Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism in Central and Eastern European Areas

Abstract

Starting from concepts like sustainable development, sustainable tourism development, and sustainability, the chapter introduces important strategies for assessing sustainable rural development. Also, based on OECD and Eurostat taxonomy regarding innovation, it explains the two types of innovation: product and process (production, distribution, marketing, communication, management, and product/process development). In order to answer the question “How do firms innovate?” the authors draw attention to best practices of innovation in rural tourism. The aspects that are discussed mainly, but not exclusively, focus on the creation of tailor-made products, property renovation, marketing business skills development, information technology solutions, involvement in socially responsible activities, and the use of networking and collaborative behavior. Starting from different approaches of successful innovation in rural tourism identified in the scientific literature, the chapter emphasizes relevant case studies/best practices from the Central and Eastern European areas.