Geographia Polonica (2026) vol. 99, iss. 2
Geospatial indexing for wine tourism planning in support of rural development: Case study of wine-growing regions Šumadija (Serbia) and Slavonia (Croatia) Geographia Polonica
Geographia Polonica (2026) vol. 99, iss. 2, pp. 217-235 | 
Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/GPol.0324
Abstract
This paper examines a GIS-based methodology for assessing wine tourism potential as a tool for rural development, focusing on the wine-growing regions of Šumadija (Serbia) and Slavonia (Croatia). The proposed approach combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a multi-criteria decision-making method based on open-source data. By applying spatial overlay, hotspot analysis, and index-based evaluation, the study identifies zones with high potential for wine tourism and developmental gaps. The WTDI (Wine Tourism Development Index) provides a transferable and replicable model for identifying wine tourism development zones in regions with limited data availability. The results revealed apparent spatial differences between the regions (urban and peri-urban areas such as Kragujevac, Aranđelovac, and Topola in Šumadija show higher tourism potential, while Slavonia displays a more balanced distribution of tourism potential, with notable hot spots around Požega, Kutjevo, and Daruvar). At the same time, both regions demonstrate a strong foundation for future wine tourism development, underpinned by improved wine quality and rich cultural heritage. However, neither region has yet reached the maturity associated with established wine tourism destinations. The WTDI model offers a scalable and replicable tool for identifying tourism development zones in data-scarce contexts. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based, spatially informed planning in unlocking the untapped wine tourism potential of rural regions. The proposed methodology offers a low-cost, replicable framework for local governmentsand development agencies to make data-informed decisions in promoting sustainable rural tourism.
Keywords: wine tourism potential, GIS-based methods, WTDI, Šumadija, Slavonija, Serbia, Croatia
[radmila.jovanovic@uma.es], Institute of Agricultural Economics Volgina Street 15, 11000 Belgrade: Serbia
[emilija.manic@ekof.bg.ac.rs], Faculty of Economy and Business University of Belgrade Kamenička 6, 11000 Belgrade: Serbia
[jloncar@geog.pmf.hr], Faculty of Science, Department of Geography University of Zagreb Horvatovac 102a, 10000 Zagreb: Croatia
