Dragan Vukolić

• Ph.D. Management and Business
• Senior Assistant at Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Business Studies

The subject of the study of the doctoral dissertation is the quality of gastronomic service in farm-stay tourism. The main reason for studying this problem lies in the fact that the Republic of Serbia has significant resources for the development of farm-stay tourism and its gastronomic services. The main goal of the doctoral dissertation is to inv...

In recent years, the hospitality industry has faced increasing challenges in retaining qualified staff, with work-life balance emerging as a critical factor in employee satisfaction and retention. Despite extensive research on work-life balance in various sectors, limited attention has been paid to the specific dynamics within the hospitality secto...

This study examines the influence of risk perception, adaptation strategies, and media influence on tourists' resilience and their decision-making processes in the context of safety concerns during crises. By focusing on tourist behavior in uncertain environments, the research aims to identify key determinants of resilience and how they shape trave...

This study examines attitudes toward achieving a sustainable balance in ecotourism using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model, focusing on economic and environmental factors shaping sustainable practices. Data were collected from tourists, local residents, and managers in Serbia and Croatia, encompassing diverse perspectives on natural resour...

This paper examines the impact of the 'Farm to Fork' concept on the development of gastronomic tourism in Serbia, with a focus on the integration of local products into the offerings of rural tourist households. Through a survey of tourists, data were collected on their perceptions, satisfaction, and willingness to recommend destinations that apply...

The impact of AI on the hospitality industry is increasingly significant. This paper explores the influence of digital transformation on the hospitality sector, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing business operations through gastronomic offerings. Digital technology is transforming the way hospitality es...

This study aims to better understand the motives of young people in deciding to visit a certain destination. The young generation – between 18 and 26 years of age – were surveyed for the purposes of this study. The total sample consists of 870 respondents living in five cities of the Republic of Serbia. The obtained results indicate that psychologi...

This study explores the pivotal role of work-life balance in modern corporate environments, reflecting a company's ethical responsibility and social impact. The objective of this paper is to investigate how promoting work-life balance influences employee well-being and organizational outcomes. The methodology includes a literature review of researc...

This research examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on improving operational efficiency and personalizing services in the hotel sector. VI technologies have become a key factor in the transformation of hotel business, enabling the automation of tasks, optimization of resources, as well as the provision of personalized services to gues...

Purpose – The study aimed to analyze the quality of gastronomic services in the agrarian regions of Eastern Serbia, focusing on the experiences of tourists visiting these destinations. The research was motivated by the increasing importance of gastronomic services in contemporary studies, particularly in rural areas like Eastern Serbia, known for i...

Background/Objectives: Sick leave is influenced by various modifiable lifestyle factors and sex differences. This study investigates the associations between body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption and sick leave among Serbia's working population, with emphasis on sex differences. Method...

This study examines the level of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the personalization of hotel services and its impact on guest satisfaction through an analysis of tourists’ attitudes and behaviors The focus of the research is on how personalized recommendations for food and beverages, activities, and room services, delivered by tr...

Sick leave is influenced by various modifiable lifestyle factors and sex differences. This study examines the impact of body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption on sick leave among Serbia's working population, focusing on sex differences. Data from the 2019 National Health Survey of Serbi...

This research was carried out at the Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia, in which 56 respondents, the younger generation, who evaluated the combination of characteristic types of beer and biscuits, participated. Three beers were produced in the geographical area of the Republic of Serbia and were used: non-alcoholic b...

This study theoretically explores the symbiotic relationship between rural tourism and the development of forest well-being tourism as a pathway to sustainability. Investigating the interconnectedness of rural and forest landscapes, the research emphasizes the positive impacts on physical and mental health and well-being through outdoor activities....

In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality sector, understanding consumer trends and preferences in food and beverage in the hospitality sector is crucial for sustained success. This paper delves into the dynamic world of consumer behavior, exploring the factors that influence choices and desires in dining and beverage experiences. By analyz...

The aim of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Zero Waste strategy on economic benefits in the hotel industry of the Republic of Serbia. A quantitative methodology was employed, comprising a survey among managers from various hotels, combined with statistical data analysis to verify hypotheses. The results indicate that inv...

Introduction: Amidst the global variability in food allergy prevalence, this study underscores the critical role of labeling regulations, especially within the realm of hospitality. It emphasizes the individual responsibility to prevent inadvertent allergen ingestion, a pivotal consideration in the context of severe allergies during travel and the...

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on customer perceptions and behavior in restaurants, airline companies, and hotel sectors within the hospitality industry of Iran. The primary objective is to analyze how AI affects customer trust, brand engagement, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), and tourists’ readiness to use AI tech...

