Showing papers on "Rural tourism published in 2003"

South African Wine Routes: Some Perspectives on the Wine Tourism Industry's Structural Dimensions and Wine Tourism Product

Abstract: Wine tourism has emerged as a strong and growing area of special-interest tourism in ‘New World’ wine countries in particular, and represents an increasinglysignificant component of the regional and rural tourism products of these countries. The development of wine routes throughout Europe, and increasingly in ‘New World’ wine countries, provides the link between wine and tourism. South Africa is believed to be one of the most aggressive in the short- to medium-term in getting out its wine tourism message. The twofold purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural dimensions of the South African wine industryas these specificallyrelate to wine route estates and to determine the nature and extent of the wine tourism ‘product’ offered on the wine route estates. In this context, 125 face-to-face interviews were conducted with wine route estate enterprises. Wine route estates have long recognised the potential of wine tourism and the implications of their involvement in wine tourism through their inclusion in wine routes are discussed.

Measuring sustainability in a mass tourist destination: pressures, perceptions and policy responses in Torrevieja, Spain.

Abstract: The debate on sustainable tourism development usually focuses on small-scale tourism practices, such as rural tourism or ecotourism, inappropriately referred to as 'alternative' tourism, judging by the problems they start to create. Mature destinations in the Mediterranean are a classic example of inappropriate environmental practices and of disregard for the principles of sustainability, which had been present in scientific discourse long before the 1992 Rio Summit. However, the restructuring processes in traditional destinations led to a more complex reality in which sustainability has become an inescapable reference, both as a competitiveness factor and as a growing social demand. This paper uses an operative definition of sustainable tourism development that makes possible the effective application of its principles. From this basis, a system of sustainability indicators is developed that can be applied to Torrevieja, a Spanish Mediterranean destination that is notable for the size of its tourism indu...

New Directions in Rural Tourism

Abstract: Contents: Part I: Context: Tourism and the countryside: dynamic relationships, Derek Hall, Morag Mitchell and Lesley Roberts Part II: Conceptualization: New directions in rural tourism impact research, Steven Boyne Rural tourism and sustainability - a critique, Richard Sharpley What is managed when managing rural tourism? The case of Denmark, Anders SA,rensen and Per-Ake Nilsson Part III: Experience: Encouraging responsible access to the countryside, Lesley Roberts and Fiona Simpson The host-guest relationship and its implications in rural tourism, Hazel Tucker Animal attractions, welfare and the rural experience economy, Derek Hall, Lesley Roberts, FranA oise Wemelsfelder and Marianne Farish Authenticity - tourist experiences in the Norwegian periphery, Mette Ravn Midtgard Rural tourism and film - issues for strategic regional development, W Glen Croy and Reid D Walker Part IV: Strategy and Management: Strategy formulation in rural tourism - an integrated approach, Hans Embacher Networking and partnership building for rural tourism development, Alenka Verbole Integrated quality management in rural tourism, Ray Youell The role of education in the management of rural tourism and leisure, Patricija Verbole Ecotourism for rural development in the Canary Islands and the Caribbean, Donald Macleod Relationships between rural tourism and agrarian restructuring in a transitional economy: the case of Poland, Lucyna PrzezbA^3rska Part V: Conclusion: New directions in rural tourism: local impacts and global trends, Lesley Roberts, Morag Mitchell and Derek Hall Index

Rural Tourism: A case of lifestyle-led opportunities

Abstract: Tourism is often seen as a panacea for the ills of declining rural communities. The paper argues that there is an element of blind optimism in this view although a shift of focus from production to consumption within advanced economies like Australia's will undoubtedly provide opportunities for the development of the leisure, recreation and tourism industries, both in metropolitan and rural areas. The paper suggests that an increased focus on lifestyle will come to characterise Australia. Some rural communities will be able to capitalise on this, both for temporary visitors and for in-migration, but many will not. The well-established concepts of threshold and range, when coupled with the idea of specialisation, will have a large influence on which places 'win' and which 'lose' in any lifestyle-led and leisure-oriented society. 'Place marketing' will become increasingly important for towns competing against each other for the 'leisure and lifestyle dollar'.

