The Role of Rural Tourism in Strengthening the Sustainability of Rural Areas: The Case of Zlakusa Village

Nevena Ćurčić,Bojana Jandžiković,Sanja Pavlović,Jovana Brankov,Andrijana Mirković Svitlica,Željko Bjeljac

doi:10.3390/su13126747

Abstract

The strategic planning of rural development is focused on both economic growth and sustainable development. Sustainable rural development is essential for conserving and improving resources, while economic growth contributes to a better standard of living. The aim of the research is to determine, using the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methodology on the example of the village of Zlakusa, the economic activities developed in the village, the importance of rural tourism, and the scope of sustainable development taken into account in rural development. The results of the research show that the success of the rural community depends on: diversification of economic activities, which is accompanied by cohesion of the population through association and organization; organized activities aimed at local or republican authorities; activation of human and social capital; and initiating activities involving marginalized groups. Educating the population outside formal education improves the sustainable and economic development of the village and enables rural tourism to become an important part of economic activities and a channel for the commercialization of natural and cultural contents.

Highlights

Tourism is considered to be a driver of economic development at local, regional, and national level
It was believed that tourism does not have enough potential to boost development in rural areas, which was supported by the stance that rural areas are not sufficiently attractive for tourism
One of the proposed solutions in the master plan for the development of rural tourism in Serbia is the development of rural tourism, which would contribute to the economic empowerment of the rural population and to the strengthening of local and regional economies

Summary

Introduction

Tourism is considered to be a driver of economic development at local, regional, and national level. It was believed that tourism does not have enough potential to boost development in rural areas, which was supported by the stance that rural areas are not sufficiently attractive for tourism. The imperative of achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability in local communities is certainly conducive to tourism. Tourism activities in rural areas are directly linked to sustainable development—by supporting the protection of natural and cultural capital of these areas and using them in a sustainable manner, they establish a balance between the economic and ecological dimensions of development. For this reason, Sustainability 2021, 13, 6747.

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