Abstract JSSP

Possibilities for Improvement of Rural Tourism in Fruska Gora

Sandra MEDIĆ1, Snježana GAGIĆ2, Ana JOVIČIĆ1, Irma ERDEJI1
1 University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad, SERBIA
2 College of Management and Business Communications, SERBIA
E-mail: medics.ns@gmail.com, gagicsnjeza@yahoo.com, ana.jovicic@fondmt.rs, irmaing@gmail.com
Pages: 167-175

Abstract. Despite the fact that its height barely exceeds the lower limit of low mountains, Fruska Gora is the most dominant mountain in Vojvodina. It is an area of significant natural and social specificity, thus in 1960 a part of it was proclaimed National Park. The convenient location, the good quality of agricultural land, substantial wildlife resources, abundance in water and geological elements, as well as the richness of the cultural-historical monuments exemplify an important potential of the area. Hitherto it has been shown that excursions represent the most common tourist activity in Fruska Gora. The tourists organized in groups or on an individual basis usually visit monasteries and picnic areas (Iriski venac, Strazilovo and Zmajevac). In addition to these activities, they practice other miscellaneous activities such as: walking in nature, hiking, biking, bird watching, and water-related activities in the summer season. Along with rural tourism, cultural tourism and event tourism, wine tourism brings an immense potential to this area, as well. Fruska Gora is one of the eight wine regions of Serbia and has a capacity of about 60 private wineries. So far, it was confirmed that rural tourism could have a great significance in the overall development of certain areas, in the economic, social and cultural terms. In order to achieve that, one of the most important components is the involvement of local communities in tourism activities and in the process of planning and decision making. Out of the 57 settlements in Fruska Gora 46 have up to 3,000 inhabitants and agriculture is the most important economic sector for the majority of them. We can state that most of this area has a predominantly rural character and most of the actual activities already take place in a rural area. It is necessary to link these activities and make a complete and unique tourism product. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the current situation and the possibilities of improving the overall tourism offer for rural tourism in the area. Furthermore, it should show the existing capacities of the tourism offer, the existing and potential activities of public and private sectors, their mutual cooperation and collaboration with local communities carrying the objective of sustainable tourism development of area. In addition, the aim is to point out the importance of legislation, which sets directions of development in this particular/specific area and eventually to indicate the measures that will enhance the current tourism promotional activities of Fruska Gora.

K e y w o r d s: rural area, sustainability, tourism in the protected area, development, Fruska Gora








			Possibilities for Improvement of Rural Tourism in Fruska Gora Sandra MEDIĆ1, Snježana GAGIĆ2, Ana JOVIČIĆ1, Irma ERDEJI1 1 University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Novi Sad, SERBIA 2 College of Management and Business Communications, SERBIA E-mail: medics.ns@gmail.com, gagicsnjeza@yahoo.com, ana.jovicic@fondmt.rs, irmaing@gmail.com Pages: 167-175 Abstract. Despite the fact that its height barely exceeds the lower limit of low mountains, Fruska Gora is the most dominant mountain in Vojvodina. It is an area of significant natural and social specificity, thus in 1960 a part of it was proclaimed National Park. The convenient location, the good quality of agricultural land, substantial wildlife resources, abundance in water and geological elements, as well as the richness of the cultural-historical monuments exemplify an important potential of the area. Hitherto it has been shown that excursions represent the most common tourist activity in Fruska Gora. The tourists organized in groups or on an individual basis usually visit monasteries and picnic areas (Iriski venac, Strazilovo and Zmajevac). In addition to these activities, they practice other miscellaneous activities such as: walking in nature, hiking, biking, bird watching, and water-related activities in the summer season. Along with rural tourism, cultural tourism and event tourism, wine tourism brings an immense potential to this area, as well. Fruska Gora is one of the eight wine regions of Serbia and has a capacity of about 60 private wineries. So far, it was confirmed that rural tourism could have a great significance in the overall development of certain areas, in the economic, social and cultural terms. In order to achieve that, one of the most important components is the involvement of local communities in tourism activities and in the process of planning and decision making. Out of the 57 settlements in Fruska Gora 46 have up to 3,000 inhabitants and agriculture is the most important economic sector for the majority of them. We can state that most of this area has a predominantly rural character and most of the actual activities already take place in a rural area. It is necessary to link these activities and make a complete and unique tourism product. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the current situation and the possibilities of improving the overall tourism offer for rural tourism in the area. Furthermore, it should show the existing capacities of the tourism offer, the existing and potential activities of public and private sectors, their mutual cooperation and collaboration with local communities carrying the objective of sustainable tourism development of area. In addition, the aim is to point out the importance of legislation, which sets directions of development in this particular/specific area and eventually to indicate the measures that will enhance the current tourism promotional activities of Fruska Gora. K e y w o r d s: rural area, sustainability, tourism in the protected area, development, Fruska Gora