Economic Themes (2026) 64 (1) 3, 27-44
Ivana Filipović, Sonja Jovanović, Marina Stanojević
Abstract: Regenerative tourism represents a contemporary development concept that transcends the framework of traditional sustainability and is grounded in principles of active restoration and enhancement of natural, social, and cultural systems within tourist destinations. Drawing on an ecological worldview, the regenerative tourism approach seeks to strengthen the capacity of support systems to generate net-positive socio-ecological outcomes. As a rapidly evolving concept, regenerative tourism provides practical pathways through which destinations can incorporate the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, alongside varying levels of commitment and responsibility, in order to achieve desired outcomes. The aim of this paper is to identify the key elements and necessary conditions for shaping the most appropriate model for the future development of tourism in Serbia, based on regenerative principles, through an analysis of the theoretical foundations and core principles of regenerative tourism, as well as examples of good practice. The research findings indicate that regenerative tourism may serve as an important instrument for enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of tourist destinations in Serbia. Of particular significance are the integration of local communities into decision-making processes, the revitalisation of natural resources, and the adoption of circular business models, all of which contribute to long-term sustainability and inclusive development
Keywords: regenerative tourism; sustainability: environment; transformative changes; Serbia
REGENERATIVE TOURISM AS A CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT MODEL FOR ENHANCING THE RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS OF TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Ivana Filipović, Sonja Jovanović, Marina Stanojević
Abstract: Regenerative tourism represents a contemporary development concept that transcends the framework of traditional sustainability and is grounded in principles of active restoration and enhancement of natural, social, and cultural systems within tourist destinations. Drawing on an ecological worldview, the regenerative tourism approach seeks to strengthen the capacity of support systems to generate net-positive socio-ecological outcomes. As a rapidly evolving concept, regenerative tourism provides practical pathways through which destinations can incorporate the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, alongside varying levels of commitment and responsibility, in order to achieve desired outcomes. The aim of this paper is to identify the key elements and necessary conditions for shaping the most appropriate model for the future development of tourism in Serbia, based on regenerative principles, through an analysis of the theoretical foundations and core principles of regenerative tourism, as well as examples of good practice. The research findings indicate that regenerative tourism may serve as an important instrument for enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of tourist destinations in Serbia. Of particular significance are the integration of local communities into decision-making processes, the revitalisation of natural resources, and the adoption of circular business models, all of which contribute to long-term sustainability and inclusive development
Keywords: regenerative tourism; sustainability: environment; transformative changes; Serbia
