Regional differentiation of rural areas for tourism purposes – the case of Eastern Serbia

Abstract

Rural areas in Serbia are characterized with high level of diversification in terms of natural, demographic, economic and environmental characteristics. Contemporary tendencies in the spatial development require new approach to determination of rural areas at regional and national level. Natural predispositions of Eastern Serbia observed from physical and geographical standpoint indicate that this area have great tourism potential which is not sufficiently utilized. This paper will give an overview of existing approaches to identification and planning treatment of rural areas in Eastern Serbia. The application of GIS technology based on available data will be presented along with possible differentiation of rural areas in Eastern Serbia. Results may contribute to the improvement the existing methodology of determination of rural areas for tourism purposes. In that context are proposed some guidelines regarding future development of tourism in this part of Serbia.