Water quality as an indicator of local residents’ attitudes towards tourism development: A case study of settlements along Veliki Bački Kanal, Vojvodina, Serbia

Veliki Bački Kanal (VBK) is a very important waterway in Serbia and part of the Danube-Tisza-Danube hydro-system. VBK runs through the central part of Bačka, connecting the rivers of Danube and Tisza, and as such possesses high unused tourism potential. In order to develop tourism in this region, local residents’ attitudes are being investigated in relation to the use of VBK for recreational and tourism purposes. The data obtained are analyzed in the statistical program SPSS. The sample comprised 500 respondents in ten settlements. In order to use a particular water surface for recreation and tourism development, it is necessary to have water of adequate quality. Water quality of watercourses is determined on the basis of the water quality index (WQI), a qualification system for describing water quality of surface waters. The research results showed that along the entire course of VBK, there are sections which are clean and entirely suitable for tourism development and sections which are completely degraded. Local residents have positive attitudes towards tourism development of VBK, in particular towards rural and ecotourism development. The results obtained offer an opportunity to determine guidelines which can influence tourism development in these and similar areas.