Rural Tourism Development Research Articles

Digitalisation and rural tourism development in Europe

This work presents an analysis of the digitalisation of the tourism sector and evaluates the potential of this process for rural areas of the European Union (EU). To do this, we explore aspects of both the supply and demand of rural tourism, proposing a regression model that incorporates indicators that relate the advance of digitalisation with changes in the weight and characteristics of the sector in the regions with low population density included in the NUTS level 2. The research results indicate a positive relationship between the digitalisation of the sector and the supply of rural accommodation, as well as a positive impact on the demand for these facilities. In addition, the study has made it possible to address the potential competition between traditional accommodations and digital platforms, revealing that the greater use of digital platforms for reservations does not negatively affect hotel occupancy rates. The findings underline the importance of digitalisation in the development of rural tourism and suggest possible lines of political action for promoting digital platforms in rural areas.

The influence of rural tourism landscape perception on tourists’ revisit intentions—a case study in Nangou village, China

Rural tourism development has an important impact on optimizing the rural industrial structure and stimulating local economic growth. China’s Rural Revitalization Strategy has promoted the development of rural tourism nationwide and emphasized Chinese characteristics in the process of local development. Based on the theoretical analysis of landscape perception, this article uses the external Landscape Perception→Satisfaction→Revisit Intention influence path as a theoretical research framework to construct a structural equation model to analyze the willingness of tourists to revisit rural tourism destinations. We selected Nangou Village, Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province, as a key model village for rural revitalization, and conducted an empirical analysis. The empirical analysis results show that landscape perception has a significant positive impact on satisfaction and revisit intention. Tourist satisfaction has a significant positive impact on revisit intention and plays an intermediary role between landscape perception and revisit intention. The five dimensions of natural ecology, historical culture, leisure recreation, research experience, and integral route under landscape perception are all significantly positively correlated with revisit intention, with historical culture and integral route having the greatest impact on landscape perception. The survey about Nangou Village verifies the relationship between landscape perception, satisfaction, and tourists’ revisit intention. Based on the objective data analysis results, this study puts forward suggestions for optimizing Nangou Village’s tourism landscapes and improving tourists’ willingness to revisit from three aspects: deeply excavating rural historical and cultural resources, shaping the national red culture brand, and creating rural tourism boutique routes. It is hoped that the quantitative research method of landscape perception theory in Nangou Village can also provide a reference and inspiration for similar rural tourism planning.

The Use of Cultural Landscape Fragmentation for Rural Tourism Development in the Zemplín Geopark, Slovakia

This study outlines the creation of hiking routes in Slovakia’s cultural landscape, focusing on regions with marginal interest, low tourism engagement, and predominant monocultural blocks. The methodology was systematically applied to the Zemplín Geopark in eastern Slovakia, drawing upon historical cartographic records from the Josephine mapping period (1764–1787) to the present day. The investigation identified and delineated 14 hiking trails, offering historical and tourism significance while promoting multifunctionality. Our research introduces sustainable development avenues for regions with marginal interest, providing ecological and tourist benefits that enhance the overall quality of life. The findings align with the Common Agricultural Policy’s objectives for 2021–2027, addressing challenges related to large-scale field fragmentation. Two identified obstacles include property-legal challenges and issues arising from inadequate map registration, which current methods, unfortunately, fail to address.

Development of Rural Tourism in China in the Context of Rural Revitalization

Rural revitalization is an important development strategy in the new era of China, and rural tourism is a new industrial form that has flourished in recent years. As an important way to realize the strategy of rural revitalization, the impact of rural tourism on the countryside involves the rural economy, ecology, culture, governance and other levels, echoing the overall requirements of the country's five aspects of rural revitalization. At present, although the development of rural tourism in China has achieved certain results, there are still many deficiencies. Therefore, this paper first explores the role mechanism of rural tourism to promote rural revitalization, and then describes the current situation and problems of rural tourism development in the context of rural revitalization in China, and puts forward countermeasure proposals for rural tourism development on this basis.

