Showing papers on "Rural tourism published in 2009"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that local food can play an important role in the sustainable tourism experience because it appeals to the visitor's desire for authenticity within the holiday experience, and they use evidence from qualitative interviews with tourists and food producers to record ways in which local foods are conceptualised as "authentic" products that symbolise the place and culture of the destination.
Abstract: In recent years, attempts to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of both tourism and agriculture have been linked to the development of “alternative” food networks and a renewed enthusiasm for food products that are perceived to be traditional and local. This paper draws on research from two UK regions, the Lake District and Exmoor, to argue that local food can play an important role in the sustainable tourism experience because it appeals to the visitor's desire for authenticity within the holiday experience. Using evidence from qualitative interviews with tourists and food producers, the paper records ways in which local foods are conceptualised as “authentic” products that symbolise the place and culture of the destination. By engaging with debates surrounding the meaning of locality and authenticity, the paper challenges existing understandings of these concepts and offers a new way forward for tourism research by arguing that “local food” has the potential to enhance the visitor exp...
979 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a self-administered survey in four languages was collected from 252 tourists in the study area, and a factor-clustering method identified four distinct segments: family togetherness seeker, passive tourist, want-it-all seeker, and learning and excitement seeker.
604 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to discover if differences in perceptions of tourism's impacts on a rural community existed between four stakeholder groups in eastern North Carolina: residents, entrepreneurs, government officials and tourists.
382 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate rural landscape preferences of citizens from a range of choices in the mountain area of the Alpujarras (south-eastern Spain), and estimate their willingness to pay (WTP) to enjoy each of the landscape characteristics existing in the area.
202 citations
Book•
18 Jun 2009
TL;DR: The evolution and contemporary position of tourism as a focus of study has been discussed by Tazim Jamal and Mike Robinson as discussed by the authors, with a focus on sustainable tourism and ecotourism.
Abstract: Introduction: The Evolution and Contemporary Positioning of Tourism as a Focus of Study - Tazim Jamal and Mike Robinson PART ONE: APPROACHES TO TOURISM STUDIES Tourism and Hospitality - David Bell Anthropological Interventions in Tourism Studies - Naomi Leite and Nelson Graburn The Sociology of Tourism - Adrian Franklin The Diverse Dynamics of Cultural Studies and Tourism - David Crouch Tourism, Popular Culture and the Media - Philip Long and Mike Robinson Histories of Tourism - John K. Walton Tourism Geographies: A Review of Trends, Challenges and Opportunities - Sanjay K. Nepal Development Studies and Tourism - David J. Telfer Economics of International Tourism - John Fletcher Power, Politics and Political Science: The Politicization of Tourism - Linda K. Richter Tourism and Natural Resources - Andrew Holden Tourism: A Strategic Business Perspective - Nigel Evans PART TWO: KEY TOPICS IN TOURISM Tourism, Religion and Spirituality - Richard Sharpley Breaking down the System: How Volunteer Tourism Contributes to New Ways of Viewing Commodified Tourism - Stephen Wearing and Jess Ponting Theme Parks and the Representation of Culture and Nature: The Consumer Aesthetics of Presentation and Performance - Keith Hollinshead Architecture and Urban Planning: Practical and Theoretical Contributions - Robert Mugerauer Jr Tourism and Heritage Conservation - Aylin Orbasli and Simon Woodward The Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism in Developing Countries - Joseph E. Mbaiwa and Amanda L. Stronza Rural Tourism: An Overview - Bernard Lane Transportation and Tourism: A Symbiotic Relationship? - Stephen Page and Yue (Gurt) Ge Innovative Approaches for Managing Conservation and Use Challenges in the National Parks: Insights from Canada - Kathleen Rettie, A.P. Clevenger and Adam Ford Planning for Tourism at Local and Regional Levels: Principles, Practices and Possibilities - Brian King and Michael Pearlman Destination Marketing Organizations: Convention and Visitors Bureaus - Robert C. Ford and William C. Peeper