Connection of tourism with the landscape as a fundamental element for sustainable development in rural areas

Abstract

Tourism and landscape are two closely related realities. The image most frequently used to promote a given tourist center is, precisely, its landscape. Hence the importance of having landscapes of a certain quality, and knowing how to manage them in a rational way, as they are very fragile natural resources. If we take as a reference that any recovery process, once degraded, is costly and, in more complex cases, impossible to achieve. Landscape is a fundamental element in tourism and its promotion. In general, the importance of landscape in the processes of tourism development and its sustainability is unknown. In this sense, this study describes the evolution of the concept of tourism, analyzes the relationship between tourism and landscape, its valorization and landscape stereotypes. In order to respond to these objectives, a bibliographic review was carried out in high impact and regional scientific databases. As a result, the importance of the landscape for tourism, its valorization and integral development is transversally detailed. In general terms, it is essential to take advantage of the landscape for tourism with a focus on sustainable development. Finally, the different landscapes and their elements must be managed in a responsible and sustainable way where environmental, social and economic aspects are valued.