Importance of IPARD Component for the Financing of Rural Tourism in Serbia

Despite they dominate, rural areas in Serbia are characterized by economical and social devastation that are out of correlation with available natural resources and preserved cultural and historical heritage. On the other side, diversification of economic activities in rural areas extends the range of services available to rural populations and supports products and services based on traditional knowledge and technology, natural resources and cultural heritage. This kind of rural space revival is officially supported through national measures, where one segment of support is directed to the development of current rural tourism potentials. Unfortunately, restricted agricultural budget at national level cannot cover sufficiently all requirements of rural tourism, before all elements of physical and social infrastructure at macro level as well as equipping elements and supply of offered facilities and services at the farm level. Because of that, to IPARD as potential financial component that will strengthen the farm capacities in function of rural tourism has to be given adequate importance. Therefore, economic diversification of nonagricultural activities should support the growth, employment and sustainable development of rural territories, contributing their better economic and social balance and increase of rural population income. Observed from previously mentioned aspects, the main goal of paper is to reconsider the significance of IPARD fund for the further development of rural tourism at national level