Preservation of Vernacular Cultural Landscape and Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study from the Western Carpatho-Balkan Region

This research examines the role of preserving the vernacular cultural landscape in sustainable tourism, with a focus on the Stara Planina area in Serbia. The goal was to determine how the perception of cultural heritage preservation, the use of resources and the impact of European regulations shape attitudes about sustainable tourism among tourists and local residents. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), multiple group analysis (MGA), and machine learning (Random Forest and Gradient Boosting), clear differences in perception were revealed: tourists more strongly associate the preservation of the vernacular landscape with sustainability, while local residents prioritize economic benefits. Generational analyses indicated that younger groups are more supportive of European regulations and environmental measures, while older populations show a more pragmatic approach. The findings confirm that EU regulations have a significant moderating effect in shaping attitudes about sustainability and balancing cultural and economic goals. This work expands the understanding of the relationship between the preservation of vernacular architecture and tourism policy in non-EU countries, offering a theoretical and practical framework that can contribute to shaping sustainable development models not only for Serbia but also for other rural regions of Europe and the world that strive to preserve an authentic cultural landscape.