Hunting for sustainibility: wildlife and adventure tourism development in Đetinja hunting ground, Serbia

Wildlife and adventure tourism offer travelers unique opportunities to explore natural environments while engaging in exciting activities such as hiking, safaris, and hunting. These forms of tourism not only provide thrilling experiences but also promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. By connecting tourists with wildlife and pristine landscapes, they help foster environmental awareness and support local communities economically and culturally. This paper investigates the prospects of developing wildlife and adventure tourism in “Đetinja” hunting ground managed by hunting club “Užice” in Western Serbia. As such, growing interest in active vacations and nature based tourism have created alternatives to hunting in the form of wildlife watching and wildlife photography. These non-consumptive alternatives signify a notable change in human attitude towards animals and conservation. Through interviews with local stakeholders, including the managers of the hunting ground and employees of the adjacent national park, the study analyses the possibility of designing single and multi-day tourism packages that combine wildlife observation and nature activities such as hiking, cycling, boating, and recreation. The Đetinja region which has rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna is offered as a case study combining sustainable tourism and traditional hunting practices. The results indicate that there is potential for expansion financially and in marketing the Đetinja eco-adventure tourism region whilst ensuring protection of natural resources.