Understanding differences in rural tourism recovery: a critical study from the mobility perspective

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural tourism and the subsequent recovery process from the perspective of mobility. The results show that the pandemic has exacerbated the time–space restrictions on tourist mobility, and the recovery process of different types of rural tourist destinations differs. Although tourist numbers in some rural areas have increased, the rural tourism market has not fully recovered and is struggling to grow significantly after the pandemic; thus, local governments and managers need to adopt prudent and diverse governance policies. The study criticizes the current research and holds that over-optimistic feelings have covered up the dilemma of rural tourism, violated the rights of vulnerable rural groups to have their voices heard, and may further exacerbate the uneven development of rural tourism. This study provides new insights that have important implications for future research on rural tourism.