MACROECONOMIC MOVEMENTS IN SERBIA WITH REFERENCE TO RURAL TOURISM IN 2025

Abstract

The development of rural tourism in the Republic of Serbia aims to diversify the rural economy by reducing poverty, improving living standards, preserving the national cultural heritage, protecting the environment and promoting more balanced regional development. In accordance with its enormous potential, the development of rural tourism in the Republic of Serbia aims to contribute to the general development of tourism in the country. This paper aims to analyze macroeconomic developments in the Republic of Serbia during 2025, with special emphasis on key indicators of economic stability, such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth, inflation, unemployment, trade and investments. The analysis uses the latest data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, the National Bank of Serbia, as well as relevant international sources such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Commission. The goal of the analysis is to present a realistic picture of economic flows in Serbia during the observed year and to assess the conditions for sustainable development in the following period. Special emphasis was placed on the emergence and development of rural tourism as an activity of great importance for the economic revival of rural areas, the reduction of regional inequalities and the encouragement of local self-employment. The paper indicates that, despite global challenges and the influence of external trends, the Serbian economy showed a certain level of resilience in 2025. Moderate GDP growth was recorded, inflation was significantly reduced compared to previous years, while unemployment is decreasing, especially in the service and tourism sectors. At the same time, foreign direct investors are showing interest in new and sustainable branches of the economy, among which rural tourism is gaining an increasing role. The growth in the number of households that are actively involved in tourist activities in rural areas is particularly noticeable, which, together with the increase in the number of overnight stays and larger budget allocations, indicates a positive development trend. The analysis of rural tourism includes its economic effects on local communities, including increasing household income, creating new jobs, improving local infrastructure and reviving traditional crafts and agriculture. The analysis of rural tourism includes its economic effects on local communities, including increasing household income, creating new jobs, improving local infrastructure and reviving traditional crafts and agriculture. The analysis of rural tourism includes its economic effects on local communities, including increasing household income, creating new jobs, improving local infrastructure and reviving traditional crafts and agriculture. The paper also discusses institutional and financial mechanisms to support the development of rural tourism, including subsidy programs, grants, incentives for youth and women, as well as the opportunities offered by the IPARD funds of the European Union. The necessity of strengthening administrative capacities, better territorial coordination and digitization is indicated as a prerequisite for further progress. The conclusions of the work point to the need to improve a strategic approach to economic policy, which would include rural tourism as a priority area within regional development. The potential of this activity is not only in the tourist offer, but also in its ability to generate positive socio-economic effects through long-term sustainability, preservation of cultural heritage and improvement of the quality of life in rural areas. The paper ends with a set of recommendations for the improvement of existing policies and measures, as well as a call for greater intersectoral cooperation between the state, local self-governments, the private sector and civil society.