An insight into the attitudes of enogastronomic tourists in Istria

Romina Alkier; Marko Blažić

doi:10.46793/ICEMIT23.139A

Authors

Romina Alkier University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, Croatia
Marko Blažić University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija, Croatia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46793/ICEMIT23.139A

Abstract

The aim of the research is to investigate the rural tourism of Istria with a special emphasis on enogastronomy as a fundamental product of rural tourism in Istria. The paper consists of a theoretical and an empirical part. In the theoretical part, the focus is placed on defining and conceptualizing rural tourism. The empirical part of the research examined the habits, preferences, and motivation of enogastronomic tourists of Istria. The research was conducted with an online survey questionnaire constructed on the basis of relevant scientific literature and a model of motivation of enogastronomic tourists, which includes eight dimensions of tourists' motivation to consume local food and drinks. Descriptive statistical analysis methods were used in processing the collected data. The results of the research show that enogastronomic tourists who visit Istria are most attracted to the sensory experience while consuming food and drinks in the Istrian countryside, while they are least motivated to come to Istria by the aspect of social and ecological sustainability of the destination.

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