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Carbon Footprint Assessment Within Urban and Rural Areas—Example of Inbound Tourism in Serbia

Author

Listed:
  • Isidora Popović

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Vladimir Marković

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Đorđije Vasiljević

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Srđan Milošević

    (Faculty of Organizational Studies, University Business Academy, Majke Jevrosime 15, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia)

  • Mladen Radišić

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
    Foodscale Hub, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Milosava Matejević

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Milutin Kovačević

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Igor Ponjiger

    (Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Maja Radišić

    (Foodscale Hub, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
    Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Dušan Pevac

    (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
    Foodscale Hub, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

Abstract

In recent years, Serbia has become increasingly popular as a tourism destination, attracting travelers from the surrounding region, as well as Europe and even distant locations. The environmental impact linked with tourism activities, specifically their carbon footprints, has gained growing attention as sustainability becomes an important factor when discussing the future of tourism. This research, which is based on the DEFRA and ADEME methodologies using the Greentripper tool, examines the significance of carbon footprint estimations for incoming tourism in Serbia from a scientific standpoint. By considering the emissions produced from transportation, accommodation, and on-site activities, the results of 1,431,394,511 kg CO2e offer valuable information about the extent of carbon emissions linked to tourism movements. The primary driver of this carbon footprint is transportation (80.2%), on-site activities (15.2%), and housing (4.6%). The per capita tourism carbon footprint is 670 kg CO2e, which is lower compared to the values derived using general data and carbon emissions on a worldwide basis, which amount to 759 kg CO2e. These findings are essential for comprehending the environmental sustainability of tourism operations. Furthermore, carbon footprint assessments play a crucial role as a tool for making informed decisions and implementing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions in the tourism business. This could involve selecting environmentally friendly modes of travel, advocating for sustainable hotel choices, or integrating carbon offsetting activities into vacation packages. In addition, carbon footprint assessments promote transparency and responsibility in the tourism industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Isidora Popović & Vladimir Marković & Đorđije Vasiljević & Srđan Milošević & Mladen Radišić & Milosava Matejević & Milutin Kovačević & Igor Ponjiger & Maja Radišić & Dušan Pevac, 2025. "Carbon Footprint Assessment Within Urban and Rural Areas—Example of Inbound Tourism in Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:2891-:d:1619498
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zorica Đurić & Drago Cvijanović & Vita Petek & Jasna Potočnik Topler, 2025. "Sustainability Struggle: Challenges and Issues in Managing Sustainability and Environmental Protection in Local Tourism Destinations Practices—An Overview," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-26, August.

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