Tourism, Rural

Although subject to discussion, rural tourism is recognized as including natural resource-based recreational activities in the countryside, contact with local cultures, relatively small scales of accommodation and infrastructure provision, and close involvement of local providers. A quest for an antidote to the pressure and increasing anomie associated with contemporary urban work and living conditions has been identified as contributing to demand for rural tourism experiences. Economic opportunities have arisen for societies where the traditional primary sector economy is in decline. State developmental support is often provided. Theoretical concepts relating to commodification, tourism as performance, performativity, and power relationships are providing new insights into the production and consumption of rural tourism and recreation. A key management issue relates to minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on environment and culture while maximizing positive contributions to economy and society. Rural tourism and recreation take place within a broad policy context in which the state is a key player. Partnership and networking are of growing importance as methods of managing resource use and developing and promoting distinctive rural tourism products.