On the trail of regional success: tourism, food production and the Isle of Arran Taste Trail

Abstract: The interlinkages between tourism and food are many and deep. In satisfying physiological needs, food is a ‘non-optional’ component of the tourism experience (Reynolds 1994: 191) and for many tourists, food and eating are important social and experiential elements of their holiday. In rural areas tourism and food production often compete for land, labour and capital, while in many cases, management of the natural and built environments for agriculture and food production provides landscapes and settings for tourists to enjoy, or ‘consume’. Research has shown that food and drink can account for up to 40 per cent of tourists’ holiday spending (Belisle 1983; Hudman 1986; Waterhouse et al. 1995), and as much as 50 per cent of the additional expenditure incurred by hosts entertaining VFR (visiting friends and relatives) tourists in rural Scotland (Boyne 2001). The potential therefore exists for rural tourism destination areas to maximize benefits to the local economy by providing locally produced foodstuffs for purchase and consumption by tourists. Encouraging back-linkages in this way can not only enhance the benefits of tourism to rural destination areas, but also help sustain traditional artisan and industrial-scale food production and processing techniques. Viewed from a tourism perspective, the opportunity to sample highquality locally produced food products can enhance the visitor experience, raise awareness of a destination region or country and encourage first-time and return visits.

Small Firms in Tourism: International Perspectives

Abstract: International perspectives on small firms in tourism: a synthesis (R. Thomas). Tourism, small firm development and empowerment in post-apartheid South Africa (C.M. Rogerson). Factors affecting small firms in tourism: a Ghanaian perspective (W.C. Gartner). Government assistance for tourism SMEs from theory to practice (S. Wanhill). Short-run output and employment effects arising from assistance to tourism SMEs: evidence from Israel (A. Fleischer, D. Felsenstein). Risky lifestyles? Entrepreneurial characteristics of the New Zealand bed and breakfast sector (C.M. Hall, K. Rusher). From lifestyle consumption to lifestyle production: changing patterns of tourism entrepreneurship (G. Shaw, A.M. Williams). Success and growth in rural tourism micro-businesses in Finland: financial or life-style objectives? (R. Komppula). The interaction of community and small tourism businesses in rural New Zealand (D. Keen). Whale watching: the roles of small firms in the evolution of a new Australian niche market (N. Scott, E. Laws). Small firms and wine and food tourism in New Zealand: issues of collaboration, clusters and lifestyles (C.M Hall). Quality homes, quality people: the challenge of quality grading and assurance in small accommodation enterprises (P.A. Lynch, H. Tucker). Overcoming the green gap: improving the environmental performance of small tourism firms in Western Australia (M. Schaper, J. Carlsen). Small firms and the principles of sustainable tourism: the case of cycle tourism (N.D. Morpeth). Accommodating the spiritual tourist the case of religious retreat houses (M. Shackley). Small firm performance in the context of agent and structure: a cross-cultural comparison in the tourist accommodation sector (A. Morrison, R.M. Teixeira). Coping with resource scarcity: the experience of UK tourism SMEs (M.M. Augustyn). Strategic and structural variables in internationalisation: the case of Swiss tourism SMEs (A. Mungall, C. Johnson) Small tourism firms in e-Europe: definitional, conceptual and contextual considerations (H. Matlay).

Sustaining rural landscapes: the role of integrated tourism.

Abstract: The aim of a European Union-funded research project entitled 'Supporting and Promoting Integrated Tourism in Europe's Lagging Rural Regions' (SPRITE) is to analyse and develop the potential for bet...

Género y turismo rural: el ejemplo de la costa coruñesa

Abstract: The object of this paper is to demythologise the idea that rural tourism is a way of incorporating women onto the remunerated labour market. Through an analysis of the relations of gender we highlight that in tourism activity women play a role similar to that of the housewife and that this role is reinforced by tourism. She remains invisible whilst men monopolise all those tasks that require skilled training and maintain direct contact with the tourists. We examine the division of work according to gender, the working day and how they combine tasks from various areas of production.

