Rural Tourism Research Articles

Coupling Relationship Between Rural Eco-Environment and Tourism Economic Development Based on Data

With the rapid development of economy, the contradiction between the ecological environment and economic development has become increasingly serious. The ecological environment is the foundation and prerequisite for the development of rural tourism, which promotes the rural ecological environment. The coordinated development of the two is of great significance to the sustainable development of rural tourism and the construction of rural ecological civilization. On the basis of combing the existing related research results, by constructing a rural tourism-ecological environment evaluation index system, using a coupling coordination degree evaluation model, this paper makes a comparative analysis of coupling degree and coordinated scheduling. The results show that there are obvious inter-annual differences in the coupling and coordination of rural tourism and the ecological environment in the county, and the overall development trend is positive. However, the coupling degree and coordination between the two is still at a relatively low level.

Tourism in rural areas as a broader concept: Some insights from the Portuguese reality

Abstract For sustainable rural development, the complementarity between the socioeconomic activities developed in rural areas is fundamental to create synergies and economic dynamics with positive externalities for the populations in less favoured spaces. The great challenge for the rural regions is the creation of attractive employment to avoid the desertification of these areas and the respective consequences. Some of the impacts of the rural exodus are related to the agroforestry activities abandonment and the increase of biomass in the respective land which, in certain circumstances, is fuel for forest fires. Tourism in rural areas/space (TRA/S) may contribute significantly to improving the complementarity among activities in less favoured spaces and promoting sustainability in mentioned areas. From this perspective, this research aims to explore dimensions associated with TRA/S, highlighting the main contributions from the scientific literature and showing that it can be considered, in some contexts, a broader concept than the concept of rural tourism. To achieve these objectives, first a systematic review based on metrics from the bibliometric analysis was carried out, considering 165 documents found in the Scopus database in a search performed on 19 March 2024 for the following topics and conditions: “tourism in rural areas” or “tourism in rural space.” Then, statistics on the Portuguese reality are presented and analysed, highlighting evidence of the context in Portugal. The findings obtained from the systematic review and bibliometric analysis show the importance of this economic activity for the rural regions and reveal some gaps in the literature that may be considered in future studies, namely the following: the links between tourism in rural areas and economic dynamics should be further developed, further address the interconnection between TRA/S dynamics and the Sustainable Development Goals, and more knowledge about the particularities of each Portuguese context. The statistical analysis of the Portuguese context shows that tourism in rural areas has benefited from the pandemic; it seems that tourists have discovered this form of tourism.

Analysis of the Economic Factors Influencing Rural Tourism Based on the Grey Relational Method: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province

The development of rural tourism is a key task for the revitalisation of rural areas and is of great significance for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and achieving shared prosperity. Zhejiang Province is one of the first provinces in China to develop rural tourism. Studying the factors influencing the economic impact of rural tourism in recent years is a reference for other provinces and cities to develop rural tourism and achieve rural revitalisation. This paper selects the total number of rural tourism visitors, the total number of farmhouses, the total number of rural tourism employees and the total number of travel agencies as variables to study their relationship with the total output value of rural tourism. Based on the data from 2013 to 2023, the grey correlation method is used to conduct an empirical analysis. The results show that the total number of rural tourists and the total number of travel agencies have a stronger impact on the development of rural tourism economy.

Interior Design Proposal for a Rural Tourism Center as Sustainable Development in Jordan (Al Fuheis Farm Case Study)

Interior Design Proposal for a Rural Tourism Center as Sustainable Development in Jordan (Al Fuheis Farm Case Study)

Governance and Development of Tourism in Rural Areas through the Lens of Media in South Bukovina (Romania)

Agritourism and rural tourism represent an essential growing sector in certain EU regions, particularly in restructured and rebranded Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) like Romania that display important rural areas and face important societal and economic changes. The rapid growth of rural tourism activities in the South Bukovina region (historically overlapping most of Suceava County) led, in the new legislative frame, to the establishment of the first regional Destination Management Organization (DMO) in Romania. By an exploratory qualitative, mixed-method case study approach, this study underscores important factors for tourism development in the region, outlining rural and agritourism variables integrated into the public authorities’ discourse. The paper innovatively focuses on the semantic analysis of online newspaper media texts and videos, complementarily analyzed by appropriate software solutions. The main results emphasize the factors for tourism development in the area through a dual cluster centered around the multilevel governance and tourism management structures represented by public authorities on the one hand and the projects, investments, and EU funding on the other. Key stakeholders’ opinion underscored public–private partnerships, supportive administrative structures, tourism events and various natural and cultural resources as sustainable elements that contribute to the successful development of tourism in the region.

