Gastronomy as an Effective Tool for Rural Prosperity - Evidence From Rural Settlements in Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Food and gastronomy certainly occupy a special position in rural promotion. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent the local population believes that the gastronomic offer affects rural prosperity. The results show that all the factors of the tourist offer are of satisfactory quality and have a significant influence in predicting the rural development of countryside in Serbia, and that respondents in the middle age category believe that gastronomy determines rural prosperity. Material status has no statistical significance in the difference in the perception of the impact of gastronomy on rural development, but in relation to the age category, results show a statistically significant difference. The research has an obvious importance in the theoretical and applied aspect, as a complement to the existing literature, as well as an aid in the strategic planning of the development of rural settlements in Serbia.

Revival of the Hotel Industry: The Impact of Food Waste Reduction on Serbia’s Economic Prospects

“…The food waste scenario in the United States, especially in restaurants, is a significant issue, with estimates suggesting that these establishments generate between 22 and 33 billion pounds of food waste annually (Strotmann et al, 2017;Corrado & Sala, 2018;Petrović et al, 2023;Bugarčić et al, 2023;Dusmanescu et al, 2016). Additionally, other sectors like schools, hotels, and hospitals contribute an extra 7 to 11 billion pounds of waste each year.…”

“…A deeper understanding of food science and technology can lead to more efficient agricultural practices, improved food production methods, and better international food trade. Progress in this field is essential for economic advancement, job creation, and the enhancement of food safety standards (Chakona & Shackleton, 2017;Berkowitz et al, 2016;Bugarčić et al, 2023;Nica et al, 2023).…”

Fusing Gastronomy and Rural Development within Sustainable Food Systems

“…The development of tourism, including gastronomy, in rural areas plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable rural development objectives (Pato & Duque, 2023;Ristić, 2013). As tourism development is a part of rural development, gastronomy serves as a vital link between tourism and agriculture, particularly in Serbia, where rural tourism has gained recognition in Europe (Bugarčić et al, 2023).…”

“…The gastronomic offerings serve as a cornerstone for attracting tourists while catering to their preferences, aligning with contemporary trends, and preserving authenticity and uniqueness. Tourists are increasingly drawn to local, traditional, and minimally processed foods because they prioritize safety and quality over heavily processed and industrialized options (Bugarčić et al, 2023;Kilibarda et al, 2018a).…”