Snezana Djekic
Some Structures and Principles of Sustainable Rural Tourism
Summary:
The role of rural tourism as a potential economic tool is well recognised. It is estimated that tourism in rural areas makes up 10-20% of all tourism activities and a EuroBarometer (1998) survey report shows that 23% of European holidaymakers choose the countryside as a destination every year. The majority of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the EU are in tourism and employ less than five people. Many are comprised of two family members. Rural areas provide a special appeal to tourists because of the mystique associated with the rural environment, its distinct culture, history, ethic and geographic characteristics. Rural tourism is a growing sector of the world's fastest growing industry - the tourism industry. It offers many benefits to the rural community. It can be developed locally in partnership with other small business, local government and other agencies. Its development is not dependent on outside firms or companies and their decisions on whether they want to be in the area or not. When considered against other economic development such as manufacturing, rural tourism is less costly and easier to establish. It works well with existing rural enterprise and can generate important secondary income on farms. While airlines and railways, with their national and international linkages, may provide the best of public transport, and global hotel groups give the highest standards of branded accommodation, it is very often the rural area and its attractions, that delivers the bulk of the visitors' experience and defines their perception of the destination.
