Original scientific paper

THE ROLE OF AGROTOURISM IN SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ZADAR COUNTY – PERCEPTIONS OF RURAL STAKEHOLDERS

Martina Erstić ; Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ornella Mikuš orcid.org/0000-0001-8116-3159 ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Željka Mesić orcid.org/0000-0002-9349-1560 ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

In this paper are analyzed agrotourism as a segmented form of tourism on family farms and one of the possibilities of revitalization of rural areas in the Zadar County. The basic objectives are: to determine the spatial and socioeconomic characteristics and to estimate the role of agritourism in socioeconomic development in rural areas of Zadar County. For this purpose, we analyzed the secondary data sources and conducted interviews with 30 stakeholders in rural areas within Zadar County. The results show that the majority of respondents consider that agrotourism is already contributing to the socio-economic development of rural areas of the County, while a much higher percentage (90% of respondents) confirmed that the agrotourism activity could boost development in the next five years. Respondents expect greater support from the EU funds, the increase in demand for agrotourism, and increase of their competitiveness and income. However, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce existing barriers to the development of agrotourism: insufficient financial resources to start, consuming administrative procedures, lack of productive resources, undeveloped and unadjusted infrastructure etc.

Keywords

agrotourism; Zadar County; socio-economic development

Hrčak ID:

79942

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/79942

Publication date:

12.4.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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