Showing papers on "Rural tourism published in 2022"

Spatial Pattern and Formation Mechanism of Rural Tourism Resources in China: Evidence from 1470 National Leisure Villages

Abstract: Rural tourism development has been an essential driving force behind China’s promotion of integrated urban–rural development, sustainable rural development and rural revitalization in the new era. This study included 1470 villages on the national list of beautiful leisure villages in China (BLVCs) from 2010 to 2021. We explored the distribution characteristics and influencing factors based on mathematical statistics and spatial analysis in ArcGIS to provide a theoretical reference for promoting the development of leisure village agriculture and rural tourism. The results show that the distribution of BLVC presents a clustered state, showing a distribution pattern of a dual core, seven centers and multiple scattered points. BLVCs are mainly distributed in areas with flat terrain and sufficient water resources, which are conducive to agricultural production and life. Having convenient transportation and rich tourism resources aids the promotion of rural tourism development. The resulting gap in regional development is balanced to some extent by government support. The research results provide a reference value for future rural spatial optimization and sustainable development. This paper summarizes the law of rural development and clarifies the factors influencing the development of rural tourism, and it provides the Chinese experience as a model for a rural renaissance empowered by rural tourism.

Impact of Rural Tourism Development on Residents’ Satisfaction with the Local Environment, Socio-Economy and Quality of Life in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Tourism has a significant role in destination development, particularly in rural regions. However, within the context of the highly sensitive nature of rural areas to the ecological, economic, and socio-cultural effects of tourism development, it is important to assess the levels of satisfaction among the residents of rural destinations. The current study aimed to assess the impact of rural tourism development in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia on the overall resident satisfaction and three relevant subdomains. The findings revealed that the three tourism development impacts under investigation, including the social, economic and environmental effects, were positively associated with resident overall satisfaction. The three influential developmental categories were also independent predictors of the satisfaction with the quality of life and environment subdomains. National policy makers are required to implement adequate rural tourism development measures and regulations to improve tourism services and activities, which would eventually be reflected in the quality of life of local residents.

Romanian Wine Tourism—A Paved Road or a Footpath in Rural Tourism?

Abstract: In the last decades, wine tourism (WT) has been a topic of study, especially for researchers from large producer countries. The relationship between wine tourism and rural tourism (RT) has been approached from many angles in the past. Ranking sixth in Europe in having its surface cultivated with vines, Romania is one of the major players in the Old World of wine producers. In Romania, the scientific literature on wine tourism is scarce and has a limited coverage on the subject. The present paper, by its main purpose, raises the curtain of Romanian wine tourism drawing a consumer profile and analyzes the relationship between WT and RT. Through quantitative research with 850 valid wine tourist respondents and a margin of error of 3.36%, we discovered that people who know what wine tourism means are 1.85 times more confident that it will contribute to the development of rural tourism compared to those who know less about the subject. A high number of visits leads to a decrease in the confidence that rural tourism can be developed through wine tourism due to the poor diversification of leisure activities offered by wine cellars and a weak connection between economic activity and local space. In the end, we draw some practical implications for wine cellars. By developing local-based leisure activities, vineyards can contribute to the sustainable development of the local community. Due to the COVID-19 impact on tourism, there are some limitations to our study. Future studies are needed to cover the changes and evolution of this type of tourism.

Impact of Cross-Border Tourism on the Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in the Russian–Polish and Russian–Kazakh Borderlands

Abstract: Rural areas and peripheral borderland territories are experiencing socio-economic marginalization featuring depopulation, population aging, and an increasing inequality gap in the quality of life compared to cities. Integrated rural tourism is argued to be ideal for supporting the well-being of rural communities, providing an additional income, decreasing unemployment, offering new and appealing jobs out of traditional rural activities, while preserving the conventional lifestyle. In this study, we discovered the tourism capacity of rural borderland territories affected by cross-border tourism using the data on the geography of cross-border movements, the distribution of tourist sights, and the density of tourist accommodation facilities. The geographical scope of the study covered two cross-border coastal regions—the Russian–Polish region on the Baltic Sea and the Russian–Kazakh region on the Caspian Sea. The statistical and geoinformation analysis were used to allocate areas of prospecting rural tourism integrated with cross-border movement. The research results on the development and distribution of tourist infrastructure suggest that: the rural territories of these regions feature tourist attractions and accommodation facilities at a different level of density and remoteness from the border crossing; each cross-border region is featuring different types of travel restrictions for tourists; and both border-land territories show asymmetry by the more active Russian tourists traveling abroad. Each of the regions under consideration is attractive for cross-border tourism while having different degrees of penetration of tourist flows into the interior territories and coverage of rural areas. The study resulted in a tourist flow model that allows integrating rural areas.

