TOURISM AS A CATALYST FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF VRNJAČKA BANJA

Abstract

In this paper we present local economic development as a process and leader of the overal development of the economy, as a form of directing the local community through cooperation between public, business and civil sector in order to provide economic development for the local community, which means growth of economy and an increase of employment of the local population. This paper also intends to present strengths of tourist municipalities and the role of their natural predispositions for qualitative growth and development by exploitation of natural, cultural and human resources. The results and effects of the study are not related only to theoretical consideration, as we also provide practical recommendations for the local government of Vrnjačka Banja and which can be a useful example for other tourist municipalities.