Do Different Settings Matter in the Economically Sustainable Tourism Approach? A Comparative Study of Serbia, Kazakhstan, and Hungary
Petrović M.D. Gajić T. Laiskhanov S. Radovanović M.M. Anđelković Ž. Atasoy E. Khamitova D.M.
June 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 11
This study explores residents’ perceptions of tourism development with a particular emphasis on the economic dimension of sustainability, focusing on how economic benefits, costs, and related factors shape local support in Serbia, Kazakhstan, and Hungary. By analyzing perceived advantages and disadvantages, the study aims to assess the extent of local support for tourism and the moderating effects of travel frequency and contact with tourists. In parallel, tourist arrival forecasts for 2025–2030 provide context on the anticipated dynamics of tourism growth, with Hungary showing the highest projected increase. Using advanced statistical techniques, including Multi-Group Analysis (MGA), structural equation modeling (SEM), and machine learning methods, key factors driving tourism support were identified. Positive perceptions of economic benefits and cultural identification significantly enhance support for tourism, while perceived costs act as inhibitors. The application of Random Forest and XGBoost (version 1.7.x) models improved predictive accuracy, while K-means clustering and principal component analysis (PCA) clarified relationships among constructs. The findings provide actionable insights for developing sustainable tourism strategies that prioritize economic outcomes and community engagement, particularly in culturally and economically diverse settings.
cultural identification , economic benefits , perceived benefits , predictions , tourism development
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
Department of Regional Economics and Geography, Faculty of Economics, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, 117198, Russian Federation
Department of Science and Innovation, International Educational Corporation, Almaty, 050043, Kazakhstan
Department of Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, 18000, Serbia
Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Uludag University, Bursa, 16059, Turkey
Department of Art and Art Management, Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” SASA
Department of Regional Economics and Geography
Department of Science and Innovation
Department of Geography and Tourism
Department of Social Sciences
Department of Art and Art Management
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026