Economic impact of roe deer tourist hunts in Vojvodina (Serbia)

Abstract Hunting tourism can have significant positive economic effects on the local community. The objective of the paper is to estimate the direct economic impact of roe deer hunting tourism, with a focus on regional level, by applying the Nordic Model. Analysis was based on data gathered in the autumn of 2021, from the interviews with hunting ground managers and hunting tourism outfitters, and a literature review. The length of stay of tourist hunters ranged from 2 to 6 days. According to the interviews and statistical data, one hunting tourist spent an average of 2,121 € per hunting day in Serbia. In 2019 the direct economic income of roe deer hunting tourism in Vojvodina was 623,574 €. The regional economic impact of hunting tourism in Vojvodina is significant given the small number of tourists from whom substantial income is generated. Developing of hunting activates on one or more game species could bring significant economic benefits to these kind of local communities. Resources raised through hunting tourism are later used in these regions through direct investment and as a tool for sustainable wildlife management, and thus, the ecological and economic sustainability of hunting tourism is crucial and must be considered in future development process.