Perceptions of 'Srem Folk Fest' participants according to cultural tourism preferences

Abstract

"Srem Folk Fest" has become one of the most popular and significant international folklore festivals in this part of the Balkans since 2004. For the past 16 years, a town Sremska Mitrovica was a host city for European, Asian, South American and African youth. Besides its historical importance, this town on the Sava river could also be considered as the promoter of culture, tradition and folklore of its guests. Each year, the artistic stylization of folklore stage is accompanied by about 20000 visitors during the four festival nights. In 2015, "Srem Folk Fest" was added to the calendar of events of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF). The Festival is also recognized by the Serbian National Commission for UNESCO as the keeper of the intangible cultural heritage. One of the main tasks of the paper is related to the need of considering potential and participants' intentions to repeat their visit, as well as of improving the offer and promotion of the town and its surroundings. The aim of the paper is to analyze the data obtained in the context of the behavior and preferences of participants/respondents, to determine the specificity of their role and thus to make a recommendation for creating even better offer. Considering the respondents from 10 countries, the result is especially significant in the form of improving the image of Serbia, as well as their preferences for getting to know rural areas and cultural features. The study contains the survey research, while gained results might provide a good basis for further organization in accordance with their expectations. In addition, the results could also find practical implication in terms of providing basic information necessary to expand this event within the surrounding area of Sremska Mitrovica.