No 5 2,9 2,9 100,0 1,03 ,168
Total 174 100,0 100,0
Source: Authors, based on research
Next, the respondents were asked What additional facilities and activities would contribute to the development of ecotourism on Mount Goc? For this question 10 answers were and the possibility for respondents to opt for only one answer (Table 4). The largest number of respondents opted for Horseback riding opportunities, as well as for the Marked mountain biking trails (30 respondents each, i.e. 17.2% each). For better-marked hiking trails, 29 respondents (16.7%) opted, while 26 respondents (14.9%) opted for Eco-accommodation facilities. The answers for which the least respondents opted were Picking Mushrooms and herbs accompanied by local guides and Eco-workshops (5 respondents, i.e. 2.9% respondents). It can be concluded that all the answers offered to tourists are interesting and that the mentioned additional facilities and activities would contribute to the faster development of eco tourism on the mountain Goc.
Table 4. What additional facilities and activities would contribute to the development of
ecotourism on Goc?
Answers Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent
Horseback riding opportunities 30 17,2 17,2 17,2
Marked trails for mountain biking 30 17,2 17,2 34,5
Better marked trails for recreational hiking 29 16,7 16,7 51,1
Eco-Accommodation facilities 26 14,9 14,9 66,1
Additional recreational and entertainment offer: Zip line, Adventure park, Paragliding, Cable car from Vrnjacka Banja to Goc 24 13,8 13,8 79,9
More marked hiking trails 13 7,5 7,5 87,4
Cultural manifestations on the traditions and customs of the local population 6 3,4 3,4 90,8
Bird watching 6 3,4 3,4 94,3
Picking mushrooms and herbs accompanied by local guides 5 2,9 2,9 97,1
Eco-workshops 5 2,9 2,9 100,0
Total 174 100
Source: Authors, based on the research
Since less environmentally harmful accommodation facilities that bring human beings closer to nature can be an important element in the supply of an eco-destination, survey questions regarding eco-accommodation facilities are defined. To the question Have you ever been housed in an eco-accommodation facility (Eco camping, Eco apartments, Eco lodge, Eco hotel, Glamping)?, more than half (52.3%) said they had used this type of accommodation, while 47.7% did not (Table 5).
Table 5. Have you ever been housed in an eco-accommodation facility?
Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent Mean Std. dev.
Valid Yes 91 52,3 52,3 52,3
No 83 47,7 47,7 100,0 1,48 ,501
Total 174 100,0 100,0
Source: Authors, based on research
Respondents were also asked What kind of eco-accommodation facilities would you like Goc to offer?. For this question 6 answers were offered and the possibility for respondents to opt for only one answer. The largest number of respondents opted for Eco hotel (33.3%), while 21.8% of respondents opted for Eco apartments (Table 6). This is followed by Eco Lodge (20.1%), Eco Camping (19.5%), as well as Glamping, with 5.2% of respondents. It is interesting that none of the respondents opted for the sixth offered answers that reads None of the offered ones - Mountain Goc does not need this type of accommodation. Such answers indicate the great environmental awareness of the respondents, and the desire to contribute in this way to the protection of the environment of Goc Mountain.
Table 6. What kind of eco-accommodation facilities would you like Goc to offer?
Answers Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent
Eco hotel 58 33,3 33,3 33,3
Eco apartments 38 21,8 21,8 55,2
Eco lodge 35 20,1 20,1 75,3
Eco camping 34 19,5 19,5 94,8
Glamping 9 5,2 5,2 100,0
Total 174 100 100
Source: Authors, based on research
The last question referred to the respondents' position on Would eco-accommodation facilities affect the arrival of more tourists to Goc Mountain?. As many as 97.1% of respondents answered affirmatively, while 2.9% said that eco-accommodations would not affect the arrival of more tourists to this mountain (Table 7).
Table 7. Would eco-accommodation facilities affect the arrival of more tourists to Goc
Mountain?
Answers Frequency Percent Valid percent Cumulative percent
Valid Yes 169 97,1 97,1 97,1
No 5 2,9 2,9 100,0
Total 174 100,0 100,0
Source: Authors, based on research
Conclusions
In this paper, two hypotheses were set. The accuracy of both hypotheses was verified using descriptive statistical analysis. The first hypothesis that reads Goc Mountain has the potential for the development of ecotourism, is considered to be confirmed given that as many as 169 respondents (97.1%) gave a positive answer to this question. In addition, the respondents were given the opportunity to choose among the 10 offered answers one additional content or activity that they felt would be most conducive to the development of eco-tourism on Goc Mountain. Based on the respondents' answers, it can be concluded that these additional facilities and activities would indeed contribute to the faster development of eco-tourism on Goc Mountain, given that all the answers offered to the respondents were interesting. However, the contents opted by the largest number of respondents are: Horseback riding opportunities (17.2%), Marked mountain biking trails (17.2%), Better marked hiking trails (16.7%), Eco- accommodation facilities (14.9%), as well as additional recreational and entertainment offer (Zip line, Adventure park, Paragliding, Cable car from Vrnjacka Banja to Goc, etc.) (13.8%).
The second hypothesis is Eco-accommodation facilities would contribute to the increased competitiveness of Goc Mountain in the ecotourism market was also confirmed by the respondents' answers. Specifically, 169 respondents (97.1%) confirmed that the eco-accommodation facilities would affect the arrival of more tourists to Goc Mountain.
The fact that more than half of the surveyed respondents (52.3%) were already housed in one of the eco-accommodation facilities is in favour of confirming the hypothesis, which suggests that they would use this type of accommodation on Goc Mountain in the future. In addition, when asked about the type of eco-accommodation facilities that tourists would like Goc to have in their offer, the respondents showed interest in all the eco-accommodation facilities offered: Eco hotel (33.3%), Eco apartments (21.8%), Eco lodge (20.1%), Eco camping (19.5%) and Glamping (5.2%), with the important note that none of the respondents indicated that Goc Mountain does not need such type of accommodation. Since there is obviously an interest of tourists for eco-accommodation facilities, and given that they do not exist on this mountain, in the future it is necessary to direct business activities to enrich the existing accommodation offer by building attractive eco-accommodation facilities. All this would contribute to faster development of eco-tourism as well as greater competitiveness of Mount Goc in the eco-tourism market.
Acknowledgements
Paper is a part of research within the project no. III 46006 - Sustainable agriculture and rural development in the function of accomplishing strategic objectives of the Republic of Serbia in the Danube region, financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia.
Conflict of interests
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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