Optimization of the Newa-Based Tourism Development Model (Nature, Ecotourism, Wellness, and Adventure) Through the Eco-Wellness Tourism Concept Approach

NEWA (Nature, Ecotourism, Wellness Tourism, and Adventure) is a new trend developing in the tourism industry in the era of the passing of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pattern of NEWA concept development that tends to be fragmentative causes the exploration of each concept to be more limited. Efforts to optimize NEWA are carried out through blending concepts in the frame of eco-wellness tourism. Therefore, an effort is needed to formulate the concept of eco-wellness tourism, as well as how to apply the concept in the implementative realm. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research approach, through the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) technique involving cross-disciplinary experts. Eco-wellness tourism combines healthy tourism destinations in wellness tourism with an environmental conservation orientation typical of ecotourism such as traditional spas, herbal concoctions, gastronomy, aromatherapy, and hypnotherapy as its activities, which are packaged in the concept of interactive activities with nature such as thematic camping, adventure, exploration, and rural tourism.

FROM PERCEPTION TO SUPPORT: THE ROLE OF POLITICAL BUREAUCRACY IN RURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Numerous studies emphasise the importance of local governance and governmental support in promoting long-term rural tourist growth. Political bureaucracy, which encompasses the duties and activities of government officials and institutions, plays an important role in developing policies, providing required infrastructure, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. The challenge at hand is the ambiguous relationship between perceived benefits (economic, social, and environmental) and community support influenced by political structures. This study explores moderating role of political bureaucracy on the relationship between the impact of perceived tourism benefits and the community support for rural tourism development in Lombok, Indonesia. The objective is to understand how these perceptions affect support when moderated by political bureaucracy. Data were collected using quantitative methods from 183 residents via online surveys and analysed using SmartPLS SEM for measurement and structural model assessments. The findings revealed no significant relationship between perceived economic and social benefits and community support. However, environmental benefits showed a positive influence. The moderating role of political bureaucracy was found to be minimal. The study suggests that enhancing awareness and empowerment of local communities could improve support for tourism. These insights are vital for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that foster sustainable rural tourism.

Development and evaluation of an interactive information system in technical assistance and rural extension

The state of Espírito Santo has a wide diversification of rural activities, such as family agribusinesses and activities related to rural tourism. However, diagnosing the rural zone presents some challenges, such as the difficulty of access and location, long distances, and excessive costs, combined with the scarcity of human and financial resources inherent to public services. In this sense, it is necessary to restructure the communication and technical assistance and rural extension model established by public institutions to reinforce the trend towards the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and the implementation of concepts such as e-government (e-Gov). In this context, we propose an interactive computational tool, focusing on diagnosing, planning, and addressing the different current demands the rural sector presents. To achieve this, we have developed a consulting and data analysis system that also employs artificial intelligence concepts, aiming to increase the efficiency and quality of public services in rural areas. The proposed system is called Agrolegal Ater Digital and includes functionalities such as registration, diagnosis, virtual library, event registration, news, and funding opportunities. The objective is to facilitate access to information for rural entrepreneurs regarding the public services offered and to increase the speed of communication with public agents. The results obtained through the conducted diagnoses are promising, with good acceptance from the test group regarding the proposed tool and the use of information technology in addressing requests in rural areas.

Listing Villages for Conservation: Practices and Impacts of the Village Conservation Project in China

ABSTRACT Due to the rapid destruction and disappearance of villages caused by mass urbanisation in China over the past decades, the Chinese government launched in the 1990s a nationwide ‘village conservation project.’ Villages are officially viewed as a fundamental component of Chinese society, integrating essential elements of Chinese heritage and culture. Consequently, the government has created multiple officially recognised lists to restore, protect, and showcase traditional villages, such as wenwu baohu danwei (cultural relics protection units), lishi wenhua mingcun (historical and cultural villages), chuantong cunluo (traditional villages), xiangcun lvyou zhongdiancun (rural tourism key villages), and meili yiju cunzhuang (beautiful and livable villages). By examining the implementation process of this ‘village conservation project’, this study reveals the motivations and impacts of the Chinese government’s efforts in listing villages for conservation and development. This study contributes to museum and heritage studies by providing a lens for understanding the conservation practices in rural areas in China.

