Rural tourism and regional development: Case study of development of rural tourism in the region of Gruza Serbia

Geographical area of Gruza, with its intact natural beauty and important cultural and historical monuments, has significant potential for tourism development. Local government is particularly important to tourism development and promotion in several aspects. Respondents, rural hosts from Gruza region complained of the lack of cooperation on the part of local government. The experimental research comprises three parts; the first part includes a questionnaire that was conducted in regional and local organizations which have a decisive impact on regional economic development and tourism. The second part of the research was focusing on the basic characteristics of rural households owners. The third part includes qualitative research about rural tourist characteristics. Experimental research for this study was performed in the region of Gruza in Central Serbia, including registered rural households that have participated in rural tourism in the last few years. Results indicate that rural home owners involved in rural tourism are members of the Tourist Organization of Knic, predominantly male, from 40 to 60 years old and they hold secondary school diplomas. The results of the research suggest that an average tourist in Gruza is at a higher social and cultural level, with medium income and mostly coming from urban areas. This type of tourist is open to typical rural activities including sports, farm works, as well as to enjoying nature and gastronomy