THE CONCEPT OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM IN THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROJECT

Prof. Assoc. Dr. Anastazija Tanja Đelić

Authors country of origin: Serbia
Institutional affiliation:
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, Security, and Protection “Konstantin Veliki” of Niš, Union Nikola Tesla University Belgrade.

Abstract

The aim of our research is to scientifically consider the concept of local economic development and tourism in the project of European integration as important segments of the overall progress of countries. The presented results, recommendations and defined conclusions will benefit the competent entities in the process of improving the state of local administration, tourism economy and integration into the European Union. Also to other academic workers in further research on current topics. The economic development of local communities is based on the reorganization of business according to the principles of the new public management aimed at the real needs of the population. Tourist resources can be essential postulates of prosperity in all countries, including the Republic of Serbia. The starting hypothesis is that the concept of local economic development and tourism are important areas in the European integration project. At the same time, they mark areas with favorable opportunities for positive trends in society. By applying appropriate methodological procedures of analysis of available contents, synthesis and comparison, we will look at the first-class elements of our topic. The basis of the study is the available materials related to the functioning of local governments and tourism with realistic indicators in various domains of public life. The institutions of the European Union have conceived specific legal legislation in the given areas, as special regulations that are binding for members and countries in certain phases of accession. Our article deals with the improvement of local self-government through the implementation of proven modalities of economic development, where the application of modern management and reforms result in the improvement of the situation at the local level. Public administration needs to learn how to cooperate with local governments in order to gain more support in term of infrastructure investments while gaining more independence in the management of taxes from local touristic activities. Some of the common messages embedded in the abovementioned documents are very important for developing the approach and strategic foundation for sustainable tourism in Republic of Serbia. As it was stated sustainable tourism is positive approach intended to reduce the tensions and frictions created by the complex interactions between the tourism industry, visitors, the environment and the communities which are host to holidaymakers …i.e. it is an approach which involves working for the long- term viability and quality of both natural and human resources. It can be concluded that the successful economic development of local administrations is ensured by applying modern paradigms of public management modeled on the systems of developed countries. Adequately profiled, tourism can be an essential area of ​​the economy in the European integration project. Despite the obvious shortcomings, Serbia has certain comparative advantages and numerous resources important for its expansion. Geographical position, traffic infrastructure, natural resources, cultural heritage and other benefits indicate real possibilities for accelerated prosperity and successful entry into the community of developed countries. We are of the opinion that the leading state entities must eliminate the obvious weaknesses in the work of local administrations and incorporate the legal legislation of the European Union into their own legislation. It is necessary for the state leaders to pay more attention to the planned investments in tourism, hotel industry and processing industry. Implement the funds of the pre-accession funds of the European Union in fruitful development projects at the local level. Use the favorable strategic position with various natural resources and a healthy environment to promote the tourist economy with accompanying facilities. It is necessary to favor paradigms that motivate foreign investors, where business strategies are formulated based on established international principles. Implement current initiatives in cross-border cooperation projects of local communities and regions in accordance with the proclaimed national interests.

Key words: local economic development, tourism, resources, Serbia, European Union

Volume 3.No.1(2020): April

ISSN 2661-2666 (Online) International Scientific Journal Monte (ISJM)
ISSN 2661-264X (Print)

DOI : 10.33807/monte.202004650

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.33807/monte.202004650

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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)