REGIONAL FEATURES OF THE INTERSECTION OF ECO- AND RURAL TOURISM IN VINNYCHCHYNA DURING MARITAL STATE

The article examines the tourist potential of the Vinnytsia region and determines that the region has significant natural and recreational potential for the development of ecological and rural tourism. It has been established that the development of these types of tourism is due to the increase in demand for domestic tourism as a result of the war in Ukraine. Therefore, the main consumers of eco- and rural tourism services in Vinnytsia region are internally displaced persons, as well as connoisseurs of Ukrainian folk traditions due to the attractiveness of the nature, its environmental friendliness and rural lifestyle. Regulatory and legal documents regulating rural tourism, namely the Regional Development Strategy of the Vinnytsia Region until 2027, as well as the main directions of activity of the public organization «Vinnytsia Regional Branch of the Association for the Promotion of the Development of Rural Green Tourism in Ukraine» were studied. The tourist route Camino Podoliсo or St. Jacob’s Way, which covers two regions of Khmelnytskyi and Vinnytsia, was studied. It was found that this project is a unique opportunity to gain impressions from getting to know the unique sights, customs and traditions and natural features of Podillia. The significant areas of Vinnytsia region, the village of Busha of the Yampil district, on the territory of which there are outstanding monuments of the archaeology and architecture of the famous Bushan relief (carved out of stone in the Rock Temple by the hands of our glorious ancestors) and the remains of the Bushan fortress – a stone tower, the Haydamatskyi ravine, the remains of multi-layered settlements of Trypillia, Chernyakhiv, Penkiv and Scythian cultures, a medieval cemetery. The possibilities of Mogilev-Podilskyi, Barskyi and Vinnytsia districts regarding the development and intersection of eco- and rural tourism in wartime are also described. In the article, with the help of a SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the development of eco- and rural tourism in Vinnytsia are given. It was found that the combination of eco- and rural tourism is a necessary condition for the economic development of rural areas, and rural recreation should strengthen the ecological awareness of tourists in order to preserve the environment.

Exploring the Formation of Behavioral Intention Toward Rural Tourism via Sensory Experience and Memorable Tourism Experiences, a Case Study in Henan, China

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the formation of tourists’ behavioral intentions toward rural tourism by analyzing sensory experiences and memorable tourism experiences. The research was conducted through a case study in Henan, China. Using a quantitative approach, a survey was conducted where 490 participants completed a face-to-face questionnaire. The findings from the partial least squares structural equation modeling revealed that out of the five sensory experiences, only touch has a statistically significant and positive impact on behavioral intention. On the other hand, sight, sound, taste, and smell do not have a meaningful influence. In contrast, all five senses exhibited substantial beneficial effects on memorable tourism experiences. Memorable tourism experiences emerged to act as a mediator between the five senses and behavioral intention. This study is a pioneer attempt in the field of rural tourism, using the embodiment perspective to explore the mechanisms and connections linking sensory experiences, memorable tourism experiences, and behavioral intentions. The findings offer significant theoretical insights and practical contributions to advance the research and industry of rural tourism.

Is more rural digitization always better for tourism? An innovative multiscale spatial perspective

Addressing the global challenge of promoting digital transformation in rural areas and reducing the urban–rural digital divide is crucial. This study explores rural digitization within the framework of tourism literature, an area that has received limited scholarly attention. Utilizing economic geography methodologies, this research examines the multiscale relationship between rural digitization and tourism development efficiency at the county level. Our empirical findings reveal significant spatial heterogeneity in both rural digitization and tourism development, diverging from the existing consensus by uncovering the negative impact of rural digitization on tourism development at the county level. The study also identifies a moderating effect of tourism’s contribution to GDP and per capita GDP, which negatively moderates this impact. This research emphasizes the critical need for a geographic perspective to comprehensively understand the complex relationship between digital technology and tourism development. It provides recommendations for tourism policymakers and developers regarding digitalization in rural areas.