Community-Based Eco-Tourism on the Wild Coast, South Africa: The Case of the Amadiba Trail

Abstract: This paper investigates the origins and current operation of the Amadiba Horse and Hiking Trail, a community-based initiative located on South Africa's Wild Coast. The trail project presents itself as a people-centred, designed to involve the Amadiba people in all aspects of running a project including planning, implementation, management and decision making. The benefits from the project are intended to accrue primarily to the Amadiba community.The involvement of a non-profit organisation, PondoCROP, in initiating the project, and the involvement of community representatives in operation and management, presented an alternative to large-scale investor driven development that could supplement, rather than replace, existing livelihood strategies.The key objective of this study is to investigate the actual involvement of the community in decision making processes, planning, management, control of the project, and also the kinds of benefits which accrue to the staff members, horse owners and the wider community. The evidence of this study would suggest the project has been at least partially successful in achieving its goals, but also raises questions about the model of a community-run project being applied in this case, and about the long-term economic sustainability of the project. This case study also highlights a number of key strengths and weaknesses of the community-based or bottom-up model of tourism development: There is market demand for ‘alternative’ tourist experiences, but operators must ensure that the service they offer is of consistent quality and meets the expectations of tourists. Poor rural people can combine work in the formal sector with ‘traditional’ local livelihood activities, but require appropriate (and ongoing) training, supervision, and reward structures.Local organisations can play a key role in the initiation and operation of tourism ventures, and mobilisation of local resources, but do not necessarily share the same interests as employees, and can become self-serving, especially as income begins to flow‘Community’ control does not necessarily translate into participatory or egalitarian organisations, as the growing centralisation of the Amadiba Trail demonstratesExternal agents have a crucial role to play in the identification and initiation of community-based projects, and NGOs would appear to be well suited to this role due to the open-ended nature of the relationship with the community and the uncertainly of financial returns. It is the quality and the duration of this relationship that is key, rather than the amount of funding available. This suggests that neither private interests nor donor organisations can adequately fill this role, and may even jeopardise the process with excessively tight deadlines and expectations of measurable returns.Trial-and-error, and evolutionary development, are integral to bottom-up initiatives. Nonetheless, there is a need for all parties concerned to be as clear as possible at each stage in the process about the aims of the project and the organisational form that it will take.While much can be achieved through participatory methods of organisation, it is not possible to dispense with professional management and administrative skills, including, in this case, some specialist knowledge of the tourism market. Such skills may be developed within the project over time, or sourced externally, or some combination of the two. The differential skilling of staff over time is likely to lead to tensions within the project, and impose real limitations to participatory forms of management.Experience and structures arising from one development project can increase the chances of attracting additional initiatives to an area. Projects do not necessarily need to be closely integrated and can serve different social groups within a community. Direct, personal benefits (for example, wages) are probably preferable to indirect ‘community’ benefits distributed through local structures. General funds placed in the hands of local structures are liable to be misused or spent on prestige goods, in ways that may not enhance the livelihoods of local people. Control of such funds may also become the basis for intense local debate and rivalry, with potentially disruptive consequences for the projects that generate them.External donor funding can help community-based organisation to grow, but also brings with it new requirements that have the potential to change the character of local projects. Expansion of organisational overheads on the basis of donor funding, rather than self-generated revenues, may distort organic growth and jeopardise sustainability in the longer term.

Developing new tourism services: Dinosaurs, a new drive tourism resource for remote regions?

Abstract: This paper examines issues encountered when developing new tourism services generally, and specific aspects relating to the development of remote area dinosaur fossil fields for tourism. It studies two sites, one in the USA and one in Australia. Access to both sites is by minor roads, and both sites are characterised by long drives separating the sites from small communities that offer limited infrastructure and few other attractions for visitors. In both areas, however, tourism is seen as one of the few possible ways to sustain existing communities in the face of declining primary-industry-based employment. In general, tourists visiting these areas are on touring holidays of two weeks’ duration or more where the attraction is the general attributes of the region as well as to a lesser extent their interest in dinosaur fossils. These provide a potential resource for remote-region economic development through commodification as a new tourism attraction. Development of dinosaur fossil finds as a tourism resource is conceptualised here as new service development. Developing new tourism services, especially in remote regions, is challenging and has not been well examined in the tourism literature. The new service development process used in this case study first examines the characteristics of the existing tourists travelling through the region. The characteristics of a number of potential market segments currently interested in dinosaur fossils were then examined and contrasted with the existing market. This is conceptualised on a specialist-generalist spectrum of interest in fossils. A study of the tourist service features associated with dinosaur fossil tourism in remote regions of the USA was conducted, leading to the identification of a number of possible incremental development opportunities. The paper then takes a strategic approach to examining potential new tourism service development related to dinosaur fossils in remote regions of Queensland, Australia. In particular, it describes use of information about existing services in similar regions as the basis for ideas about development as well as comparison between existing and potential markets.