Emerging in‐migration of urban young adults engaging in rural tourism in China

AbstractDuring the rapid urbanisation of China in recent decades, a vast proportion of the labour force left rural hometowns to find employment in cities. In the context of rural revitalisation and tourism development in China, rural tourism is booming, bringing many tourism‐related jobs to the countryside. As a result, some young urban adults have moved to work in rural areas. Based on in‐depth interviews in Su village in Nanjing, China, this study seeks to investigate the motivations of those who choose to work in the countryside and the connections between this and stages in the life course of urbanites in the 90s generation, a cohort that is quite distinct from older cohorts. This study finds that the motivations of these younger workers range from career development and cost reduction to a preference for a rural lifestyle. Engaging in tourism‐related work in rural areas is associated with two life courses (work career and individual/family pathway). This study also finds that the cohort working rural tourism in rural areas is differentiated: while some pursue career development, others aim to escape certain pressures and obligations by ‘lying flat’ in the more congenial rural setting where living costs are lower than in cities. Pro‐tourism rural areas, with an acceptable distance from cities, become valuable places for these youth to resist or balance their life in front of increasingly competitive urban life during their adult transitional period.

A Study on Residents' Willingness for Tourism Ecological Compensation and Its Influencing Factors: A Case Study of Zhujiawan Village in the Qinba Mountain Region

Ecological compensation plays a crucial role in balancing stakeholder interests, aligning with the principles of ecological civilization and sustainable development. However, research on tourism ecological compensation, especially concerning community residents' perspectives, remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the case of Zhujiawan Village in China's Qinba Mountain region. Through surveys and analysis, the study investigates community residents' perceptions, preferences, and factors influencing their willingness to accept tourism ecological compensation. The findings reveal that while residents acknowledge the positive economic impacts of rural tourism development, they also express concerns about environmental pollution, particularly waste and noise. They largely attribute responsibility for ecological compensation to the government and tourism developers. Cash compensation emerges as the preferred method, with employment opportunities also valued. Additionally, residents expect an annual compensation standard of 1,033 RMB, influenced by their satisfaction with the local ecological environment and awareness of ecological compensation policies. The study highlights the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection in rural tourism destinations. It underscores the need for diversified compensation mechanisms and emphasizes the significance of community involvement in decision-making processes for sustainable tourism development.

Research on Environmental Protection of Rural Ecotourism Based on PSR Model

This paper examines the relationship between rural ecotourism development and environmental protection in Province A, utilizing the PSR model and GAs. It employs a detailed evaluation of indicators in the tourism economy and ecological environment modules, using mathematical modeling and weight coefficient calculations to assess the impact of tourism activities. GAs are used to navigate the complex problem space inherent in balancing economic development with ecological sustainability. By analyzing data from 2005 to 2018, the coupling degree between tourism economy and ecological environment gradually increased from 0.1 to 0.6398. The results indicate a strengthening relationship between tourism economy and ecological environment, moving towards good or high-quality coordination. The degree of coupling, as measured by the PSR model, reflects the evolving interaction between rural tourism development and environmental protection. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in rural areas.

Assessment for the Sustainable Development of Components of the Tourism and Recreational Potential of Rural Areas of the Aktobe Oblast of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The assessment of sustainable tourism development in the rural areas of the Aktobe oblast of Kazakhstan involved thoroughly analyzing multiple dimensions. Environmental, socio-economic, and cultural sustainability aspects were considered to comprehensively understand the region’s tourism potential. The study began by evaluating the available tourism resources in rural Aktobe. This included assessing natural attractions such as landscapes, wildlife, and geological features, as well as cultural heritage sites and infrastructure like accommodation facilities and transportation networks. A crucial aspect of the study was to analyze the environmental impact of tourism activities in rural areas. This involved evaluating the effects on ecosystems and natural resources. The measures for conserving these resources were also identified. Another focus was on the socio-cultural aspects of tourism development. The study aimed to preserve local traditions, cultural heritage, and community identity amidst tourism growth. Strategies for achieving socio-cultural sustainability were devised. Ranking methods were employed to identify key factors influencing rural tourism development. These methods helped prioritize areas for improvement and resource allocation. A balanced approach was adopted to assess the interaction between different dimensions of sustainability. This ensured that environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects were considered equally to achieve overall sustainable tourism development. ArcGIS 10 was used for data analysis and visualization. Maps and charts were created to represent spatial and statistical information, aiding in identifying trends and patterns. The study findings were crucial for identifying priority areas for infrastructure development and formulating strategies and programs for rural tourism promotion. The study aimed to ensure that tourism development aligns with the principles of sustainable development, benefiting both the local communities and the environment. The study provided valuable insights into the current status of rural tourism in Aktobe oblast and offered recommendations for sustainable development, contributing to the region’s long-term prosperity.