The Effects of Motivation, Destination Image and Satisfaction on Rural Tourism Tourists’ Willingness to Revisit

Abstract: With the diversification of tourist demand for a destinations’ supply, rural tourism destinations are facing an increasingly fierce competition environment. Creating brand value and improving tourists’ willingness to revisit has become an inevitable strategic choice for rural tourism destinations. In this study, we proposed a framework of “tourism motivation-destination image-satisfaction-willingness to revisit” to investigate rural tourism. We investigated from the aspects of learning and entertainment motivation, novelty-seeking motivation, natural environment, cultural environment, social environment, infrastructure, and tourist satisfaction. To analyze data, a questionnaire survey was administered to 545 tourists using structural equation modeling (SEM) technology. The findings indicated that learning and entertainment motivation, natural environment, social environment, and tourist satisfaction had a direct and positive effect on tourists’ willingness to revisit. In addition, tourist satisfaction played an intermediary role between tourists’ tourism motivation and destination terrain image and their propensity to return. On this basis, some suggestions and illuminations are put forward to increase tourists’ willingness to revisit.

Rural tourism firms in the covid-19 environment: south african challenges

Abstract: One consequence of the COVID-19-induced changing consumer travel preferences is growing demand from urban residents for open spaces and the experiences of rural destinations. This re-focuses attention on the challenges of rural tourism firms and of issues of developing rural tourism destinations. In extant international scholarship only limited studies have been undertaken for sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes to research debates on rural tourism change in the Global South and more particularly around COVID-19 and the development prospects for rural tourism in South Africa. Using 25 qualitative interviews undertaken in the rural Thaba Chweu Local Municipality of Mpumalanga province it is shown that the challenges facing rural tourism relate to weaknesses in the local institutional environment that have existed for the past two decades. The core constraints on expansion on rural tourism surround issues of the local government mismanagement and corruption. The consequence has been limited provision of basic services and maintenance of critical infrastructure, most especially roads, water and power supplies, which are essential for successful rural tourism development. It is concluded that the leading challenges facing rural tourism firms in South Africa are markedly different from issues which are highlighted in scholarship concerning rural tourism in the Global North.

Transformation of Rural Space under the Impact of Tourism: The Case of Xiamen, China

Abstract: Tourism plays a key role in sustaining economic development. Previous research has established the connections between tourism and urban growth, as well as the influence of tourism on population and social structure, and the impact of tourism on the landscape. Fewer studies have been conducted on the impact of tourism on the process of rural development change, especially how rural spatial transformation and local community development are driven through tourism. This paper investigates the link between tourism and rural spatial development in China, using in-depth interviews. The research demonstrates that the ambiguity of collective land ownership in China is a key factor in the process of village development. The transformation of villages from “production space” to “consumption space” is driven by tourism based on the land institution arrangement. It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding that tourism should be valued in the future as part of the village development process, especially when tourism plays a long-term role in promoting village development.

