Events as a catalyst for the development of rural tourism in Osijek-Baranja County

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present the state of tourism in Osijek-Baranja County based on tourist arrivals and overnight stays collected from 2016 to 2021. It analyzes the events held throughout the year in Osijek-Baranja County and, through primary research, aims to determine whether these events can serve as motivators and catalysts for tourism development. Methodology: Primary research was conducted on event attendance in Osijek-Baranja County using a random sample in September to gather opinions on whether these events can indeed serve as catalysts for tourism development. Additionally, internal statistical data from the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board covering the period from 2016 to 2021 were analyzed. These data were collected via the e-Visitor systemand internal Tourist Board records. Results: The results show that Osijek-Baranja County hosts numerous cultural and tourist events that significantly contribute to the development of rural tourism. The majority of respondents confirmed that these events are strong motivators and catalysts for tourism development. Spearman’s correlation coefficient indicated no significant relationship between age and event attendance. The Mann-Whitney U test revealeda significant difference in the number of events attended by men and women, with men attending significantly more events than women, contrary to initial expectations. Conclusion: The research concludes that the events analyzed have a significant impact on the development of rural tourism in Osijek-Baranja County. These events greatly enhance the visibility, promotion, and popularity of the county, positioning them as important catalysts for tourism development.