Economic Themes (2025) 63 (4) 8, 523-539
Rastko Marković, Miloš Marjanović, Uroš Jovanović, Andrea Terzić, Tatjana Đekić
Abstract: This study assesses and enhances the geotourism potential of four geosites located in the Municipality of Merošina (Oblačina Lake, Krajkovac Lake, Kulina, and Tatkova Zemunica) by applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM). The research was conducted to contribute to the regional mapping of geoheritage in southeastern Serbia, an area that has so far remained underinterpreted and undervalued in geotourism research. The M-GAM method, which combines expert evaluations and visitor perception, enabled a multidimensional analysis of the natural, cultural, and tourismrelated values of the selected sites. The results indicate that Oblačina Lake possesses the highest potential for tourism development, while Kulina suffers from limited exploration, poor accessibility, and inadequate infrastructure, highlighting the need for further research and promotional activities. The analysis confirmed that accessibility, vulnerability, and interpretation are key factors influencing the perception of geosite tourism value, providing practical implications for local development planning. Based on the findings, several measures for sustainable development and the establishment of a local geotourism network were proposed, aimed at connecting Merošina’s natural and cultural assets and strengthening the identity of southeastern Serbia as a geotourism destination.
Keywords: Geotourism; M-GAM method; sustainable development; geoheritage; Oblačina Lake; Krajkovac Lake; Kulina; Tatkova Zemunica
UNLOCKING TOURISM POTENTIAL: MEROŠINA'S GEOSITES THROUGH THE M-GAM METHOD
Rastko Marković, Miloš Marjanović, Uroš Jovanović, Andrea Terzić, Tatjana Đekić
Abstract: This study assesses and enhances the geotourism potential of four geosites located in the Municipality of Merošina (Oblačina Lake, Krajkovac Lake, Kulina, and Tatkova Zemunica) by applying the Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM). The research was conducted to contribute to the regional mapping of geoheritage in southeastern Serbia, an area that has so far remained underinterpreted and undervalued in geotourism research. The M-GAM method, which combines expert evaluations and visitor perception, enabled a multidimensional analysis of the natural, cultural, and tourismrelated values of the selected sites. The results indicate that Oblačina Lake possesses the highest potential for tourism development, while Kulina suffers from limited exploration, poor accessibility, and inadequate infrastructure, highlighting the need for further research and promotional activities. The analysis confirmed that accessibility, vulnerability, and interpretation are key factors influencing the perception of geosite tourism value, providing practical implications for local development planning. Based on the findings, several measures for sustainable development and the establishment of a local geotourism network were proposed, aimed at connecting Merošina’s natural and cultural assets and strengthening the identity of southeastern Serbia as a geotourism destination.
Keywords: Geotourism; M-GAM method; sustainable development; geoheritage; Oblačina Lake; Krajkovac Lake; Kulina; Tatkova Zemunica
