Showing papers on "Rural tourism published in 1998"

Local development and heritage: traditional food and cuisine as tourist attractions in rural areas

Abstract: This paper analyses the transformation and redefinition of local identity in rural France from the perspective of heritage – more precisely food and gastronomy – and local rural tourism. As an identity marker of a geographic area and/or as a means of promoting farm products, gastronomy meets the specific needs of consumers, local producers and other actors in rural tourism. The paper considers the meaning of food from a theoretical perspective. The current interest in traditional food and cuisine is part of a general desire for authentic experiences. At the regional level, the dynamics of building up heritage consist in actualizing, adapting, and re-interpreting elements from the past, thus combining conservation and innovation. Local development can be seen as a process of territorial and heritage construction. Culinary heritage is a social construction and an important resource for local action. The paper examines the case of the Haut Plateau de l’Aubrac (Central France), where the local development process is closely linked to the valorization and the re-creation of gastronomic knowledge and skill.

Sustainable tourism : a marketing perspective

Abstract: Foreword Preface The context, the issues, a global over-view - Environment, tourism: a marketing perspective Global environmental issues International summary of tourism and environment: Northern Europe, Mediterranean and North America International summary of tourism and environment: East Asia & Pacific, Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Rest of the World Travel and tourism: the world's largest industry The environmental significance of holiday and leisure tourism Managing tourism for sustainability at specific destinations - Managing tourism: the local destination focus Managing tourism at local destinations: the public sector role Managing tourism at local destinations: the private sector role The marketing processes for sustainable tourism at destinations The issues and cases of good management practice in the main sectors of travel and tourism - The 'R' word guide to corporate action on sustainability Sustainability in the accommodation sector, with international illustrations Sustainability in visitor attractions sector Sustainability in the transport sector, with international illustrations Sustainability in the tour operator sector, with international illustrations International cases of good management practice for sustainability - Quicksilver Connections Ltd, Barrier Reef, Australia Kruger National Park, South Africa Edinburgh's Old Town, UK Anglian Water Services, Rutland Water, UK Ironbridge Gorge Museum, UK Epilogue - Positive visions for sustainable tourism Appendices - Select glossary of useful environment, tourism and marketing terms Environmental regulations, market mechanisms and self-regulatory codes of conduct influencing the tourism industry Select bibliography Index.

National Strategies for Rural Tourism Development and Sustainability: The Polish Experience

Abstract: The need for the economic revival of rural areas, combined with the growing emphasis on sustainability, has created a new challenge for tourism as a potential means of achieving these two political goals simultaneously. The development of sustainable rural tourism has become a priority of national tourism policies and/or strategies in many countries. This paper evaluates whether national strategies for rural tourism development lead to sustainability. To achieve this goal, the case study approach is utilised, with the Polish National Strategy for Rural Tourism Development constituting the subject of the case. Inskeep's model Action Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development provides the framework for the evaluation of the Polish strategy. Features of the Polish strategy that may lead to and/or constitute obstacles to sustainability are identified. Against the background of this example, future issues related to the process of sustainable rural tourism development in comparable countries are addressed.

Rural tourism in the Heart of England

Abstract: Although in many respects, the Heart of England region can hardly be called “peripheral”, it nevertheless displays many of the features of out‐of‐the‐way rural destinations. Describes the outcomes of a research project into training provision for the small rural tourism business operator. It has identified that the training and support on offer to the rural operator tend to be parochial, fragmented and unco‐ordinated. The research was instigated by Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, a specialist in the provision of hospitality and tourism studies and ultimately aims at the development and implementation of a co‐ordinated training programme for this sector. By pointing up the poor quality of such provision in an essentially central location, the paper invites the questions: how much worse the situation must be in truly peripheral locations, and what action can be taken to improve the situation.

