Satisfaction of visitors with food offer at gastronomic festivals in rural areas

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore visitors experience, habits and attributes that have significant impact on their satisfaction with food offer at "Plum Fair" held in Osečina. Collected data were analyzed and interpreted using some basic descriptive statistics techniques as well as nonparametric test such as Spearman's Rho. The results of the study showed that the majority of visitors come from the surrounding municipalities, motivated by the preservation of traditions and countryside. Purchase of food products was motivated by novelty as well as supporting local producers. Visitors were most satisfied with the taste of food products and least satisfied with their price. It might be noted that the rural gastronomic festivals and products have a great promotional and entrepreneurial potential by offering these products in the local restaurants as well as retail chains, which would positively affect the revitalization of rural area of Western Serbia.