The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourist movements in the area of exceptional characteristics "Great War Island"

Abstract

Due to the global pandemic caused by the covid-19 virus, tourism as an activity has experienced a sharp decline worldwide over the past three years. The impact of the pandemic was felt in all activities and sectors, and the consequences for tourism in Serbia are only now being remedied. In 2020, most countries in the world have taken measures in the form of entry bans and border closures to prevent the spread of infection. The measures taken in 2020 and the following two years had a very negative impact on the hospitality industry and tourism. During this period, the development of many forms of tourism slowed down or came to a complete halt. The area of exceptional features (hereinafter PIO) "Great War Island" represents a significant tourist resource of Serbia and a preserved natural space within the urban area, so it is suitable for the development of urban ecotourism, as a special form of ecotourism. Ecotourism, which attaches importance to the people, environment and culture in this area, was already in development before the pandemic. The main objective of the work is to assess whether and to what extent the pandemic has influenced the tourist movements towards the PIO "Great War Island". For this purpose, a questionnaire was formulated and surveys were conducted. It is important to point out, based on the research results obtained, as well as the data collected in the years preceding the pandemic, the implementation of specific activities aimed at continuing the development, especially the harvested ecotourism, in the area. The results obtained through the advantages and disadvantages presented can be used by those working in the tourism sector and receptive travel agencies to overcome the crisis more easily and to design a better tourist offer.