A Rural Tourism Development Model

Abstract: Tourism has become an economic development strategy for many rural communities. As it has grown in popularity, tourism’s’ economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts have been studied. Although impact research has become very popular, research into the beginnings, or development, of tourism is infrequently discussed. The study of how tourism begins, especially in rural areas, has largely been ignored in the literature. This article reports on the results of a qualitative research study of tourism development in four rural communities in the state of Indiana (US). The results of the study provided the basis for a model of the tourism development process. This model is presented and discussed.

Cultural identity of the Slovenian countryside: territorial integrity and cultural diversity from the perspective of rural communities.

Abstract: Cultural identity of rural areas is discussed with some basic concepts such as culture, territory, contemporary globalization, and individuation processes. This case study of cultural identity in the Slovenian countryside focuses on its spiritual culture, of which several components are presented in detail: the language of rural areas, (handy)crafts, nutrition and food culture, co-operation and mutual help among rural residents at work and in leisure, and the art products of Slovenian farmers. In discussing the present status and the future of rural cultural identity, the danger of idolizing (romanticizing) traditions for the sake of selling them to tourists is pointed out and the necessity of traditions being part of everyday life of rural residents stressed. As a part of work and leisure life of rural residents, traditions are constantly changing due to local as well as to international socio-economic processes, to inner and outer stimuli to keep existing traditions and to create new ones.

Rural tourism - the impact on rural communities. II. Thailand.

Abstract: This paper discusses rural tourism in Thailand, and both its negative and positive impacts on rural communities. It discusses government and private programs in Thailand to develop tourism in rural areas, and gives several case studies of successful projects. The importance of sound planning procedures is emphasized, including a realistic assessment of carrying capacity, development of infrastructure, zoning, the involvement of local people, and education of both local people and tourists.

Rural tourism in Japan: the regeneration of rural communities.

Abstract: The change in Japanese rural society after World War II can be understood as a tendency towards stagnation and aging. Some way of revitalizing rural societies is needed. This paper examines the development possibility of rural tourism as a means of revitalization in Japan. This paper discusses the development of rural tourism in Western Europe, and how it can be encouraged to take root in Japan. The components of Japanese rural tourism are made clear, and the different management styles of farm inns are characterized. Some case studies are introduced of various styles of farm inn currently operating in Japan.

Employment Stability and the Role of Sectoral Dominance in Rural Economies

Abstract: Rural development has received renewed attention, particularly in the West, where there are opportunities for enhancing tourism in communities once reliant on extractive resources. The historical focus of rural development has been on economic growth, with little concern about the sustainability or socioeconomic impacts of such growth. This study analyzes and discusses the employment dynamics of rural economies with varying employment bases to illustrate some possible impacts of targeting specific employment sectors as part of a rural economic development strategy. The empirical research focuses on the rural counties of Utah, where the trade and service sectors associated with increased tourism and retirement communities have been rapidly expanding throughout the past two decades.

Back to the future? Tourism, place, and sustainability

Abstract: Tourism, especially rural tourism, epitomizes the problematic elements of sustainability. On the one hand, as a service industry trading on the uniqueness of a place and region, tourism is seen as more environmentally benign than industrial production, manufacturing, extractive industries, and even agriculture. When traditional resource dependent industries decline (whether due to depletion of resources, emergence of more competitive alternatives, or promulgation of environmental regulations), local communities, environmental organizations, and politicians often turn to tourism as a way to sustain the local economy. On the other hand, tourism is made possible by the same globalizing forces that put rural and small scale society at the margin spatially and economically. Tourism largely finds its market in a modern, urban, global society, which longs for a kind of experience of place associated with the rural, pastoral, and natural. The same logic of global capitalism that makes small scale society difficult to sustain, makes travel economically practical and psychologically attractive to the tourist.