Destination Management: New Challenges, New Needs - Richard Harrill Tourism Safety and Security - Peter E Tarlow PART THREE: CRITICAL ISSUES AND EMERGING PERSPECTIVES Festivals, Events and Tourism - Bernadette Quinn Tourism as Post-Colonialism - Hazel Tucker and John Akama Thanatourism and Its Discontents: An Appraisal of a Decade's Work with Some Future Issues and Directions - Tony Seaton Tourism and Performance - Tim Edensor Information Technology: Shaping the Past, Present and Future of Tourism - Ulrike Gretzel and Daniel R. Fesenmaier Global Tourism Business Operations: Theoretical Frameworks and Key Issues - Keith G. Debbage and Suzanne Gallaway Tourism and International Policy: Neo-Liberalism and beyond - R.E. Wood Ethical Perspectives: Exploring the Ethical Landscape of Tourism - Mick Smith Gender and Tourism Discourses: Advancing the Gender Project in Tourism Studies - Cara Aitchison Tourism Studies and the New Mobilities Paradigm (NMP) - Misela Mavric and John Urry Tourism and Languaging - Alison Phipps Methodologies and Methods - G.R. Jennings Conclusions: Tourism Studies: Past Omissions, Emergent Challenges - Mike Robinson and Tazim Jamal
186 citations
Book•
18 Mar 2009
TL;DR: This book discusses the role of culture, sustainability, and public policy in rural tourism development in Canada and presents a process for Planning that Engages Community.
Abstract: Chapter 1 Introduction to Rural Tourism Development Chapter 2 Political Economy of Rural Tourism Development in Canada Chapter 3 The Case of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Chapter 4 The Case of Port Stanley, Ontario Chapter 5 The Case of Vulcan, Alberta Chapter 6 The Case of Canso, Nova Scotia Chapter 7 Synopsis - From Case Studies to Premises Chapter 8 The Complex Role of Culture in Rural Tourism Chapter 9 Changing the Rural Landscape Chapter 10 Notions of Community Chapter 11 Sustainability and Rural Community and Sustainable Rural Tourism Chapter 12 The Role of Public Policy Chapter 13 Presenting a Process for Planning that Engages Community Chapter 14 The Way Forward: Re-thinking Rural Tourism Research and Practice
112 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper provided an overview and brief evaluation of China's rural tourism, which exhibited some unique features in its development pattern, scale and business operational models in accordance with China's political, social and economic systems.
Abstract: This paper provides an overview and brief evaluation of China's rural tourism. Beginning with the form of poverty alleviation through tourism, China's rural tourism has undergone over 20 years of development and exhibited some unique features in its development pattern, scale and business operational models in accordance with China's political, social and economic systems. Government plays a decisive role in developing rural tourism in China. However, rural tourism has been valued mainly as an economic means for rural development during the country's modernisation process. Overlooking rurality as an essential issue in rural tourism may lead development to a wrong direction, which could jeopardise the sustainability of the industry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
111 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared rural tourism places under different growth levels in terms of crime effects and found that high growth tourism counties would experience the greatest increase in average crime rates.
107 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a stated preference experiment was conducted in the Northwest area of the Region of Murcia and the data were analyzed using discrete choice modelling methodology and consistent specifications for multinomial logit and mixed logit models were found.
87 citations
TL;DR: This paper presents a methodology for ranking tourist farms by using a multi-criteria model based on the qualitative multi-Criteria modeling methodology, DEX, to assess service quality using data derived from questionnaires completed by tourist farm operators and guests.
TL;DR: Mitchell, C.J., et al. as mentioned in this paper demonstrate that creative destruction has continued to unfold in the village over the course of the past decade, and that the "heritage-scape" is an interim state of landscape change; one that displaces the productivist landscape of the industrial period, and precedes the creation of the “neo-productivist” leisure-scape of post-industrialism.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on the contribution of tourism to the wellbeing of rural residents through the development of economic linkages engaged by community-based tourism in rural Costa Rica.