Empirical research on the competitiveness of rural tourism destinations: a practical plan for rural tourism industry post-COVID-19

Abstract: Purpose Following COVID-19, the emphasis on tourism development has shifted to rural tourism and eco-destinations for preventive practice of the three Cs – confined spaces, close contact and crowded spaces. Given the potential growth of rural tourism destinations, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is conceivably the first to provide empirical evidence for rural tourism development post-COVID-19, and this study aims to examine the relationship between the potential development of rural tourism destination competitiveness alongside the inherited, created and supporting resources as perceived by domestic tourists. Design/methodology/approach This study sampled 172 respondents who were all domestic tourists in Malaysia. A partial least square (PLS)-structural equation modeling approach was used to evaluate the developed model, with PLS estimation and hypothesis testing performed using WarpPLS software. Findings Interestingly, the findings indicate that rural tourism destinations in Sarawak derive competitive advantage from factors that are closely associated with urban destinations (i.e. created and supporting resources), whereas rural-related factors (i.e. inherited resources) are not perceived as a contributor to their competitive advantage. Practical implications The findings will assist tourism planners in constructing a deployable rural tourism destination competency index to develop policies and programmes that address specific tourism or rural development objectives in Malaysia and beyond. Originality/value The value of present study lies in its examination of the tourists’ perspectives on the factors that provides addition to rural competitive advantage, with an emphasis on a relatively new and contentious post-COVID-19 topic, namely, rural tourism destinations.

Frontier of Rural Revitalization in China: A Spatial Analysis of National Rural Tourist Towns

Abstract: As the national economic situation improves, concerns about rural issues in China, a large agricultural country, are gradually increasing. Hence, rural tourism has been thrust into the limelight. This research is based on the National Rural Tourist Towns of China (NRTTC). It aims to analyze the spatial structure, influencing factors and their relevance to rural tourism development. Initially, this research examines the spatial distribution pattern in terms of kernel density. Subsequently, the imbalance index and Lorenz curve are used to distinguish the differences in spatial distribution. The Gini coefficient is used to explore the clustered regional distribution. The results indicate the following: (1) the number of NRTTC in each province is relatively even; and (2) the spatial distribution is highly uneven. The degree of aggregation is bounded by the Hu Huanyong boundary, with more in the southeast and less in the northwest. The capital circle is the core density area. Additionally, those NRTTC in the eastern and southeastern regions have a large distribution density and a more comprehensive radiation range. This study additionally analyzed the factors influencing the spatial distribution characteristics of NRTTC, and found four crucial aspects, namely, the national development strategy, the social environment, the geographical environment, and historical development. This research can provide a reference for the construction of rural tourist towns in different countries and regions.

Development of a smart tourism integration model to preserve the cultural heritage of ancient villages in Northern Guangxi

Abstract: Abstract The modern rural areas represent a vulnerable category that is in special need of sustainable development these days. However, the practice shows that, in the twenty-first century, this sustainability can be assured through the construction of smart villages. The ultimate goal of this study was to create a model for the development of ancient Guangxi villages that will take into account the cultural and tourist dimensions and will be based on the Smart Village concept. Analysis of existing approaches to the implementation of the Smart Village initiatives as well as of regional and local regulatory documents in force allowed identifying key aspects (factors) in this respect. Local government officials, service providers, and local residents were surveyed, and the sample was 586 people. They were asked to rate the implementation in their village of key aspects of the Smart Village concept from 1 to 5 on a Likert scale (from "very bad" to "excellent"). According to the assessments collected, the top-rated and, accordingly, the most developed, was the Technological factor group, followed by the groups encompassing Culture and Tourism, then Economic, then Environmental, and Social factors. These data provided a good foundation for building a Smart Village-based model for the development of six ancient Guangxi villages, known for their unique cultural heritage (Xingping, Daxu, Huangyao, Jixiang, Fuli, and Longji Zhuang). In the future, it can be taken advantage of by government representatives and managers in respect to rural areas with conditions similar to those discussed within the limits of the current study (with certain regional adjustments).

