Kosovo has rich natural resources and a unique cultural heritage, which may significantly contribute to the development of rural tourism in all seasons. Description of the potential for tourism in Kosovo is closely linked to its geographical position. The position of Kosovo in Southeast Europe with a central position in the Balkan Peninsula represents a crossroad which historically dates back to the time of Illyrians and Romans. Kosovo covers a small geographic area, however, with its natural and human motives it provides good opportunities for the development of several types of tourism.

This manual provides an overview of rural tourism, natural and cultural attractions offered by municipalities of Deçan and Junik, the possibilities of rural tourism development, benefits and the potential investments to succeed in tourism development. This manual also describes activities supported by the project “Rural tourism for the economic development of the cross-border area of Kosovo and Montenegro” funded by the European Commission and implemented by IADK in collaboration with Golden Honey.

Rural tourism can be defined as the experience of a country that includes a wide range of activities taking place in agricultural and non-urban areas. Rural tourism is not only farm tourism. It includes farm feast-days, special interest holidays, nature and ecotourism, hiking, climbing and mountaineering, adventure, sports and health tourism, hunting and fishing, educational tours, arts and heritage of tourism and in some areas ethnic tourism as well.

A major form of tourism is agritourism, which refers to visits to working farms or to an agricultural operation, gardening or agribusiness for the purpose of enjoyment, education or active involvement in farm activities. There is a wide range of rural products. It includes agritourism, agricultural festivals, special events and festivals, holidays in historic village sites, country fairs, farm tours. In this context, all local governments and local communities should be actively involved in establishing networks and support to rural tourism and in promoting the resources and assets of the area.

The Project “Rural tourism for the economic development of the cross-border area of Kosovo and Montenegro” has promoted and created the basic infrastructure for the development of rural and mountain tourism in the municipality of Deçan and Junik. Within the project in cooperation with the project partners traditional days of the municipality of Deçan are identified and various events are organised. In order for these traditional days to serve for the promotion of tourism, respective municipalities should declare them as traditional days and set the dates when these days should be held, who organises them and the other criteria influencing tourism promotion.