This study investigates the perceptions of employees in the hotel industry of the Republic of Serbia regarding the acceptance and importance of artificial intelligence (AI). Through a modified UTAUT model and the application of structural equation analysis (SEM), we investigated the key factors shaping AI acceptance. Research results show that beha...

Food waste represents a global issue with serious economic, environmental, and social implications. This study investigates the impact of food waste on the economic stability of hotels and restaurants in the Republic of Serbia using a structural modeling approach. The survey included 136 managers across 30 hotels in various cities and mountainous r...

Agro-tourism in the Republic of Serbia represents an increasingly significant sector of rural development, blending agriculture and tourism into an appealing whole. The aim of this study is to identify and quantify the factors significantly contributing to the development of agro-tourism, taking into account the role of community and government sup...

The concept of wellness encompasses various dimensions of health, aiming to promote proactive and preventive behavior for overall well-being. This cross-sectional study investigated the characteristics and benefits of visiting wellness centers. A total of 186 participants (average age of 41.31±10.475, including 49 males and 137 females) in Serbia w...

Work-life balance has become a popular area of research in the past twenty years. Before the 1970s, work and family were studied as mutually exclusive domains. The term "work-life balance" was introduced in the late 1970s to describe the balancing act of employed women who were mothers, juggling child care and work responsibilities. During the 1990...

This paper presents a theoretical review and literature analysis of the role of the environment in health tourism. It examines key environmental factors such as air and water quality, biodiversity, climatic and geographical characteristics, and their impact on the development of health tourism destinations. Additionally, the paper explores how the...

Gastronomy plays a significant role in the cultural experience of everyday life, offering tourists a unique way to explore different aspects of a destination. Culinary experiences often serve as a key factor in the decision-making process when choosing travel destinations. During 2023 and 2024, the authors conducted a study at four major events in...

Lifestyle medicine utilizes evidence-based behavior modifications in diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, positive social connections, and substance use to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse lifestyle-related chronic diseases. By adopting and maintaining healthy behaviors, individuals can improve their health and overall quality of life....

The integration of wellness promotion in primary healthcare settings, emphasizing the concept of prescribing wellness is needed. Recognizing the significant impact of lifestyle on health outcomes, healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating wellness interventions into their practice. By prescribing and encouraging healthy behaviors, such as...

In the last two and a half years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused great losses both in society and in the field of economy and all its sectors. The goal of the research was to try to predict the tourist traffic for the period of the next two years, based on the data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Time series analyse (TSA) was...

The tourism industry is one of the industries most a ected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the motivation for travel is essential for the tourism development of the destination and long-term business. This study used the push-pull-mooring model (PPM model) to explain the factors that in uence the decision of tourists to visit agritourism de...

The aim of this paper is to examine the various aspects of food and beverage management in hotels and the significant role it plays in hotel operations. The paper will review the literature published since 2013, with a focus on the latest approaches and technologies used in food and beverage management in hotels. A comparative analysis will be used...

Gajić, T. et al.-The quality of hotel service as a factor of achieving loyalty among visitors-Abstract: The quality of service, as well as the impact of hotel business on achieving loyalty among hotel visitors, has always been a topic of research in the world. The aim of this research was to determine the level of service quality achieved in hotels...

Food and beverage management is a crucial aspect of the hotel industry, as it plays a significant role in ensuring the satisfaction and safety of guests. One important aspect of food and beverage management is the implementation of food management systems, which help to ensure the safety and quality of food served in hotels. Survey was created to a...

The different generational cohorts have varying perspectives on work-life balance, which is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide targeted interventions for each group.

In the modern era, where the prevalence of chronic diseases is on the rise, promoting wellness has become a crucial aspect of healthcare. General/family medicine plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, as it focuses not only on the treatment of disease but also on the promotion of overall well-being.

Food and gastronomy certainly occupy a special position in rural promotion. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent the local population believes that the gastronomic offer affects rural prosperity. The results show that all the factors of the tourist offer are of satisfactory quality and have a significant influence in predicting t...

Rural tourism in Serbia had its chance to shine with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the quality of rural service can contribute to improving rural tourism, and predictions for the continuation of the trend in terms of increasing the number of overnight stays in rural households. The obtain...

At this time, consumers expect food products to have both organoleptic features (such as flavor) and health advantages. The rapidly growing field of "functional foods," which are goods with health-improving qualities beyond the provision of vital nutrients, is the focus of efforts for new product development. Functional foods can come in a variet...

One of the key elements for the development of an agro-tourism destination can be specific gastronomy. In this context, research and understanding of the motivation of tourists who visit those destinations can influence the development of the concept of their sustainability, which was the goal of this research. The research was conducted during 202...