Sustainability through Rural Tourism in Moieciu Area-Development Analysis and Future Proposals

Abstract: In our days consumers are interested and visibly reoriented towards natural/local/organic products. Starting from this specificity, the development of rural tourism can come as a possible sustainable response to be implemented in many of the rural areas, such an example being the Moieciu area subject to our analysis. The main objective of this paper is to achieve an analysis of rural tourism activity’s development stage from Moieciu area, from the tourist’s perspective, using case study method and as “main tool of research” the questionnaire. Thus, several research-oriented goals followed are: establishing the arguments for practicing tourism in rural areas; describing the development of Bran-Moieciu area from economic, agricultural and tourist point of view; identifying the reasons for which Moieciu area is a place where tourism can ensure sustainable development. The measure of appreciation of this area by the tourist is analyzed through a face-to-face questionnaire, having as purpose to identify: the capitalization level of local resources through rural tourism activities; the extent to which local resources are present in the product consumed by tourists; the satisfaction degree and expectations regarding the tourist product; the connection between tourism and area development in terms of satisfaction. Based on the information obtained some proposals/possible directions will be proposed to transform the area into “a possible model of sustainable rural tourism development”.

Musina Municipality tourism management and strategies: a sustainable-eco-tourism inclusive business insights for the town, abbuting peri-urban and countryside existences

Abstract: PurposeThis inquiry examines Musina Municipality's tourism development states and strategies with “a study of existing documents and respondents' acknowledgments on their conceived engagements on tourism administrations in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.” Imports of sustainable tourism and community subsistence have developed in modern years. Yet, not numerous such investigations centered on synergies inside the assorted characters of tourism and their businesses. Besides, meaningful aid to promote local settlements and sustainability in provincial districts is not modestly perceived. Hence the foremost aim is to appraise a strategy for consolidating tourism as an instrument for sustainable local community development (SLMD). The examination reasons that Musina Municipality has abundant tourism feasibilities and natural resources but requires a more diverse dependable tourism plan around the ecotourism market to permit the local inhabitants while promoting environmental sustainability.Design/methodology/approachTo grasp the dynamics of tourism actualities and their management around the communities in the Municipality, Focus group discussion (FGDs), surveys, interviews and existing document inspections, supplemented by field observations, were appropriated. Consequently, Microsoft Excel, Cross-tabulation and manual sorting of data interpretation systematized the exploration of the data. The features supplementing the antecedent and modern tourism states toward sustainable-eco-tourism enterprises and assorted welfare in Musina Municipality got explained.FindingsThis study exposes an inoperative unity between sustainable tourism initiatives and ecotourism imperatives. The aforesaid could work enthusiastically on multiple forms of rural tourism in the adjoining local populations and the uprightness of urban tourism in Musina town. So, it has deliberated a basis for a conventional, sustainable, and ecotourism-bound market-orientated tourism approach to allow the local neighborhoods in Musina Municipality and its foundation toward the intact Province.Originality/valueMusina Municipality is among the renowned desiccate precincts in the North of Limpopo Province in South Africa. It got designated by the poverty-stricken rural populations. A predicament is kindred to various agricultural societies elsewhere in the world. The Municipality nevertheless grounds itself in a diverse tourism-based exhibition within the Limpopo province, the Vhembe region. Such particularized wealth manifest through ecotourism-based realities akin to the Nwanedi Provincial Park (NPP), Tshipise Forever Resort (TFF), Nwanedi Resort (NN) and many others.

The economic-administrative role of geographic information systems in rural tourism and exhaustive local community development in African marginalized communities

Abstract: PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the latent part of geographic information systems in inclusive sustainable rural tourism, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and community development and empowerment in Southern Africa, Africa generally and many rural areas elsewhere worldwide.Design/methodology/approachThe viewpoint utilizes literature and document reviews to assess African and worldwide agricultural, environmental and tourism resources management scenarios. It thus liaises with CBNRM and geographic information systems in sustainable tourism and local community development applications.FindingsThis review viewpoint uncovers a better potential synergetic relationship between tourism and rural (agricultural) activities that geographic information systems along a concept of CBNRM can amplify. Hence, it has poised a need for a decent and integrated tourism strategy to develop and empower the pertinent communities in many rural and marginalized areas within the continent.Originality/valueMany rural communities in Southern Africa and Africa broadly dwell in low-income areas. Such milieus are rich in natural biodiversity, including tourism destination areas. Geographic information systems, sustainable tourism and CBNRM can form a gestalt of local community development projects within their environs.

