Camping Association of Serbia organized a training seminar entitled “Development of ecotourism products in the region of the Lower Danube” with the aim to bring together representatives of protected natural areas in the region of the Lower Danube to consider the development of ecotourism products and their application in day-to-day operations of protected areas. This was the first such meeting at which gathered representatives from Serbia and Croatia (Kopacki rit) and a great opportunity to share knowledge and experiences.

Below you can read the full report:

“Ecotourism development in protected natural areas of the region of the Lower Danube”

Regional Training Seminar:

“The development of ecotourism products in the region of the Lower Danube”

TIME: 27 – 29 March 2013. The

Venue: Hotel Park Palic, Subotica

 

REPORT

1 PROGRAMMING COURSE

The first day of the seminar was focused on opportunities for development of ecotourism in the region and began by opening statement after which the organizers presented a program of seminars and project activities, the teachers and the expected results. The introductory part ended with short interactive discussion on the topic: Why ecotourism products and what is their advantage? The second part of the first day included presentations (10 minute) of protected areas whose representatives attended the seminar.

Lectures on ecotourism offer protected areas professor Vladimir Stojanovic, University of Novi Sad, started the second day of the seminar is devoted to the development of ecotourism in the region. Lecture enabled participants to learn the steps and methodology development of ecotourism offerings. To this end, they presented two examples of good practice in order to more detailed description and definition of ecotourism. After a brief interactive lecture and discussion, participants continued to work in small groups. During the day, through the work of groups covered two topics, namely: 1) the tourist potential of the Lower Danube, and 2) development of ecotourism programs of the Lower Danube. The results of the group are presented in the appendix.

The closer to the definition of commercialization of ecotourism offerings, market evaluation and promotion programs’ design, the third day of the program is intended to promote tourist destinations topic. Last day begins with the submission of Milos Milovanovic National Tourism Organization of Serbia on methodology of promoting tourist destinations. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the application and how to promote tourism products, instruments and models with reference to the promotion of ecotourism programs developed during the seminar. The final session of the third day of the program as a whole, it was a reference to the possibility of future cooperation and joint action. The discussion focused on joint programs, cross-border cooperation, trade and so on. At the end, the evaluation of the work has been done by questionnaire and through interviews with the participants.

 

2 WORKING GROUP

TOURIST POTENTIAL OF THE LOWER DANUBE

Natural values

• – Danube and water infrastructure;
• – Species (strictly protected, rare and endemic species);
• – Habitat (aquatic and wetland, floodplains, forest ecosystems, sandstone ecosystems, nature coast, meanders, ponds);
• – Landscapes (picnic areas, lookouts, landscapes, forests, water heater);
• – Categorized Areas (IBA, IPA, UNESCO, MAB, RAMSAR);
• – Preserved ecosystems;
• – Biodiversity;
• – Spas;

Cultural and historical value

• – Geological heritage (archaeological sites, paleontology, ​​caves);
• – Religious buildings (churches, monasteries);
• – Historically significant buildings (fortresses, castles, aqueducts).

Intangible heritage

• – Events;
• – Gastronomy;
• – Folklore;
• – Wine roads;
• – Traditional activities (crafts, tools);
• – Ethno villages, ethnic houses and farms;
• – Multiculturalism.

Activities

• – Recreation;
• – Hunting;
• – Fishing;
• – Photo safari;
• – Bird watching;
• – Cruising and sailing.

 

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ecotourism Lower Danube

1 Water adventure

– Activities: Boating flooded area, photo safari, bird watching, and education;

– Objective: Promotion of protected areas through experiences of the unique natural phenomena;

– Timeframe: March – April;

– Target group: nature lovers, adventurers.

2 Canoe adventure “green” Danube

– Activities: Driving through flooded areas, exploring nature, sightseeing attractions;

– Aim: To introduce the diversity of regions and localities;

– Timing: May to October;

– Target group: adventurers.

3 Wilderness Trails

– Activities: survival in nature, searching for orchids, waiting;

– Objective: The experience of direct experience of spending time outdoors and interacting with the ecosystem;

– Timeframe: March – April;

– Target group: adventurers in love with nature.

4 Fly on the wings of eagles Danube

– Activities: Birding the Lower Danube.

5 It’s magnificent to stand on the banks of the Danube

– Activities: Visit Danube suitable vantage points for viewing the landscape and photo safari.

6 Danube time machine

– Activities: Visiting cultural and historic sites, raising funds for the restoration and protection of monuments.