Abstract: This paper reports on the contribution of tourism to the wellbeing of rural residents through the development of economic linkages engaged by community-based tourism (CBT) in rural Costa Rica. In a qualitative case study of local economic linkages surrounding one such project in Chira Island, economic linkages were assessed at two levels: discourse and practice. The findings indicate that CBT does not involve the collective property of the community, but rather, the collective property of a group of community members organized in a formal association. As a result, a discourse on local economic linkages has been promoted by CBT support organizations in which hopes of wider benefits are placed on small linkages to services and products provided by local community members. However, a field survey suggested that the economic linkages generated by CBT in the community were sporadic and polyvalent and, furthermore, that the linkages with agriculture are negatively affected by scale and seasonality, resulting in leakages out of the community. These findings caution practitioners that CBT may only have small-scale positive impacts on the local economy.
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used qualitative approaches to illustrated development of rural tourism through rural cooperatives, and highlighted the barriers in rural tourism in Iran by using the case study Iran.
Abstract: The concept of rural tourism has become important around the world. It is thought that rural tourism can revitalize the conventional concepts and views on tourism, and bring in a new dimension in the sustainable development. It has been realized that local communities based tourism can play a fundamental role in poverty alleviation in rural areas. This paper used qualitative approaches to illustrated development of rural tourism through rural cooperatives. The study also attempted to highlight the barriers of rural tourism in Iran. This article looks at how rural cooperatives can develop the rural tourism in rural area at the case study Iran This research draws from our scientific experience in a variety of disciplines namely; rural cooperatives, tourism development and community development. (Nature and Science. 2009; 7(10): 68-73). (ISSN: 1545-0740).
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how rural tourism can be a viable industry in resource-dependent communities and how to embed the industry within a community seeking alternatives from a def...Although much has been written on the development of community-based tourism and its potential to address such concerns, much of the discussion remains at theoretical levels.
Abstract: Many Canadian, resource-based communities are facing an economic crisis and often turn to tourism for economic diversification and some recent trends in the growth of tourism employment in Canada's rural areas suggest that such choices are well founded. Despite positive growth indicators, rural tourism is criticized for several reasons, including issues with employment, ownership and lack of understanding of the industry. Although much has been written on the development of community-based tourism and its potential to address such concerns, much of the discussion remains at theoretical levels, with few examinations of practical frameworks for rural communities in crisis, such as the current experience in North-western Ontario, Canada. Enquiries into tourism's contribution to rural community economic development identified two gaps concerning how rural tourism can be a viable industry in resource-dependent communities and how to embed the industry within a community seeking alternatives from a def...
13 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the growth and context of tourism in China is discussed, and a case study of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China is presented, where tourists experience tourist experience at Chinese Buddhist sites.
Abstract: 1. Introduction - The Growth and Context of Tourism in China Part 1: Destination Change and Planning 2. Destination Planning in China 3. Tourism Development and the Tourism Area Life-Cycle - A Case Study of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China 4. Chinese National Parks - Resource Usage Efficiencies, Spatial Proximity and Roles - An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis 5. Overseas Chinese Town - A Case Study of the Interactive Development of Real Estate and Tourism 6. Heritage Retail Centres, Creative Destruction and the Water Town of Luzhi, Kunshan, China 7. Comparing Scenic Zones in China - Comparisons and Methodology Part 2: Destinations and Cultural Representations 8. Destinations and Cultural Representations - The Importance of Political Context and the Decay of Statism 9. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), China - The Meaning of Harmonious Relationships 10. Tourism Development and Cultural Interpretation in Ganzi, China 11. The Evolution of Cultural Tourism - the Example of Qufu, the Birthplace of Confucius 12. Evaluation of Visitor Experience at Chinese Buddhist Sites - The Case of Wutai Mountain 13. Brochures, World Heritage Sites in China and Responsible Tourism - The Tourism Services Perspective 14. Analysis of Tour Guide Interpretation in China Part 3: Community Participation and Perspectives 15. Community Participation and Social Impacts of Tourism 16. Hongcun and Xidi - Rural Townships' Experiences of Tourism 17. Community Involvement in Rural Tourism Development - Evidence from Pinggu, Yanqing, and Miyun Districts, Beijing Municipality 18. The Psychological Carrying Capacity of Tourists - An Analysis of Visitors' Perceptions of Tianjin and the Role of Friendliness 19. Maintaining the Authenticity of Rural Tourism Experiences through Community Participation - The Case of Two Baiyang Lake Island Villages 20. Place Attachment, Identity and Community Impacts of Tourism - The Case of a Beijing Hutong 21. The Context of Chinese Tourism - An Overview and Implications for Research