Transformation of a border region: dispersed agricultural communities in Brasov County, Romania

Abstract: A most distinctive feature of the settlement pattern of the Brasov area is the extreme dispersal of mixed farming encountered in the western extreme of the county to the north and south of Zarnesti: the Bran and Poiana Marului areas. Here a system of peasant subsistence farming developed in a political borderland between the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires. Despite feudal pressures, the peasantry took all available opportunities to extend their independence including elaborate transhumance systems. And after seeing transfrontier commerce as a source of plunder, in the tradition of Balkan highway robbery within relatively unregulated spaces, the peasantry has profited through employment in factories, particularly during the communist period. However, the current recession in manufacturing is throwing the rural population back on limited land resources. Although farming assumes an important subsistence role which contributes to stability, the long-term survival of these communities will depend on new sources of income. Rural tourism has considerable potential and a promising start has been made in Bran. There are, however, constraints on the further development of the business and great attention will have to be given to the conservation of the environment in both the Bucegi Mountains and the Piatra Craiului where national park status is proposed.

Rural diversification in Albania.

Abstract: This paper examines the prospects for Albanian rural diversification with particular reference to rural tourism. In the early 1990s, tourism was identified by the Albanian government and Western development consultants as a likely vehicle for an appropriate and sustainable development strategy, given the relative wealth generated by international tourism in neighbouring Greece, Italy and Croatia. Pressure has been exerted by commercial developers for mass coastal tourism and permission for around 40 new tourist development has been granted. But Albania embraces a considerable wealth of natural and cultural heritage, which provides opportunities for the development of small scale rural tourism carefully integrated into the local economy with respect to organic farming, quality wine production and sustainable fishing. But sensitive social integration is vital where it is difficult to identify rural communities where there is a conspicuous absence of local consensus. The resurgence of traditional social systems and the empowerment of local actors in cases where organised crime has taken root pose major problems for rural diversification.

Developing rural tourism: The potential of beach resort hinterlands

Abstract: A high priority for many countries is development of new and sustainable forms of tourism as an alternative to the existing heavy dependence on beach resorts. Cultural, recreational, adventure and ecological special interests offer great potential for taking the benefits of tourism into rural areas and towns currently left out of the normal tourist itinerary.

Tourist farms in Lower Silesia, Poland.

Abstract: In view of the small size of most Polish farms, attempts have been made to encourage diversification into rural tourism. The paper examines the progress made in Lower Silesia which has good resources for domestic and international tourism. Thanks to the promotional work of the Agricultural Consultative Centres over a hundred farms are now providing services. They do not generate a large share of the farm income but business is expanding and some areas are becoming very popular. Thus a base has been established for future expansion. Further development depends on easier access to credit and government support for ecological agriculture. Better promotion is also needed to increase interest in rural tourism in Poland and attract more visitors from abroad.

Rural tourism: a case study of regional planning in Taiwan.

Abstract: Rural tourism has become a new type of agricultural management in Taiwan which helps farmers break through current management difficulties for small farms. It has two major purposes. The first is to provide leisure and recreation for the public. The second is to increase farmers’ incomes. This Bulletin discusses rural tourism in Nantou county, located in the central part of Taiwan. In 1996, Nantou county completed its comprehensive plan for rural tourism. The plan proposed five major development projects in thirty-five potential tourism areas. Activities include the traditional Chinese tea ceremony, digging for bamboo shoots, handiwork with bamboo, fruit picking, etc. Recreational activities (such as visits to waterfalls and enjoying local foods) are integrated into the rural tourism program.

Rural tourism - the impact on rural communities. I. Indonesia.

Abstract: This paper discusses rural tourism in Indonesia, and its impact on rural communities. Most rural tourism projects have been developed by state enterprises. One particular project, Margo Utomo in East Java, is described in detail. Activities offered include visits to plantations, and jungle treks. The impact on rural communities is discussed, and the importance of rural tourism in providing new employment opportunities and markets for rural people.

Rural tourism in Korea.

Abstract: This paper discusses rural tourism in Korea, focusing on tourism farms, and on policies and programs to promote this important service industry. It also discusses current problems, including the time it takes to obtain planning permission and credit. It suggests various ways in which institutional support might be improved. It emphasizes the importance of good location and good management in determining the success of tourism farms.