Sustainable Rural Tourism and Rural Change

This chapter evaluates the role of tourism in processes of rural change and rural development as well as the two-way relationship which tourism and dynamic rural processes share. It examines the concept of sustainability and addresses the reality of sustainable forms of tourism development within the context of tourism’s contribution to rural change and development. Tourism development in rural areas can be an important agent of social, economic and environmental change. Tourism is widely seen as being of considerable economic and social benefit to rural areas through the income and infrastructural developments it may bring to marginal and less economically developed regions. The paradoxes inherent in ’sustainable tourism’ for rural areas, and in its relationship with sustainable development require further critical reflection. The attraction of rurality for leisure and for residential purposes may go further than tangible qualities such as open space, fresh air and tranquillity, by representing something special to visitors.