Agrotourism as one of the ways to develop entrepreneurship in rural areas

Abstract

Agrоtourism, as one of the most promising forms of entrepreneurial activity, is attracting increasing attention today, thanks to its rapid spread in both developed and developing countries. The article highlights that agrotourism entrepreneurship can play a decisive role in the development of a new strategy for sustainable agricultural development, since entrepreneurial activity is a driving force for rural economies. It is also an important counteracting factor to adverse socio-economic processes such as unemployment, migration, and the decline in the quality of life of rural residents. It is proved that agrotourism is one of the ways of developing entrepreneurship in rural areas can bring several advantages in three main areas of development. Within the economic dimension, agrotourism can be considered as a strategy of agricultural diversification. This can provide additional income and new employment opportunities for rural residents and, therefore, can reduce poverty and reduce migration in rural areas. From an environmental point of view, agrotourism can help conserve the environment, ecosystems and farmland and minimize environmental damage. From a socio-cultural point of view, agrotourism helps to preserve cultural heritage in rural areas, improve farmers' social status and empower rural people. The development of agrotourism and its positive effects can accelerate the process of rural diversification. The article also highlights a number of common problems that most often hinder the development of agrotourism, including problems of strategic planning, lack of financial and human resources, lack of adequate training and education, lack of professionalism. It is stated that at the state level the policy of promotion and promotion of agrotourism as the most promising form of entrepreneurship in rural areas should be actively pursued. The use of agrotourism potential in modern conditions of decentralization of management will lead to socio-economic development of the region by increasing the income of local budgets, increasing investment attractiveness, increasing employment of the population, especially in rural mostly depressed areas, preserving the landscape or its positive change, historical heritage.