ETHNO EVENT IN THE FUNCTION OF DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURIST DESTINATIONS: CASE STUDY “COUNTRY WEDDING“ AT GOSTOLJUBLJE

Abstract

Ethno events have a driving role in the effective development of rural tourism. The goal of the research is to point out the importance of ethno event such as “Country wedding” as an innovative tourist product in enriching the tourist offer of rural areas, in the protection of intangible cultural heritage and affirming rural tourism. The research analyzed the motives, reasons, assessment of stay, sources of information of 346 visitors to the Gostoljublje farm in Kosjerić. Research has shown that in practice, ethno event directly affects the more effective valorization of the tourist potential, image improvement, enrichment and affirmation of the tourism product of the farm, stimulates the increase in employment of the local population and affects the raising of awareness about the importance of tourism in rural areas. Further research should be focused on improving marketing and promotional activities in order to achieve recognition and create a sustainable, professionally designed tourist brand “Country Wedding” in Kosjerić.

Keywords

• rural tourism
• ethno event
• innovative tourist product
• farm
• Country wedding