Analysis of the Current State of Nautical Tourism in the Function of Improving the Tourist Offer of the City of Belgrade

Abstract

Introduction: Nautical tourism represents one of the most developed forms of tourism, the development of which can encourage tourists to use other tourist facilities of the destination in which they dock and temporarily stay during the cruise. This tourism form is important from the economic aspect, bearing in mind that tourists spend significant funds on voyages and cruises. On the other hand, tourists expect a high quality of services during the cruise and they are willing to pay an appropriate price for the added value and authentic experience. The growing tendency of the number of tourists, who opt for this type of travel, indicates the necessity of continuous improvement of the nautical tourism offer in order to satisfy tourists´ needs. Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyse the current state of nautical tourism and its importance for the improvement of the tourist offer of the city of Belgrade. Although the tourist offer of the city of Belgrade consists of a large number of tourist products, for which great demand exists, the potentials for the nautical tourism development have not been adequately valorised and used to improve the position of this city on the international tourist market. The paper presents the current state of nautical tourism in the city of Belgrade with the aim of defining guidelines for improving the nautical tourism offer. Method: This paper is based on a theoretical analysis of the scientific and professional literature on nautical tourism and secondary data. Official statistical data on tourist turnover, the number of tourists in the ports of the city of Belgrade are presented in the paper. Findings: It was determined in the paper that there are real opportunities for the development of nautical tourism in the city of Belgrade. A significant potential for the nautical tourism development is the Danube River, whose waterways enable the organization of sailing for tourists. More intensive development of nautical tourism could contribute to achieving greater visibility of the city of Belgrade on the international tourist market and connecting this tourism form with other segments of the tourist offer in order to provide an authentic experience for tourists during their stay in this destination.