After a period marked by the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its effects on the social and economic aspects, it becomes obvious that the world will have consequences for a long time. This study sought to determine the predominant category of fear that has the most significant impact on the propensity of potential tourists to visit destinations that...

Food waste is a dominant issue for modern society, and the first step in addressing it is to recognize and comprehend the causes of it in each link in the food chain as well as in certain industries, in this case, the hospitality industry. Categorization and quantification are crucial steps in developing strategies and suggestions with the primary...

Gastronomy is an important aspect of culture in everyday life through which tourists can discover different parts of a tourist destination. The culinary experience is often a key factor in choosing a travel destination. The authors conducted a survey, during 2022, during four major events in rural parts of Serbia - Kulen Festival in Erdevik, Bacon...

The importance of research on the impact of social networks on the employment is an increasingly current topic for research at the global level. LinkedIn is increasingly present by companies, businesses offering jobs as well as people looking for a business opportunity. The aim of the research was to determine the extent to which the LinkedIn netwo...

Rezime: Turizam ima potencijal da bude značajna privredna grana u Republici Srbiji koja se poslednjih godina stalno razvija. Gastronomski turizam ima veliki potencijal za razvoj ali može da ima i veliki uticaj na različite aspekte čovekovog života. Ovaj vid turizma može da ima i značajan ekonomski efekat u određenoj destinaciji. Autori su istraživa...

Rezime: Cilj istraživanja bio je utvrditi uticaj autentične tradicionaalne gastronomske ponude na razvoj održivog turizma. Izvršeno je terensko istraživanje na ukupnom uzorku od 225 ispitanika. Dobijeni rezultati nesumnjivo pokazuju da je kvalitet faktora autentičnosti na zaadovoljavajućem nivou, te ispitanici srednje starosne dobi smatraju da aute...

Rezime: Turizam, gastronomija, ugostiteljstvo i prevoz putnika su među sektorima koji su najviše pogođeni odlukama Vlade o merama za sprečavanje pandemije COVID-19 tokom 2019. i 2020. godine. Republika Srbija je poznata po specifičnoj gastronomiji, posebno kada je reč o ruralnim područjima. Cilj studije je da se utvrdi stepen kvaliteta usluga koje...

The primary goal of this paper was to investigate the strength of the influence of different types of risk on the travelers’ intention to visit destinations in future, that are, prejudiced due to COVID-19, marked as “stigmatized”, “isolated”, or “risky destinations”. Field interview research was conducted at the “Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport” (Ser...

Rezime: Turizam, gastronomija, ugostiteljstvo i prevoz putnika su među sektorima koji su najviše pogođeni odlukama Vlade o merama za sprečavanje pandemije COVID-19 tokom 2019. i 2020. godine. Republika Srbija je poznata po specifičnoj gastronomiji, posebno kada je reč o ruralnim područjima. Cilj studije je da se utvrdi stepen kvaliteta usluga koje...

As one of the first European cases of the introduction of COVID-19 certificates, the Serbian Government initiated the measure of limited working hours of restaurants for unvaccinated visitors. Due to such actions and frequent bans on working during the pandemic, many restaurants in Serbia had to lay off workers or close. At the end of October 2021,...

Soluble or instant espresso coffee in capsules with added values is a product that is increasingly recognized as a healthy lifestyle habit, which often goes together with the expansion of spa centers and spa hotels. In addition to the theoretical and empirical examination of sustainable drinking habits regarding different types of instant espresso...

The names of dishes with a certain value, such as national, authentic, sentimental and others, are more attractive to guests and belong to the best-selling products of restaurant facilities. Dishes in menus that have the names of organic food have a positive impact on the choice of food offered in restaurants. Among other things, the paper analyzes...

Purpose To evaluate some of the current discussions about the possible impacts of social networks on the development of gastronomy in the Republic of Serbia. There could be either positive and/or negative impacts and this viewpoint provides some reflection on what the future might hold for some if not many tourism destinations in Serbia and the reg...

Gastronomic tourism is a significant form of tourism that has great potential in Vojvodina, and in recent years, significant efforts have been made to improve it. Tourism in general, as an industry, has a great impact on the local environment and local population. Also, tourism has a great impact on the environment and other aspects of human life,...

The rural tourist product is becoming a very important segment of the tourist offer in Serbia, but it is still not developed enough to leave positive effects on the economy in society as a whole. The authors of the paper started the research of women's participation in the development of tourism in the villages of Serbia. The study was conducted in...

The problem of excessive tourism has overnight become an ideology and a part of the past. With the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic, the flow of tourist movements was abruptly interrupted, and thus the visits to restaurants. The aim of the research was to determine whether the fear of the users of the pandemic infection affects the intention to...

