Ringer, GregVitić - Ćetković, Andriela2020-11-062020-11-0620209780367223915https://hdl.handle.net/1794/2585629 pagesThe end of the international embargo on Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 created growing visitor interest in the West Balkan region, and its natural and cultural heritage. Yet, political instability and lingering ethnic/religious strife limit tourism development in some inland and trans-boundary locations. Furthermore, the industry has been slow to create sufficient jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for economically deprived populations, while the governments of Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania prioritize mass development along the Adriatic coast instead. In response, this paper employs a strategic management approach to identify Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for successful, sustainable, and supportive bike tourism in Montenegro’s rural and cross-border communities. The goal is to ascertain whether bicycle tourism is a model for sustainable development in Montenegro and the West Balkan region (Lumsdon, 2000). Our initial analysis is informed by qualitative and quantitative data from bicycle tourists and regional proponents, and an assessment of existing tourism management practices and political processes. Collectively, the CSF provides prescriptive frameworks for efficient and affordable community-based bike tourism in Montenegro, and a blueprint to enhance the visitor experience for domestic and international tourists. A baseline is also established on which to measure and mitigate impacts as bike tourism evolves socially and spatially across the country. This knowledge is essential if Montenegro is to succeed as a bike tourism leader both regionally and globally.en-USCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USBicycle tourismcross-border collaborationdestination marketingMontenegropost-conflict travelWest BalkansPreprint