Cultura, políticas de desarrollo y turismo rural en el ámbito de la globalización

Abstract: In this essay I analyze the new principles of what is called rural tourism in Spain. I examine the importance of this sector in relation to the new directions of globalization, inserting this phenomena within a larger process of the reconfiguration of the rural world. Designed at the European level and regulated by the Politica Agraria Comun (Common Agricultural Policy, PAC) this process, in essence, pursues a new design of rurality not based exclusively on agricultural production, but rather on the diversification of economic activities. These directives, well financed by various European Programs, support small traditional industries and the consumption of tradition and of nature to make up what I call the construction of rurality. The goal has been to create a rural product that follows the new guidelines of differential consumption and feeds the growing offer of what is called cultural tourism. After reviewing the rural tourism panorama in Andalusia, I analyze two empirical cases with a consolidated development program based on the tourism potential of local products.

Local community involvement in tourism around national parks: opportunities and constraints.

Abstract: National Parks are often major tourist attractions located in relatively remote and marginalised rural areas. The potential role of tourism in contributing to the costs of conservation and providing economic opportunities for communities living adjacent to natural heritage has long been recognised. Issues of access to tourists and capital, enclaves and bypasses and employment need to be addressed. The opportunities for local economic development through tourism at Komodo (Indonesia), Keoladeo (India), Gonarezhou (Zimbabwe) and Puerto Princesa (Palawan, Philippines) National Parks are explored, and the paper concludes with an agenda for action.

The financial viability of heritage tourism attractions: three cases from rural Australia

Abstract: Heritage tourism (whether historic, cultural, or natural) is widely seen as one of the mainstays of rural tourism. Most research on heritage tourism has focused on issues such as the protection of the physical fabric at heritage attractions, balancing authenticity, and accessibility in interpretation and the meaning of heritage for people. However, the issue of the viability and sustainability of heritage tourism operations as businesses has in contrast hardly been considered. This article addresses this issue by focusing on three rural heritage tourism attractions that have experienced financial problems. In addition, the article explores two factors that may limit research into the financial viability of attractions. The first is that problems may be manifested in many different ways, of which bankruptcy and closure are only the most extreme. The second is the difficulty of gaining useful objective information from and regarding businesses in trouble.

Constraints and possibilities of the rural tourism development with the special stress on the case of Croatia

Abstract: Global economic restructuring has created a climate in which many local economies have to adjust in order to maintain or enhance their socio-economic viability. Social and economic forces operating at the global level are determining both the nature and form of the rural landscape and how we value and use it. These changes, coupled with new ideas and approaches to leisure and recreation time are encouraging tourism development in rural areas at an ever increasing pace. The definition of rural tourism has been subject of much debate in the literature without arriving at any firm consensus. Most definitions tend to focus on the types of activities visitors engage with in a rural area, this leads to labelling of different tourism types. For example, forms associated with rural areas are agri tourism, eco tourism, green tourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, nature tourism and countryside tourism. All of these forms are closely associated with the basic requirements of sustainable development. What mustn't be overlooked as the very essence of rural tourism is local cooperation and community involvement through different forms of networking. This is supposed to be one of the most important requirements for rural tourism to become sustainable in the long term. The main objective of this paper is to examine the trends of rural tourism development in Europe and to highlight most obvious constraints to its better development in the context of sustainability. In this context some suggestions will be given so as to enhance future development of the rural tourist destinations in general and especially in the Republic of Croatia where this form of tourism is still underdeveloped. Key words: rural tourism destinations, sustainable development, networking, Croatia

Illustrating the Utility of a Modified Gap Analysis as a Regional Tourism Planning Tool: Case Study of Potential Japanese and German Travelers to the Cowichan Region

Abstract: This article explores the potential for a modified gap analysis to serve as a useful tourism planning tool for rural regions. Minimal differences or “gaps” between customers perceptions of quality and the abilities of service providers to meet these expectations lead to increased profits. Tourists' perceptions are gleaned from surveys of international Japanese and German travelers conducted by national tourism associations. The host region's perceptions of these markets are drawn from survey responses of tourism and planning professionals working in the Cowichan Region in British Columbia, Canada. While there are some notable gaps between the two study groups, overall, the differences in tourism expectations and perceptions between these groups are minor. Based on this research, the potential for using a modified gap analysis in tourism planning is recommended for attention.