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze the demand of tourists who stay in agri-tourist facilities and assess the impact of agri tourism on local development in terms of income and employment.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the demand of tourists who stay in agri‐tourist facilities and assess the impact of agri‐tourism on local development in terms of income and employment. The study was conducted in Tuscany, a region which is pre‐eminent in terms of the Italian agri‐tourist supply and which has a strong attraction for tourists seeking natural resources, the countryside and the local culture.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology called for the use of the input output model based on a regional accounting matrix which was appropriately modified, according to data obtained from a direct investigation. Tourist spending was ascertained by means of a questionnaire submitted to tourists who stayed in agri‐tourist facilities. Main weaknesses of the tourist system were highlighted by means of personal interviews which were conducted with key informants.Findings – The results emphasize a lack of coordination between the suppliers of products and services provided in the territo...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the livelihoods framework to analyse how cultural tourism can diversify livelihoods at XaiXai village in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Abstract: This paper uses the livelihoods framework to analyse how cultural tourism can diversify livelihoods at XaiXai village in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Both primary and secondary data sources were used in this study. Primary data sources included household and key informant's interviews conducted at XaiXai village and Gcwihaba Caves. Secondary data included both published and unpublished materials on cultural tourism, XaiXai village and Gcwihaba Caves. Results indicate that the San (Basarwa) of XaiXai's traditional life of hunting and gathering has become a cultural tourism product in the Okavango Delta. Gcwihaba Caves’ geological formation particularly the stalagmites, stalactites and channels also attract tourists that visit the Okavango Delta. The caves also have a cultural history in that they were used as a hiding place by the Basarwa in times of wars, rainy season and cold winters. As such, the cultural values of the San of XaiXai and Gcwihaba Caves are cultural tourism products that can diversify li...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make two hierarchical segmentations to predict the behaviour of these firms when deploying the Web and e-mail, and determine which characteristics are related to ICT deployment.
Abstract: The deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT) is crucial for the competitiveness of rural tourism businesses. It is therefore important to know the relation between a firm's characteristics and ICT deployment. This study makes two hierarchical segmentations to predict the behaviour of these firms when deploying the Web and e-mail. This work determines which characteristics are related to ICT deployment. Activity and category are the two characteristics that most effectively predict a firm's behaviour, whereas location and size are less effective. These results have implications for entrepreneurial behaviour and for public agents working in rural tourism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TL;DR: A review of the current literature on the role of the arts in rural revitalization can be found in this article, where the authors demonstrate that the arts can improve the social wellbeing of a community, directly through tourism, income generation and employment opportunities, and indirectly by enhancing participation and creativity in public decision-making, strengthening community capacity, and strengthening identity and sense of place.
Abstract: Despite the significance of rural Australia to national identity, many commentators claim that rural Australia is in crisis and suffering from decline as a consequence of economic restructuring and policy reform (Gray and Lawrence, 2001; Sonn, Drew, and Kasat, 2002; Baum, O'Connor, and Stimson, 2005; Tonts and Atherley, 2005). As a result, the social wellbeing of people living in rural Australia has become an issue of major national significance. Despite a number of commentators suggesting that the arts could play a crucial role in the contribution to the social wellbeing of rural communities, there is an absence of thorough research in this field (Kingma, 2002; Matarasso, 1997; Mills and Brown, 2004; Williams, 1995) . The most rigorous research into the benefits and impact of the arts has been conducted with a focus on individual health and wellbeing in a clinical and therapeutic setting. Extensive research in a community setting however is somewhat limited. This paper demonstrates, through a review of the current literature, the place for the arts in rural revitalisation and therefore, the social wellbeing of a community, directly through tourism, income generation and employment opportunities, and indirectly by enhancing participation and creativity in public decision-making, strengthening community capacity, and strengthening identity and sense of place.
