Rural Tourism

Rural tourism

Giving a definition of rural tourism is not easy, because it involves different activities in different countries (each with its own environment and culture). However, we can say that rural tourism enables tourists to reunite with nature and the culture of the destinations, and that it contributes to the economic and social recovery of the rural areas, as well as to the conservation of the environment and the spreading of local cultures.

It encompasses all the activities which may be carried out in a rural environment and which attract visitors because of their traditional features and because they are different from their usual lifestyle. Visitors may interact with nature practicing various activities, such as horseback riding, sightseeing, fishing, hunting, mountaineering, agritourism, cultural tourism, wine tourism/travel, health tourism, etc. Such activities take place in a context of respect for the environment and local culture. Accommodation is provided in establishments which have been especially prepared to accommodate visitors.

Tourists also enjoy the obliging service of the communities in the rural world (friendliness, typical cuisine, crafts, etc.). In fact, a major attraction of a rural vacation is the rapport with rural locals with whom you can exchange experiences and ideas. Tourists' choice may not be driven by the agrarian lifestyle, but they spend time in a rural area and interact with the locals who derive benefits from the activity, this is why we call it rural tourism. A ski resort located in a rural area is not rural tourism because interaction with locals in such place is not significant. Staying at an all inclusive hotel is not rural tourism either for that same reason.

In short, the distinctive feature of rural tourism is the desire to offer visitors a personalized treatment, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the physical and human environment of rural areas and, as far as possible, take part in the activities, traditions and lifestyles of local communities.

It has a positive effect on:

• The economy. It is an extra activity, aside from traditional rural labors, carried out on a small scale by local entrepreneurs, which renders an income and creates job opportunities. This in turn helps prevent the population drift and invigorate the rural areas. It is a valuable tool for encouraging the development of rural economies in crisis. It provides an incentive (and part of the required funding) for infrastructure development, which boosts growth in other sectors of the economy in rural areas.
• The environment. Given the fact that the conservation of the natural environment is a key element of rural tourism, environmental conservation and protection are one of its central pillars. Therefore, it is an environmentally sustainable activity.
• The society. The income derived from the arrival of tourists, can help maintain and improve local infrastructure and services (public transportation, shops, medical services, etc.). Thus, rural tourism helps improve the lifestyle of local communities. On the other hand, rural tourism creates job opportunities for groups which have historically been at a disadvantage, such as young people, women and the elderly. Another consequence for locals, which usually live in isolation in farming communities, is that they gain access to a different social interaction, increasing their chances of learning about other cultures.
• The culture. Given the fact that local culture and traditions are very important tourist attractions to visitors, rural tourism promotes the preservation and revival of such customs, traditional activities, crafts, cuisine, etc.

Rural tourism has countless variants, however, whenever visitors spend time on leisure activities or education in a rural environment and local communities are involved, that can be referred to as rural tourism.