Regional food cultures: integral to the rural tourism product?

Abstract: Food culture is an extremely important part of the total cultural product of an area and many regions of many countries have very distinctive food cultures. Equally tourism results from a region or locality satisfying the demands of the tourist, and these demands frequently include the experience of specific landscapes and environments together with the culture, heritage and hospitality of the area. While food culture is embedded in many forms of tourism it may be argued to be particularly relevant to the development of the rural tourism on offer. Rural tourism is frequently portrayed as being in some way ‘green’ and was one of the first forms of tourism to be promoted as having the potential to approach the elusive goal of being ‘sustainable’. This would imply that there is the potential for a viable tourism industry in rural locations to achieve a balance in the use and development of the inherent natural, human and physical capital of these areas without diminishing the natural capital below an acceptable threshold. The contention that local food production systems, if financially viable, can contribute towards maintaining local economies, societies, cultures and environments provides positive encouragement for looking closely at the role of food both in the tourism industry and within local economies. In the UK, for example, the Countryside Agency has recently launched a campaign called ‘Eat the View’. This campaign highlights the link between the food that British people buy and the countryside they visit. Ewan Cameron, Chairman of the Countryside Agency, has said that, ‘Purchasing decisions made by consumers can have an important influence on how land is managed’ (Countryside Agency 2000). ‘Some products, because of the way they are produced, their area of origin or other qualities can help maintain the environmental quality and diversity of the countryside, at the same time delivering real benefits to the rural economy and local communities’ (WDFLT 2000).

Women's Cooperatives in Greece and Niche Market Challenge

Abstract: Rural tourism is a field of activation for women within the broader process of promotion of reconstruction measures for the development of the countryside via integrated and endogenous procedures. The running of private or cooperative nature accommodation in rural areas and the establishment and development of the women’s cooperatives for the better exploitation of local products, traditions and cultural heritage comprise the main axes of women’s involvement in the field of rural tourism activities in Greece. The present work approaches the issue under a niche market perspective. Initially, it presents the institutional framework supporting the respective activities and the successive development phases of rural tourism in Greece. It further provides three typical case study examples of respective women’s cooperatives in Greece regarding their evolutionary process and a number of major aspects of their profile. In the end, the cooperatives are considered and evaluated with a view to creating, developing and maintaining a niche market organization in rural tourism. It seems that for a number of reasons the rapid increase of the numbers of the women’s cooperatives in Greece has not been accompanied by the development of all those necessary conditions that would make them successful niche market examples.

The development and investigation of a systems model of farm tourism in Victoria

Abstract: The marketing of farms for tourism and recreation purposes has been taking place for many years. Farmers have frequently sought to supplement their farm income through providing accommodation and recreation facilities to paying guests. This study concentrates on one state of Australia, Victoria, and has two main aims. The first aim is to develop a systems model of farm tourism that reveals the roles played by various stakeholders. The second aim is to examine farm tourism from a systems perspective, and to explore the attitudes of both farmers and guests to their experiences. In addition, the comments of local government authorities are also investigated. The purpose of the study, in broad terms, is to develop a systems model of farm tourism in Victoria, Australia. In order to do this, the study reviews the literature and then examines the evolution and development of farm tourism in general, through a detailed analysis of the relationships between host farm operators and their visitors. is hoped that the present study will shed some light on an industry which has been largely ignored by most writers and researchers in the different disciplines represented in this topic. The research objectives are, firstly, to develop a systems model of farm tourism; secondly, to examine and describe the scope of farm tourism in Victoria, from the point of view of the farmer; thirdly, to describe the evaluation of the farm tourism experience by the guests who have visited farms in Victoria; and, finally, to investigate the attitudes and involvement of local government bodies in Victoria to farm tourism. Tourism in general is examined, as well as the relationship between agriculture and tourism, leading to a discussion of the definition of rural tourism. General trends in rural tourism are identified, and their relevance to farm tourism is explained. The definition of farm tourism is then covered, with commentary on the application of the characteristics of tourism to the farm tourism industry. Trends in farming are mentioned, which point to the importance of farm tourism as an alternative source of income for the farmer, and a useful form of diversification from farm operations, reducing dependence on one source of income. The concepts of leisure and recreation are also considered, and their relevance to farm tourism is identified.