TL;DR: The authors examined the characteristics and economic effects of small tourism businesses in the context of pro-poor tourism development in rural Guangxi, China and found that a large majority of the businesses were micro in scale, newly established, and run by couples.
Abstract: This research examines the characteristics and economic effects of small tourism businesses in the context of pro-poor tourism development. The sample came from a survey in rural Guangxi, China. A large majority of the businesses were micro in scale, newly established, and run by couples. Business-owners had a low level of educational attainment, but had rich relevant work experience. The economic contribution of the business to the owner and the owner's family was substantial and well recognized. Implications were drawn for future research.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the relationship among small-business owners' knowledge and service quality performance in rural tourism in Spain by considering two measures of service quality: objective and perceived quality.
Abstract: A review of the literature reveals that the entrepreneur's knowledge is a source of competitive advantage within the firm. This investigation assesses the relationships among small-business owners' knowledge and service quality performance in rural tourism in Spain by considering two measures of service quality: objective and perceived quality. Data from a paired sample of tourists and small-business owners were analyzed with an overall model that contains different types of variables (including dichotomic) and constructs (formative and reflective). Consequently, the partial least squares approach was used. The results reveal the positive and strong influence of small-business owners' education on objective quality, but small-business owners' experience does not seem to play any role for service quality. In addition, objective quality precedes perceived quality. Implications for the sector are derived from the findings.
Journal Article•
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the role of the Ovahimba in Namibian tourism promotion is discussed, and the applicability of government policy to community -based Catering Services is discussed.
Abstract: 1. Introduction: Development Through Tourism? 2. Tourism Development Strategies in Namibia - Private and Community Perceptions on the National Policy 3. Local Economic Development and Tourism Planning in Africa: Evidence from Route Tourism in South Africa 4. Community Development Strategies in the Kalahari - an Expression of Modernization's Monologue? 5. Selling Places and Constructing Local Cultures in Tourism - the Role of the Ovahimba in Namibian Tourism Promotion 6. The Applicability of Government Policy to Community - Based Catering Services - the Hananwa of Blouberg, Limpopo Province 7. Tourism Development, Rural Livelihoods and Biodiversity Conservation in the Okavango Delta, Botswana 8. Coastal Bird Tourism in Namibia - Postcolonial Resources and Restraints 9. The Responses of Southern African Tourism Sector to Combat HIV/ AIDS 10. Interplay Between Local Service Suppliers and Incoming Tour Operators - the Case of Madagascar 11. Tourism Development and the Polemic of ICT Advocacy in Namibian Schools 12. Transfrontier Tourism, Relations Between Local Communities and the Private Sector in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park 13. Tourism Development Strategies - Lessons from the Southern African Experiences.
TL;DR: In this paper, the main socioeconomic effects of agri-tourism on local community of Aglasun village in Burdur, Turkey were investigated, focusing on the social and economical dynamics of the host-guest encounters by pointing out the linkage between agriculture and tourism as a growing importance among tourism scholars.
Abstract: This research aims to investigate the main socio-economic effects of agri-tourism on local community of Aglasun village in Burdur, Turkey. The study tries to give a perspective on the development of agri-tourism in Turkey and has a purpose of focusing on the social and economical dynamics of the host-guest encounters by pointing out the linkage between agriculture and tourism as a growing importance among tourism scholars. According to the interview results, economic benefits of agri-tourism have not been observed yet, since it is a new type of development in the region. Some dimensions of social effects such as tourist contact and cultural exchange are more observable than the others such as eating&drinking habits or clothing habits. Since there is not not any fully developed agri-touristic village in Turkey, the study is going to focus on the future expectations, long term benefits and perceptions on agri-tourism.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the differences between two forms of agro-tourism business with regard to the characteristics of the businesses and women entrepreneurs alike, based on personal interviews with 199 women.