Research on Long-term Development Path of Rural Cultural Tourism under the Background of Rural Revitalization

With the proposal of rural revitalization strategy, more and more towns pay attention to the development of local cultural industry and tourism. Through the development of cultural tourism industry to stimulate regional economic development, and then promote the overall development of rural areas. Aiming at the current status quo of the development of rural cultural tourism, such as scattered brands and insufficient overall influence, this paper first investigats the current research status of domestic scholars on rural cultural tourism and relevant roads issued by the country, and then analyzes the main problems existing in the current development process of rural cultural tourism. Finally, it puts forward the development path of integration and reconstruction of six measures: country support, digital empowerment, brand creation, regional culture deepening, cultural and creative talents training and industrial integration. Through the promotion of the integrated development of culture and tourism, rural revitalization will be promoted to promote the faster and better development of regional rural economy.

Scrambling for Cuan? Social Conflict in the Development of Batu Dinding Waterfall Ecotourism

This paper describes the dynamics of conflict that occurred in the Batu Dinding rural tourism development between the local community and Tanjung Belit Village. The conflict occurred since 2015, and it’s was declared over in 2021. Therefore, what were the dynamics of the conflict during those six years? This research uses a qualitative-descriptive method with data collection through fieldwork. The data collection techniques used were a combination of limited participant observation techniques, informal and semi-structured interviews, and document studies. The results show that the conflict over the management of the Batu Dinding Waterfall tourism area in Tanjung Belit Village originated from agrarian conflicts related to land reoccupation. The motive is motivated by the development of tourism that has economic value and wants to monopolize it to get economic benefits (cuan). So the horizontal conflict between the Domo tribe and Tanjung Belit Village with the Tanjung tribe was resolved through legal channels and the police and the actors who committed acts of violence should also be imprisoned. In the end, the conflict was resolved through inter-tribal deliberation and the land was retained by Tanjung Belit Village.

In the context of rural revitalization

In recent years, under the guidance of the rural revitalization strategy and the strong support of the government, Lilou Township has taken rural tourism as an important means to promote rural revitalization, and has also achieved remarkable results. Taking Lilou Township as an example, this paper studies the development status of Lilou Township in Bengbu City through literature research method and case analysis method, analyzes the problems existing in the development of rural tourism in the region, summarizes the tourism development of Lilou Township, and proposes three effective solutions, one is the "local government-led" path, the second is the "company-led + farmer-shared" path, and the third is the family "farm + travel" path, aiming to provide theoretical guidance for the development of rural tourism in Lilou Township.

Rural Tourism and Socio-Economic Development in Kalapatta Sub County Kabong District of Uganda

This research explores the interplay between rural tourism and socio-economic development in Kalapatta Sub County, located within the Kabong District. As rural areas globally seek sustainable pathways for growth, the study focuses on the specific impacts of tourism on the socio-economic fabric of the community. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative insights gathered through interviews and surveys conducted among local residents, business owners, and tourists. Key indicators such as income generation, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation are examined to assess the multifaceted impact of rural tourism on the local community. Preliminary findings indicate that the influx of tourists has led to increased economic activities, including the growth of local businesses and the creation of employment opportunities. However, challenges such as environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and unequal distribution of benefits are also identified. The research sheds light on the complex dynamics between the tourism industry and the socio-economic development of the rural community, emphasizing the need for sustainable and inclusive strategies. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on rural tourism by providing context-specific insights from Kalapatta Sub County, Kabong District. Recommendations for policymakers, local authorities, and community stakeholders are offered to guide the development of strategies that maximize the positive impacts of tourism while mitigating its potential negative consequences. Ultimately, this research aims to inform the creation of a framework for sustainable rural tourism that fosters socio-economic development in a manner that respects and enhances the local culture and environment

“It is my place”: residents’ community-based psychological ownership and its impact on rural tourism participation

The participation of residents plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development of tourism in rural community. This study proposes a novel concept, namely community-based psychological ownership (C-PO) and examines its dimensionality and association with community participation in rural tourism. The scale of C-PO was developed through 4 stages. In Stage 1, initial item pool with 25 items is generated based on a qualitative study from Shangchengdai and Dachen Village in Zhejiang, China. Through Stage 2 and Stage 3, a 23-item six-dimensional scale is confirmed using data collected in two on-site surveys (n = 93, n = 416) at Maoyang Township, Zhejiang. In Study 4, using survey data (n = 485) collected from Heyang Village and Maoyang Township, Zhejiang, the relationships between C-PO and community participation in rural tourism development are examined. The results indicate that self-identity, self-efficacy, community responsibility and community belongingness have positive effects on community participation, while community possession and territoriality have a non-significant and negative impact, respectively. Recommendations are provided for better encouraging community participation in tourism development by managing residents’ psychological ownership towards their communities.

