The importance of rural development for the sustainability of the Mačva region

New-age tourists increasingly seek mini-vacations that must include a healthy ecological environment, accompanied by the consumption of traditional yet health-safe products. Such demands call for new directions in tourism, such as rural sustainable tourism, accompanied by the symbiosis of sustainable agricultural production. The Mačva region is one of the promising areas for the development of both rural tourism and ecological agriculture. The wealth of this region is primarily reflected in its biodiversity, soil fertility, and historical and cultural heritage. The aim of this research is to review available data and explore possible solutions for the development of rural tourism and agriculture to support the sustainable development of the Mačva region. The methodology was based on existing literature using the desk research method. The results of the analysis and systematic data show that the Mačva region had 10,115 registered farms by 2018, engaged in various forms of agriculture, which implies the possibility of increasing the percentage of farms that, in addition to switching to ecological agriculture, can implement rural tourism as an additional activity.