Abstract: Women's entrepreneurship in the Greek countryside has been expressed in two forms of agro-tourism business: private and cooperative. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences between these two forms with regard to the characteristics of the businesses and women entrepreneurs alike. The research was based on personal interviews with 199 women and the results of the survey confirm the existence of significant differences between the two forms of enterprises. The woman who selects the cooperatives is not very young, has relatively little education, is uncertain and hesitant, while the woman who chooses the private form of enterprise is younger, better educated and has greater self-confidence.
Posted Content•
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the question of whether the tourism industry can be sustainable or how sustainable it can be, instead of putting the emphasis on whether tourism can support sustainable development.
Abstract: Since the mid 90ies the debate of how to achieve the objective of sustainability in the tourism sector is en vogue. Often weakly illuminated, however, is the interesting question as to whether the underlying framework conditions of the tourism industry are consistent with the concept of sustainability. This paper aims on contributing to the dialogue with a new interdisciplinary perspective. Rather than putting the emphasis on the question of whether the tourism industry can be sustainable or how sustainable it can be, the perspective of this paper focuses on whether tourism can support sustainable development. This, so far neglected shift in perspective, opens up a completely new field of academic discussion due to its remodelling of the interrelationship between sustainability and tourism industry. Therefore, in a first step, the possible influences of the tourism industry towards supporting sustainable development will be discussed. In a second step, the results of a qualitative study performed by the authors in the context of the Cypriot Agro Tourism will be presented, in order to empirically elicit existing influences of tourism on sustainable development in the rural areas of Cyprus. Especially, the case study illuminates the consequences of an efficient interplay between strategic and operational decision makers, hence, addressing both, macro and micro issues. The paper concludes, that, in synthesis with local heritage, entrepreneurship and location branding, this innovative form of tourism can provide a significant contribution to the economic, social and environmental components of sustainability and can be regarded as a best practice example.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the use of retail customer service as a value added component and potential success strategy for rural tourism retailers, and examine service quality expectations and perceptions as a means for segmenting tourism markets.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the use of retail customer service as a value added component and potential success strategy for rural tourism retailers. More specifically, service quality expectations and perceptions as a means for segmenting tourism markets are to be examined.Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using a case study methodology in an established rural tourism community. Local customers, tourist customers, and retailers participated in the study. A canvassing approach was employed for administering a hand‐delivered, self‐report survey that examined parallel sets of service quality expectations and perceptions among the three groups, along with service satisfaction outcomes (i.e. retailer loyalty and purchase intentions). Descriptive analysis, factor analysis, t‐tests, and regression analysis were conducted.Findings – Local and tourist customers' prior expectations for retail service quality were similar; however, local and tourist customers' post‐experience ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored how local conceptions of landscape evolve in response to political, economic, and social change in Ebel es-Saqi, a village in the southern hills of Lebanon.
Abstract: Ebel es‐Saqi, a village in the southern hills of Lebanon, emerged from 22 years of Israeli occupation in May 2000. In the ensuing years, several development projects took place in the region with the aim of reviving local economies through tourism, enhancing attachment to the land through employment and spreading environmental awareness. One of these projects, the Ecological Park Project of Ebel es‐Saqi, is the subject of this paper. Through examining local perceptions and reactions to the Ebel es‐Saqi project, this paper explores how local conceptions of landscape evolve in response to political, economic, and social change. The findings of the study, based on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, suggest that the village landscape is an enabling medium through which traditional culture is preserved, local identities constructed and rural heritage acknowledged. This paper unfolds a conception of landscape based on the day‐to‐day lifestyles of the village community, inherited traditional agricultural pract...
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of rural tourism in Serbia for the development of Serbian rural areas is defined, and a developmental priority oriented towards ecological and village tourism is proposed, which has strong chances on the picky international tourist market.
Abstract: Our aim is to define the importance of rural tourism in Serbia for the development of Serbian rural areas. This paper presents Serbia as a country of varied, well-preserved nature, with many attractive and representative elements, and a developmental priority oriented towards ecological and village tourism, which has strong chances on the picky international tourist market. As Serbian rural tourism is only beginning to develop, we identified its potentials for further development, but also pointed out the weaknesses which are now obstructing the growth of this, in many ways the most perspective form of tourism in Serbia