The Rural and Nature Tourism Development Potential in Islands

Abstract: It has become evident that rural tourism grew significantly during the pandemic compared to mass tourism. However, at this time, all the forecasts were wrapped in considerable uncertainty regarding travel, which is not without the elevated associated risk. Therefore, we assessed the perceptions of the entrepreneurs in relation to rural tourism activities regarding the advantages of their rural tourism activity in the Azores for customers. Furthermore, the potential for developing this typology of tourism is pivotal for obtaining very reliable data and information on this topic and enabling us to provide guidelines for the leading regional players. In this regard, an exploratory method was used to assess the perceptions of the entrepreneurs with rural tourism activities in the Azores Islands regarding the customers’ experiences and some other important aspects concerning the promotion of this type of tourism in the region. Throughout this study, it was possible to verify that the most relevant obstacles to the development of rural tourism in the Azores region are the preservation and conservation of nature and endogenous resources and delivering proper infrastructures and regional accessibilities. Contrarily, the increase in community and regional funding and support for rural tourism could be key to the prosperity of this typology of tourism in this insular territory.

Interaction Rituals and Social Relationships in a Rural Tourism Destination

Abstract: The reproduction of social relationships in a rural tourism destination is examined through a micro-sociological lens that explores residents’ everyday interactions. Interaction ritual theory is adopted as the theoretical foundation. Zhinan, a mountainous village in Hangzhou, China, which initiated tourism in 2014, is the study site. Two rounds of focus groups and interviews were conducted with village residents. Qualitative inquiry shows that, under the influence of tourism, residents’ daily interactions consist of three interaction rituals, that is, rural living rituals, tourism operation rituals, and event and festival rituals. Due to the distinct ingredients, these rituals unfold differentially and engage different social actors. They complement each other in the co-construction of rural social relationships that have symbolic, emotional, collective, and normative connotations. This study provides in-depth, contextualized understandings of rural residents’ interactions and relationships, and draws practical implications for sustainable development of rural tourism destinations.

Marketing Strategy of Rural Tourism Based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract: In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technology and big data application and the continuous optimization of algorithms such as deep learning algorithms and reinforcement learning algorithms, tourist attractions using “smart tourism” technology can obtain more accurate and in-depth knowledge from tourism big data and mine the value behind the data. As an important branch of tourism, the rise of rural tourism has inspired rural areas to protect the local environment, inherit characteristic culture, develop tourism resources, develop tourism economy, and increase rural income, which has well responded to the call of the rural revitalization strategy. However, due to lack of information resources and technology, some rural scenic spots still adopt traditional marketing methods without the support of big data and artificial intelligence technology. This paper proposes a research work on the marketing strategy of rural tourist attractions based on big data and artificial intelligence, analyzes current application of big data and artificial intelligence in rural tourism, and discusses the transformation of rural tourism marketing to a new fusion model with the support of big data and artificial intelligence, aiming to study every step involved and supported deeply by big data and artificial intelligence, from the awakening of intentions before the travel to the analysis of behaviors and preferences during the travel and the collection of evaluation after the travel. The research results of this paper show that more sufficient and deep integration between rural tourism and artificial intelligence/big data are needed to make tourists get better tour experience and marketing strategy of rural scenic spots to get better effects and income.

The Spatial Perception and Spatial Feature of Rural Cultural Landscape in the Context of Rural Tourism

Abstract: The development of rural tourism in the greater Xi’an area is in full swing, which is an important indicator for the implementation of rural revitalization. However, there are certain realistic challenges such as the lack of rural culture, the destruction of cultural context, and the loss of “rurality” of tourist areas. It is of vital significance to explore, integrate and revive the rural culture by advancing the rural cultural landscape based on the concept of cultural landscape in human geography. The specific categories of the rural cultural landscape were divided into three perspectives of agricultural production, famers’ lifestyle, and countryside ecology. Spatial reflections of various rural cultural landscapes were carried out based on pluralistic new data. The spatial characteristics of cultural landscapes were studied by using kernel density analysis and creating Thiessen polygons analysis and interpolation in ArcGIS spatial analysis, in order to show the spatial patterns of the special rural cultural areas and the cultural landscapes in greater Xi’an. Above all, our study inventoried and mapped the rural cultural landscapes in the context of rural tourism, identified spatial features of rural cultural landscape and rural tourism, and we proposed solutions that promote the cultural quality of rural tourism which are of vital significance in reviving rural culture.

