Traditional food products and region recognition: Importance of geographical indication of origin in case of branding the tourist region of Western Serbia

Abstract

The challenge of tourists' expectations is predicated on more authentic and traditional experiences as modern tourism grows. Local traditional food, which comprises autochthonous goods that have been consumed in that area since ancient times, is one of the experiences that such tourists are looking for. European legislation establishes geographical indications of origin to ensure that the items are authentic for that destination. This study aimed to evaluate respondents' perceptions of the authenticity of locally produced goods from Western Serbia's tourist region. Additionally, consideration was given to the significance of the geographic origin label in the Republic of Serbia, particularly in light of tourists' consumption and purchase of regionally authentic goods. A total of 504 respondents participated in the study. The findings indicate that traditional foods from this area are well-known to tourists, and guest households that serve these foods will have a competitive advantage.

Economic indicators of rural destination development oriented to tourism management: The case of ethno villages in Western Serbia

“…Local food products play a significant role in raising the quality of the overall tourist experience, whether they are used in the preparation of food served to guests or sold raw, as a kind of souvenir. The authenticity of domestic products and the methods of their preparation play an important role in the planning and development of rural tourism (Obradovi et al, 2023). The Pearson Chi-Square Test indicates that there is significant unevenness regarding the impact of rural tourism on agricultural development (Table 6).…”