Gastronomic heritage in hospitality in Vojvodina (the Republic of Serbia): State and possibilities

Abstract

The Autonomous Province of Vojvodina represents a region characterized by expressed multi-ethnicity. This unique mixture of more than 30 different nations influenced the formation of a unique and recognizable cultural heritage. Gastronomy, as one of the most impressive components of cultural heritage, has a very important role in positioning a tourist destination on the global market. The subject of this paper is the views of hospitality workers of gastronomic heritage in Vojvodina and its possibilities to influence further development of tourism in the region. This paper aims to provide a better insight into the mindset of hospitality workers, as carriers of the hospitality offer, about the chances of multiculturalism in the region to become a differential force in the tourism market. The research included 508 respondents employed in all hospitality sectors. The results show that the respondents believe that ethnic minorities' dishes are insufficiently represented in offers of hospitality facilities, but that employees believe that they can be an advantage in creation a gastronomic heritage.