Implications of Community Participation for Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism

Implications of Community Participation for Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism

The Post-Effects of the Authenticity of Rural Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourists' Engagement.

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rural Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) tourism, this study, anchored in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) theoretical framework, chose Meizhou Island in Fujian Province as a case study to examine the impacts of tourists' perceptions of authenticity and their engagement levels on the destination image and loyalty towards rural ICH tourism. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data, findings revealed that higher perceptions of a destination's preservation of original characteristics and traditional values correlate with a more favorable overall perception of the destination, albeit with smaller impact on emotional connections. Conversely, depth of tourist engagement was shown to enhance both understanding and emotional bonds with the destination. Further, familiarity with the destination was found to foster affection, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat visits or recommendations. The more tourists know about a place, perceiving it as authentic, the more likely they are to remain loyal; similarly, deeper engagement enhances understanding and affection, increasing the probability of revisiting or recommending the place. These outcomes not only offer new insights into tourist behavior but also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the protection and development of rural ICH tourism, destination marketing, and management strategies, thus promoting the sustainable development of rural ICH tourism.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TOURIST AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE ZAKARPATTIA OBLAST IN THE FIELD OF RURAL GREEN TOURISM

The article presents the results of a study of the tourism and recreational potential of small and micro-enterprises in the sphere of rural green tourism in the Zakarpattia Oblast in the context of crisis and instability. It analyses the social factors influencing the development of this sector of the state economy, identifies problematic aspects in their activities that may negatively affect the development of tourism in general, as well as the impact of such crisis phenomena as COVID-19, its consequences and martial law. The authors have identified the factors that have a destructive impact and the factors that would contribute to overcoming the crisis. The aim of the research is to conduct a socio-economic study of the development of tourist and recreational potential of rural green tourism in the region and identify ways to unlock the potential of this sphere of the region's economy, which will be effective for their practical implementation in the activities of accommodation and catering enterprises. Methodology. The study was conducted on the basis of a survey of managers and owners of rural green tourism enterprises through a personal questionnaire, as well as an analysis of statistical indicators of the performance of temporary accommodation enterprises, based on official statistics of the Zakarpattia Oblast for 2020 and 2021 and provided by the Main Department of Statistics in the Zakarpattia Oblast. The monitoring covered private peasant farms in the region, namely 90 owners of such tourist farmsteads, of whom 70% were middle-aged (36-55 years old), 58% of them combine employment in the tourism sector with their main job in the public sector, and 6% have their own business other than the service sector. The results of the study demonstrate that the activities, development and general existence of rural green tourism in the region are affected by such destructive processes as crisis phenomena such as COVID-19, political instability, martial law and other macro- and microeconomic factors, which can be overcome or at least minimised by their impact on the tourism services sector to increase the viability of small businesses, which, as is known from international practice, is one of the elements of overall economic growth in the region and the state as a whole. According to the results of the study, the factors influencing the activities of enterprises, the behavioural patterns of owners of rural green tourism institutions in the context of the crisis were identified and mechanisms for minimising and overcoming the consequences of the crisis were developed, such as: diversification of business and expansion of the types of services that can be provided to potential consumers, introduction of an effective management and marketing system, adoption of European experience in the field of green tourism and proposals for improving the legislative framework for businesses to leave the shadow economy.