Smart Tourist Village—An Entrepreneurial Necessity for Maramures Rural Area

Abstract: The necessity of entrepreneurship in rural area is an actual one. A smart entrepreneurial variant of contemporary village’s development could be “the smart tourist village”, to capitalize rural resources. Thus, in this research we come to a variant of contemporary village’s development, respectively “smart tourist village”, which is the basic idea of the work. To demonstrate that the notion of “smart tourist village” can be a future idea of sustainable rural entrepreneurship the steps undertaken were: the identification of the representative aspects of the villages from Maramures and of their specific resources presentation of the specific aspects; the study also made a quantitative presentation of the rural tourism infrastructure from Maramures by localities; and identifies the perception and “vision” of tourists and owners of tourist structures about Maramures tourist village as an innovative solution with benefits for tourists and locals. The information collected by using the method of qualitative case study served to sketch a possible projection such as “smart tourist village” taking into account the possible costs, return on investment, possible design and advantages.

Reassessment of sustainable rural tourism strategies after COVID-19

Abstract: This study aimed to develop indicators that measure rural tourism destinations in a sustainable framework during the COVID-19 process. In order to achieve this goal, the A’WOT and TOWS hybrid method was used in the study. In line with this goal, the priority order was calculated by determining the factors for strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. Once these factors have been identified, strategies have been developed to build on strengths and eliminate weaknesses, while taking advantage of the opportunities and countering threats. In the study, Gökçeada-Turkey, which has recently come to the fore with its rural tourism potential, has been considered as a destination area, and strategies have been developed that adopt sustainable and responsible tourism approaches and increase the roles and capabilities of local communities. The results obtained in the study are expected to be meaningful for other rural destinations that are similar to Gökçeada.

Territorial Marketing Based on Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs) to Enhance Sustainable Tourism in Rural Areas: A Literature Review

Abstract: It is often seen how a distinctive feature of a territory is used as a brand to create an image that attracts tourists to the region. This is so-called “territorial marketing”, and together with this brand, connected products and services, usually related to recreation, gastronomy and well-being, are offered. Non-wood forest products (NWFPs), such as mushrooms, truffles, aromatic and medicinal plants, nuts and berries, are natural products connected to local traditions that contribute to rural economies, culture and society. This becomes particularly prominent when used as elements of identity to brand specific geographical areas such as the “Chestnut Route”, the “Cranberry Valley” or the “Truffle Way”. This review aims to delve into the understanding of this link between NWFPs and sustainable tourism through territorial marketing and to discuss the different perspectives that address this field, including the methodologies used for the studies, as well as to identify the main research topics tackled in the literature, territorial marketing models and the challenges for its development. The results show the multidisciplinary nature of this field of research, addressed primarily by economists through qualitative surveys and case studies. Most authors emphasize the growing interest in territorial marketing in rural areas as well as the importance of involving the local population in the implementation process. Several studies offer a territorial marketing process model, among which stakeholders’ participation, place identity and image, as well as their interaction, are main aspects to be considered when developing this strategy. A new territorial marketing model is proposed. While it is an emergent research field, studies focused on territorial marketing based on NWFPs to attract tourism remain a research niche.

The Dilemma of the Great Development of Rural Tourism from the Sustainable Environment Perspective

Abstract: Demand and motivation are powerful indicators of people's decisions and behaviors. Based on the in-depth interviews with 190 relevant stakeholders, the study found that the rural tourism industry is facing three kinds of pressures for continued growth. Under these three pressures, the rural tourism industry tends to “copy” and plunder resource-based development, which restricts the industry's sustainable growth path. Therefore, to continue the development of the rural tourism industry, we need to create a development path suitable for the sustainable development of rural tourism from three aspects: system, atmosphere construction, and market orientation.