Small rural tourism businesses’ experience of the COVID-19 Tourism Relief Fund: A case of Coffee Bay

The rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has brought economies around the world to a complete halt. Given the restrictive measures implemented by governments to mitigate the damage caused by the virus, many sectors of the economy have been severely affected, with tourism being one of the hardest hit. This article aims to explore and evaluate the experiences of small tourism businesses operating on the outskirts in relation to the Tourism Relief Fund provided by the South African government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from an interpretive research paradigm, the study adopted a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to gather data. The resulting data was then analysed using NVivo version 12, which generated a comprehensive observation report. The findings indicated that the South African government made concerted efforts to assist tourism businesses in surviving the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. However, the findings also revealed numerous shortcomings that confirmed existing literature, particularly with regard to unconstitutional qualifying criteria. Furthermore, the study found that businesses, especially informal ones that cater to tourists and provide employment, were frustrated by their ineligibility for the Tourism Relief Fund due to qualifying criteria such as registration. In conclusion, the study recommends that the government and policymakers implement more flexible transformation policies, especially during times of crisis.

Cooperation and Intercooperation in Tourism Routes in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Objective: This study aims to investigate the cooperation and collaboration among the actors involved in the tourist routes known as Salamarias, Della Cuccagna, and Topiarias, Flores e Aromas, located in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Theoretical Framework: This article examines the economic and social impact of rural tourism, focusing on its contribution to economic growth, job creation, and the promotion of tourism products through tourist routes. It emphasizes cooperation among tourism actors for sustainable development and organizational efficiency. Method: We conducted qualitative and quantitative research, collecting data through interviews with 16 farms across three routes. A structured interview script included 60 open-ended questions and six closed questions. We analyzed the data using content analysis, and assessed the quantitative data using a five-point Likert scale to measure agreement levels. Results and Discussion: The results showed that cooperation and intercooperation along the routes promote income complementarity through tourism offerings and product sales, enhance knowledge and learning, expand social relations, increase the dissemination and consumption of organic products, and support the preservation of culture, heritage, and the environment. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this study provide insights that can guide public policies, regional development programs, and business strategies in the rural tourism sector. These insights emphasize the importance of cooperation, intercooperation, social networks, rural development, and social innovation. Originality/Value: The discussion not only enriches the existing literature but also opens new avenues for future research and theorizing in the context of rural tourism and regional development.

Food Safety in Culinary Businesses in Rural and Urban Tourism Villages to Ensure Tourists' Health and Sustainable Tourism

Food is a basic necessity required by tourists during their travels; therefore, food service providers need to pay attention to the food safety of the items they sell to ensure the health and satisfaction of tourists. This research aims to assess the food safety in culinary businesses in both urban and rural tourist areas. The study was conducted in 60 culinary businesses in the West Java Tourism Village for rural areas and 60 culinary businesses in the Tourism Village in DKI Jakarta for urban areas. The method employed is descriptive analysis to illustrate the food safety in tourist areas using a food safety assessment scoring instrument in both regions. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed to assess the differences in food safety between the two areas. The research results indicate that the food safety score in the West Java Tourism Village shows that 70% falls into the category of potentially risky but still safe for consumption, while 30% falls into the category of moderate food safety. The food safety score in the Jakarta Tourism Village shows that 38% falls into the category of potentially risky but still safe, 37% falls into the moderate food safety category, and 25% falls into the good food safety category. The comparison of food safety scores in rural and urban areas reveals a significant difference (Sig. 0.003 < 0.005), with the average food safety score in the rural tourism village being 47.77 and in the urban area being 73.23. This means that food safety in the urban tourism village is better compared to the rural area.

Rural slum criteria as determining the threshold for tourism village development

The rapid development of tourism affects the quality of tourist attractions in several tourist destinations, including villages that are transforming into tourist villages. With the increasing increase of tourism operations in rural areas, the quality of life in tourist villages needs to be assessed to not exceed its carrying capacity. Only when the issue becomes worse have attempts been made to address excessive tourism thus far. Slums arise in rural locations, particularly in tourist communities, as a result of one of the quality reductions. By comparing the slum criteria with input from resource people in tourist villages regarding factors reducing carrying capacity in tourist villages, this study examines factors that may be threshold aspects for developing a village so that it does not become a village that exceeds its carrying capacity. There were three phases to this study's first review. The initial stage is a review of the literature to identify the causes of the decline in tourist communities. Secondly, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique survey of influential people in rural tourism was conducted to gather information for threshold-determining criteria. The last step involves comparing the rural slum parameters with the AHP results. Using the characteristics of rural slums, the comparison aims to generate an assessment of the threshold instrument for the development of tourism activities in rural regions. According to preliminary research, the slum criterion is an indicator that, when modified, could enhance the threshold instrument for building tourist villages.