Turismo rural comunitario en un bosque seco de Perú: Diagnóstico y propuesta para la sostenibilidad

El turismo rural comunitario representa una actividad propulsora del desarrollo económico local aprovechando sosteniblemente los recursos de una comunidad. El Área de Conservación Privada Bosque Seco de Colina Juan Velasco Alvarado -ACP BSC JVA- tiene potencial turístico latente que, hasta la fecha, no ha sido debidamente explotado por la Comunidad Campesina Juan Velasco Alvarado -CC JVA-. El objetivo del estudio consiste en formular una propuesta de desarrollo de turismo rural comunitario del ACP BSC JVA. Se ejecutó un análisis situacional de la oferta y demanda turística del área donde se reconocieron al Cerro Pilán, la Mina Inca, los Jaguayes Salas y Cerezo como los recursos turísticos más importantes, mientras que el principal problema identificado fue la deficiente gestión del turismo del ACP BSC JVA por parte de la CC JVA. Como resultado final, se elaboró una propuesta de plan de acción que plantea el fortalecimiento de capacidades, la mejora de la infraestructura ecológica y la formación de alianzas estratégicas, para así lograr la sostenibilidad de la gestión de los recursos naturales en el bosque seco y el progreso de la comunidad local.

Socio-Economic and Demographic Changes in Rural Development in Eastern China — Comparative Studies

This study focuses on eastern China and samples the villages of Xinsi and Qingshan in Shandong Province to explore rural socioeconomic and demographic changes and their interaction with policies. Amid global urbanization, China’s rural population has migrated to cities on a large scale, causing challenges such as “rural emptying,” aging, environmental issues, and inadequate infrastructure. The government has implemented a number of policies aimed at modernizing agriculture, improving farmers’ welfare, and reducing the gap between urban and rural areas. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of rural development policies, particularly in response to demographic and socio-economic changes, and the interaction between local policies and practices. Combining macroeconomic policy analysis, agricultural planning, land-use data, demographics, field visits and case studies, this paper compares the two models of rural development in inland and coastal areas. The study reveals that China’s rural areas are undergoing demographic shifts, with labor migration leading to “hollowing out,” while promoting diversification and compound transformation of the agricultural economy, such as the rise of non-agricultural industries and the development of rural tourism. At the policy level, China’s rural strategy has undergone an evolution, emphasizing agricultural modernization, optimization of industrial structure, and infrastructure construction, while current policy emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, reflecting a “people-oriented” and “solving the problems of agriculture, rural areas and rural areas.” The policy effect is affected by regional differences, highlighting the configuration of China’s diverse geography, economy, and culture in the path of rural development and policy response. The cases of Xinsi and Qingshan villages show how rural communities can innovate multifunctional development models based on resource characteristics, connect with or challenge policy frameworks, and explore new avenues of development. Xinsi Village can actively promote the development of the surrounding service industry through cooperation with local enterprises, while Qingshan Village is expected to take advantage of coastal advantages to develop marine economy, rural tourism and modern agriculture, while protecting and inheriting the local culture.

Spatial distribution and influencing factors of rural tourism: A case study of Henan Province

Rural tourism is a powerful way to revitalize the countryside, and its spatial pattern is crucial for sustainable development. This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of rural tourism characteristic villages in Henan Province by taking 723 villages as the research object and using the nearest neighbor index, kernel density analysis, and spatial autocorrelation. It investigates the influencing factors utilizing the optimal parameters-based geographical detector (OPGD) model. The results show that, firstly, the overall spatial distribution of the rural tourism characteristic villages in Henan Province is characterized by aggregation and unbalanced distribution, and the overall spatial distribution density demonstrates the aggregation characteristics of “four cores and one belt”. Secondly, the rural tourism characteristic villages can be divided into four primary categories, agricultural industry, rural culture, and featured villages and towns. The spatial distributions of the four main categories are all clustered. Thirdly, the primary factors affecting the differences in the spatial distribution of the rural tourism characteristic villages are the topographic features, economic development level, tourism market potential, traffic capacity, and relevant policies, among which the critical factor is the number of A-class scenic spots in the tourism market potential. To promote the optimisation of the spatial pattern of rural tourism, it is necessary to strengthen resource integration. Furthermore, it is important to conduct in-depth exploration of more factors in order to provide comprehensive guidance for the sustainable development of rural tourism.

RESEARCH ON THE DRIVING FORCE OF CHINA'S RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BASED ON VILLAGE LANDSCAPE RESOURCES

This paper mainly adopts qualitative research, summarizes the development stage of rural tourism through in-depth interviews and second-hand data analysis, and uses the root theory to study the driving force of rural tourism development based on village landscape resources. From the different stages of rural tourism development, the driving force of different stages of development is proposed, the role of attraction, endogenous force, development force, and subsequent power of rural tourism development on rural tourism development is explored, and the model diagram of the driving force of rural tourism development is constructed.