Overtourism Hotspots: Both a Threat and Opportunity for Rural Tourism

Abstract: Abstract Overtourism is relatively rare in rural regions of Czechia, in the form of lonely “hotspots” surrounded by areas that suffer from undertourism. Therefore, the article aims to analyse whether these hotspots could be used to develop tourism in the surrounding regions and whether it is a desirable and sustainable situation. The paper examines the reasons that lead to overtourism in the rural environment and explains the concept of three dimensions of overtourism: objective, subjective and temporal. Based on experience from overtourism-affected locations in Czechia, we describe how to know whether a site can be a positive center for tourism development and whether it is desirable or, conversely, dangerous for the surrounding region. We use data obtained through a questionnaire survey, narrative interviews with local people, and field research.

Adoption of renewable energy innovations in the Portuguese rural tourist accommodation sector

Abstract: Abstract The imperative of decarbonisation represents a great challenge for the tourist accommodation sector. This article examines the adoption of renewable energy innovations in the tourist accommodation sector of Portugal. The analysis focuses on one of the most known tourist accommodation products in the Portuguese countryside: Tourism in Rural Areas (TER). Drawing from two complementary e-mail-based surveys conducted with TER owners/managers, the results of the study show that there is a substantial gap between their positive perceptions of renewables and levels of renewable energy innovations adoption. The reasons pinpointed relate to unfavourable market factors and to institutional, legal, regulatory, or administrative hurdles. In addition, except for geographical location, the characteristics of the units and respondents had no significant influence on adoption.

Assessing the sustainability of community-based tourism: a case study in rural areas of Hoi An, Vietnam

Abstract: Abstract Community-based tourism (CBT) has become a popular segment of sustainable tourism development worldwide to provide community welfare and empowerment. CBT has been pushed as one of the strategies for poverty alleviation, particularly in marginalized regions and communities. Thus, tourism has also experienced negative impacts creating a developmental conflict. This study proposes an integrated methodological approach that provides solutions for assessing tourism sustainability and advancing CBT development approaches and operations towards sustainability in rural communities in Hoi An, a heritage destination in Vietnam. The assessment is a combination of resident interviews, the fuzzy AHP approach, and the sustainability value of the Barometer of Sustainability. Retrieved from literature review, surveys and expert judgments, twenty-one indicators were selected to assess and evaluate the level of economic, socio-cultural, environmental, and management sustainability at a local scale. The final sustainability index reveals that CBT in Hoi An has overall potential sustainability. Economy, identified as the most critical criterion, ranked third in the sustainability level, while Culture-Society exceeded the potential sustainability score. Critical factors are community development policies, capacity building, full community participation and support, and environmental sustainability. The study contributes to the fragmented knowledge of assessing CBT sustainability and concludes that this is a reliable and feasible approach suggesting critical implications for sustainable development. It will appeal to policymakers, planners, and practitioners seeking more effective tools for planning and developing CBT.

The Impact of Integrated Development of Agriculture and Tourism on Rural Ecological Environment Quality

Abstract: The integrated development of agriculture and tourism plays an important role on the rural ecological environment, which has not absorbed attention of the academic community. From the perspective of stakeholders, the impact mechanism of the agriculture and tourism integration on rural ecological environmental quality was analyzed. Based on three dimension-agricultural production environment, rural living environment, and rural environmental governance, the evaluation index system of rural ecological environment quality was constructed, and the multi-index comprehensive evaluation method was used to measure its level. The coupled system model of physics and entropy method were used to measure the degree of the integrated development level of agriculture and tourism industry. Based on data of 19 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and Yellow River Economic Belt in China from 2007 to 2019, static and dynamic panel models were used to examine the impact of agriculture and tourism integration on the quality of rural ecological environment and its mechanism. The results show that the integrated development of agriculture and tourism has a significant positive correlation with the quality of rural ecological environment, so the integrated development of agriculture and tourism can play a positive role in improving the quality of rural ecological environment. The rural ecological environment quality of the last period has a significant impact on the rural ecological environment quality of the current period, which indicates that the rural ecological environment quality has a strong inertia. Under the background of the current ecological civilization construction in China, the research result has significant theoretical and practical value.