The gastronomic offer and restaurant service have always played a very important role in the branding of hotel facilities. The subject of the research refers to the Divčibare hotel (Maljen mountain, R. Serbia). The goal and task of this study is to examine the attitudes and opinions of hotel guests how service and culinary choices can affect respon...

The importance of research on the impact of social networks on the employment is an increasingly current topic for research at the global level. LinkedIn is increasingly present by companies, businesses offering jobs as well as people looking for a business opportunity. The aim of the research was to determine the extent to which the LinkedIn netwo...

The quality of service is an ongoing problem of research in the world in all service sectors and dictates potential expectations among guests and their satisfaction. Pursuant to the problem and theoretical setting of similar research, the authors identified the quality factors of hotel service in Divčibare, to determine their impact on guest satisf...

Tourism is one of the areas that has started to develop to a large extent in the last few years, and the expansion of gastronomy has also contributed to its development. Regardless of the area, the development of gastronomy and quality offer of food and beverages is one of the means, which ensures the quality of services in the catering facility. S...

Turizam ima potencijal da bude značajna privredna grana u Republici Srpskoj i Bosni i Hercegovini koja se poslednjih godina stalno razvija. Gastronomski turizam ima veliki potencijal za razvoj ali može da ima i veliki uticaj na različite aspekte čovekovog života. Ovaj vid turizma može da ima i značajan ekonomski efekat u određenoj destinaciji. Znač...

Gastronomy is a topic that is increasingly present in scientific research. The gastronomic offer is of increasing importance in rural areas of Serbia because many tourists visit these parts precisely because of gastronomy. In the last two years, due to the impact of the Covid-19 virus on a global level, activities in tourism have changed significan...

Rural tourism is not a new interest in scientific research, because villages have always attracted special profiles of tourists, both because of the ambience and because of the specific food prepared in the traditional way. Today, it is becoming a challenge to develop a rural gastronomic product, to be traditional enough, and yet to be acceptable t...

Vojvodina je severna pokrajina Republike Srbije koju čini oko 90% ruralnog područja. Tema razvoja ruralne Vojvodine pod različitim uticajima nije tako česta tema. U ovom delu Republike Srbije česte su organizacije različitih manifestacija koje privlače veliki broj turista. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se analizira da li organzacije manifestacij...

Tourism is an important economic branch in Vojvodina and in recent years a lot of work has been done to improve it. Tourism as an industry has a great impact on the local environment and local population. Also, tourism has a great impact on the environment and other aspects of human life, but after all it has a significant economic effect on a part...

The corona virus pandemic has led to disruptions in various parts of the world and thus caused numerous changes in people's lifestyles, including social interactions, the ability to play sports, and even the diet itself. The aim of the study was to determine the extent to which Covid-19 influenced changes in diet in young people. The research was c...

Beer may not be the oldest alcoholic beverage, but it is definitely among the most popular alcoholic beverages in Serbia today. The authors conducted a survey in 2019, during three major beer festivals, on a total sample of 542 festival visitors. The authors set the goal of the research: sensory preferences, habits, knowledge of the beer production...

Summary: The Covid pandemic is the first planetary pandemic with still unexplored trends, possible changes and consequences. The goal is set to the planet and humanity with the aim of finding fast, global, unique solutions, it is for the first time that a social phenomenon shocks and affects everyone equally: rich and poor, developed and underdevel...

Originalni naučni rad UDK: 338.48-6:7/8(497.113) Apstrakt Nematerijalno kulturno nasleđe se ispoljava kroz različite običaje, muziku, igru, mitove, priče,duhovne aspekte i vrednosti zajednica i jedan je od glavnih faktora za razvoj turističke destinacije. Zbog velikog interesovanja turista za kulturne vrednosti, autori rada su pristupili istraživan...

The economic position of women is unfavorable, and access to services is important for strengthening economic participation is extremely limited. Compared to rural men, it is higher among rural women participation of inactive and unemployed (55% of women versus 39% of men). Educational programs for acquiring new knowledge and skills, especially tho...

Food and drinks represent a very important segment in tourist offers that mutually participate in development of a certain touristic region or a specifically defined form of tourism. In certain countries, there are good examples of how gastronomic offer influenced the positive development of different forms of tourism. Gastronomic tourism represent...

Тhe basic thrust of this labor is to get acquainted with the influence of the name of the dish on the selection and sale of products , as well as why the name of the food may affect the customers interest in the produsct, and how marketing affects the same issue. Surveys of guests gain insight into assessing the knowledge and monitoring of tends wh...