The Effectiveness Of Sources Of Information On Rural Facilities And Agritourism

The aim of this dissertation was to diagnose the tendency of changes observed in the forms of information and promotion used by agricultural service providers and the sources of information preferred by tourists who rested in rural areas in 2001-2019. Moreover, the point of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of sources of information and promotion on rural facilities used by service providers in agritourism. The empiric studies handled by the author of the article as well as by other researches, data from different institutions and literature formed the basis for this article. A comparative analysis was used to perform the research. It should be noticed that, in every period of the study, the forms of promotion used by agricultural service providers failed to fully meet tourists’ needs and expectations. In 2003, service providers believed in printed materials such as leaflets, pamphlets and catalogues as a form of advertisement and promotion, whereas tourists chose their destination to stay and relax at a rural facility relying on word-of-mouth marketing from friends, family and acquaintances. In 2012 and 2019 both parties pointed out the website as a prime source of information and the recommendations of friends and family in second place. In every empiric period, exchanges, fairs, advertising in catalogues and pamphlets as well as information in press releases, adverts on the radio or commercials in television were more important for service providers than for tourists. In order to meet tourists’ expectations, farmers and village residents should take care of the standard and design of their websites. To gain knowledge and necessary help on that matter, service providers may get in touch with agricultural advisory services or representatives of agritourism associations.