Constraints and possibilities of the rural tourism development with the special stress on the case of Croatia

Abstract: Global economic restructuring has created a climate in which many local economies have to adjust in order to maintain or enhance their socio-economic viability. Social and economic forces operating at the global level are determining both the nature and form of the rural landscape and how we value and use it. These changes, coupled with new ideas and approaches to leisure and recreation time are encouraging tourism development in rural areas at an ever increasing pace. The definition of rural tourism has been subject of much debate in the literature without arriving at any firm consensus. Most definitions tend to focus on the types of activities visitors engage with in a rural area, this leads to labelling of different tourism types. For example, forms associated with rural areas are agri tourism, eco tourism, green tourism, cultural tourism, heritage tourism, nature tourism and countryside tourism. All of these forms are closely associated with the basic requirements of sustainable development. What mustn't be overlooked as the very essence of rural tourism is local cooperation and community involvement through different forms of networking. This is supposed to be one of the most important requirements for rural tourism to become sustainable in the long term. The main objective of this paper is to examine the trends of rural tourism development in Europe and to highlight most obvious constraints to its better development in the context of sustainability. In this context some suggestions will be given so as to enhance future development of the rural tourist destinations in general and especially in the Republic of Croatia where this form of tourism is still underdeveloped. Key words: rural tourism destinations, sustainable development, networking, Croatia

Entrepreneurship Development and Tourism in Rural African Communities

Abstract: The paper discusses the phenomenon of entrepreneurship development within the context of tourism. It examines factors that influence the probability that an individual will successfully engage in entrepreneurship, to help develop new insights about tourism entrepreneurship development in rural African communities. Significant issues identified, which require the attention of project managers in improving the prospects for tourism entrepreneurship development in that setting, were the appropriate identification of potential tourism entrepreneur and perception of entrepreneurial opportunities, the deeply partisan political environment and the process of transferring relevant managerial skills to potential entrepreneurs.

The Drive Tourism Program 2000-2002: Project partners in the fast lane

Abstract: The Drive Tourism Program 2000-2002 is a partnership project between the Department of Main Roads (DMR), Tourism Queensland (TQ) and the Queensland Heritage Trails Network (QHTN) of Arts Queensland. It is entirely funded by the Queensland government in an effort to stimulate regional and rural tourism growth and enhance the experience of the drive tourist. The development of the QHTN projects is a primary stimulus to this exercise. This paper provides an overview of the Drive Tourism Program (DTP) with a specific focus on the development of corridor management plans (CMPs) as an important element of the DTP. With the drive tourism market fundamental to the success of Queensland tourism, the paper identifies how the CMPs have been developed to cater better for the drive market through the evolution of themed routes and integrated information systems.

Latin American ecotourism: what is it?

Abstract: Defining – and agreeing upon a definition of – the word 'ecotourism' poses a challenge. This is especially true in Latin America where the buzzword remains a vague term used t o market anything related to nature or environmental tourism. 'Proyectos ecoturisticos' sell everything from community development projects to jet skis. There are pros and cons in using any specific viewpoint – if we insist on high environmental standards and minimal impacts, the costs skyrocket. This places the services and destinations into a 'luxury class' tourism – sometimes without the amenities to which those who pay high-end prices are accustomed. These five-star operations often run into conflict with more humble, grassroots operations. At risk are rural and/or indigenous guides who do not have the financial resources to take part in established guide training programmes – not offered in the field, but usually in the capital city. Good intentions lie behind guide training and accreditation, but if governments or agencies do ...