Challenges and Development Opportunities for Tourism in Rural Areas
A special issue of Tourism and Hospitality (ISSN 2673-5768).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 February 2026 | Viewed by 1884
Special Issue Editor
Interests: tourism in rural areas; agritourism; wine tourism; olive oil tourism; development strategies; challenges and problems; multiple effects of tourism on the local economy; gentrification and immigration in rural areas; pressure of over tourism
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
As a concept, sustainable development very often refers to the development of rural areas. This includes several aspects of the economy, comprising different kinds of activities such as agriculture, crafts, catering and hospitality services.
These economic activities create income and contribute to sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
As one of the most ancient forms of economy, agriculture still has a vigorous and important role in rural economies worldwide, but tourism has become more important, especially close to the coastal areas in Europe.
In recent decades, farm activities have shifted from primary production and producers to new income forms such as agritourism, wine tourism and other activities.
Such developments have turned agriculture into an attractive business, especially in the Mediterranean regions of Europe.
Furthermore, new problems and challenges have arisen; e.g., the pressure of building new housing in rural areas and the migration of retirees or foreign citizens have increased the need for land.
The consequences included exaggerated prices of agricultural land, the transfer of agricultural to building plots and marginal profits for agriculture.
Therefore, new strategies for development on the national and local levels and new forms of income activities in farms and rural areas were created, whereas tourism was the most frequent choice.
Dr. Anita Silvana Ilak Peršurić
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- rural areas
- rural tourism
- wine tourism
- challenges
- development
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