THE IMPORTANCE OF WASTE MANAGEMENT AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR OF TOURISM DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT

The preservation and protection of the environment is an imperative in modern society. Unsystematic and inadequate handling of waste is one of the major problems of environmental policy in Serbia. This situation is primarily the consequence of the society’s inadequately developed attitude towards waste, and its failure to understand the positive effects of waste management. According to research, developing countries are, quite realistically, facing certain problems and challenges in this area. In the context of the subject of this paper, it is essential to point out that waste management belongs in the category of important environmental factors of tourism destination development. According to the Republic of Serbia visions of tourism to 2025, tourism is to become the leading promoter of the Republic of Serbia’s image in the world as a modern and desirable destination for visits, vacations and business alike, thus fulfilling the constant innovative function in the implementation of the modern standards, new technologies and protection of nature. The research part of the paper will be concerned with the opinion and perception of the professional public as regards the scope and practical applicability of the existing legal solutions and programmatic and planning documents in the waste management area.