Pengembangan Website Desa Wisata Sebagai Media Informasi Wisatawan Pada Desa Temesi

The tourism industry is undergoing significant changes with the advancement of digital technology, known as digital tourism. Digitalization has changed the way tourist destinations are promoted, accessed, and managed, including through the concept of rural tourism or tourism villages. Temesi Village in Gianyar Regency, Bali, has great natural and cultural tourism potential. However, to optimize this potential, digital media is needed, such as website creation. The WordPress platform was chosen for its advantages, including a large user community, ease of use, design flexibility, and data security. This step aligns with the digital village program supported by the Community Empowerment Agency and Primakara University. It is hoped that the creation of this website will introduce and promote the tourism potential of Temesi Village to the general public and tourists, as well as support sustainable tourism development in the area.

Who you travel with matters: the influence of intimacy experience on the stickiness of rural tourism activities – travel companion as the moderator

ABSTRACT This study examines the mediating effect of tourists’ perceived value between four dimensions of rural intimacy – physical, verbal, intellectual, and spiritual – and the stickiness of rural tourism activities It further scrutinises the moderating impact of travel companions, posing the pivotal question, ‘Who do you travel with matters the most?’ Analyzing a sample of 649 Chinese tourists, the research finds that each dimension of rural intimacy significantly enhance tourists’ perceived value and the stickiness of rural tourism. The study concludes that ‘growth-oriented’ intimate experiences are more effective in enhancing stickiness than ‘instrumental-oriented’ intimate experiences. The presence of friends as travel companions does not notably elevate tourists’ perceived value. In contrast, travelling with family, either with parents or children, substantially enhances tourists’ perceived value. Couples perceive increased value through verbal and spiritual intimacy. Tourists who travel alone gain heightened value and activity stickiness through verbal and intellectual interactions. These findings provide strategic insights for enhancing rural tourism experiences and strengthening customer engagement and loyalty.

Impacts on Rural Community Development and Governance by Different Land Ownership: A Comparative Study Based on Two Villages in China

AbstractThe capability of rural community governance is significantly impacted by the different types of land ownership when capital investment in rural tourism to achieve rural revitalisation. The outcomes of which profoundly affect sustainable rural development. This study, by utilising a theoretical framework using double movement theory, aims to assess the impacts on rural community governance by two different land ownership models, the Enterprise-based Model (EBM) and the Community-based Model (CBM), in the process of capital flow to the countryside (CFC). Case studies of the two villages were adopted to examine and explore the logic of interaction between stakeholders and reveal the internal mechanism of rural community governance. The results of this research indicate that the CBM has considerable advantages over the EBM. In the CBM, the village collective retains land ownership without fully marketising, which allows villagers to maintain their bargaining power with investors whilst increasing their local awareness. In the EBM, however, the local government promotes the conversion of land ownership. The villagers benefit more from one-time acquisition but lose sustainable benefits created by local development. Stakeholders call for the need to create a development model beyond the market economy by maintaining China's rural land system in the process of CFC. In this regard, this paper provides an original contribution.

Dakshinkali: Emerging Rural Tourism Hub - Insights and Growth

Dakshinkali, situated in the southern part of the Kathmandu Valley, has evolved into a prominent rural tourism destination centered around a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. As an incarnation of Mother Parvati, the temple's significance surged during the reign of King Pratap Malla, fostering a rise in religious and rural tourism. The increased influx of visitors has stimulated local economic growth by selling their local products, resulting in heightened business activities, increased employment rates, and improved living standards. The growing popularity of Dakshinkali as a rural tourism destination motivates the community to preserve its culture, tradition, and indigenous knowledge. Tourist support motivates locals to safeguard their culture, contributing to the growth of tourism and income. Dakshinkali is popular because it is close to Kathmandu and has a peaceful rural atmosphere. It is considered a sought-after destination, following the global trend of rural tourism. This study explores Dakshinkali's role in rural tourism, using a qualitative research design and historical frameworks. The findings highlight Dakshinkali as the nearest and most significant rural tourism hub in the Kathmandu Valley, set for continued growth. Its increasing popularity, driven by a growing disinterest in modern city life, is evident in its rising appeal. With the world favoring rural destinations, Dakshinkali shows promise for the future of rural tourism in the region.