Journal of tourism

[Issue 26]

RURAL TOURISM AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DEVELOPMENT

Gabriela Corina SLUSARIUC

University of Petrosani, 332006, Romania
ellas7275@[Link]

Abstract
The study highlights the importance of rural tourism from a social economic perspective in rural areas. Tourism
benefits tourists, hosts, but also the community in which they run. Tourism is of major importance to the economic
and social life of the area, with direct, indirect, and induced positive effects. Tourism represents an important
source of jobs for rural communities. Tourism gives business opportunities to local population and increase local
quality of life. Tourism encourages restoration of local and regional historic sites and supports local culture in
rural areas.

Key words: rural tourism, development, innovation, creativity, community, opportunities.

JEL Classification: L83; Z30; Z32

Europe organized rural tourism became known after

INTRODUCTION 1950, and in Romania after 1970, but it was reborn at
national level since 1990. Being "Various associations
and bodies that aim to promote and develop tourism in
The tourism industry is very important from an rural areas. The most representative ones are: The
economic, social and cultural point of view, as Romanian Federation for Mountain Development
evidenced by international conventions and (1990) - which aims to support the inhabitants of the
declarations that have been concluded since the mountain area by promoting, organizing and
beginning of the 20th century. developing agrotourism; The Romanian Agrotourism
Tourism, the "smoke-free" industry, is a branch Agency (1993) - which aims at linking Romanian
of the economy that is insufficiently capitalized in agritourism to the international tourism system. The
Romania, with a natural and exceptional human National Association for Rural, Ecological and Cultural
potential. Tourism (ANTREC) was established in 1994 as the
Due to industrialization and increasing most representative organization in the field, a member
urbanization, rural tourism has become increasingly of the European Federation of Rural Tourism
important. Rural areas cover 90% of the total area of (EUROGITES). "(Dobrescu E. M., Nistoreanu P.,
the European Union, 60% of the total population living 2018)
in rural areas (Muhi and Jovanovic, 2012). Many authors (Tureac, Turtureanu and Bordean,
The world is becoming more and more sought 2008; Albu and Nicolau, 2011; Fagioli, Diotallevi,
after with its natural and anthropogenic beauties, but Ciani, 2014; Garau, 2015) considered that rural tourism
especially enlivened by hardworking and hardworking represented a good modality to develope rural areas,
people who know how to restore your mood. More monoindustrial region or unpopulated areas. In his
recently, the link between life and work from the study (Hjalager, A.M, Kwiatkowski, G, larsen M,
countryside is made with the hospitality of the people 2018) demonstrates a clear growth potential in rural
of the place, making this symbiosis agrotourism, "a tourism in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, which is,
form of tourism practiced in the peasant farms (farms / however, hampered by innovation gaps.
hostels), comprising both the actual tourist activity New directions in rural tourism are presented by
basic and additional services) as well as the economic L Roberts, D Hall, M Morag.( 2017).Another autors
(agricultural) activity performed by the hosts of the (M. VictoriaSanagustín Fons, José A., MoseñeFierro
tourists (productive activities of processing of ,María Gómez yPatiño, 2010), consider that rural
agricultural products in the household and their tourism represent a sustainable alternative for Spain.
marketing to tourists or other commercial networks), as Lehr şi Wilde (2007) discută asupra rolului
well as the way of spending time free.” (Glăvan V., turismului în
2002) The analysis of economic opportunities for the
Of the forms of tourism that are becoming more region by tourism is also presented by Lehr and Wilde
and more remarkable is rural tourism, which becomes (2007).
an alternative to urban tourism. Rural tourism is a form of tourism that
Although rural tourism has been practiced in a emphasizes the destinations in rural areas with a
spontaneous, unorganized form since ancient times, in
 Journal of tourism
[Issue 26]

functional accommodation structure and other services wellness, creativity and authenticity.
that offer the tourist the opportunity to rest in the A very important pillow of rural tourism is
tranquility of nature, to explore the beauties of reliefs, considered to be the creativity. “The development of
to enjoy the traditions, customs, ancestral customs with creative tourism is evident in rural areas (where
which he has direct contact. creativity is needed to combat a lack of economic
This form of tourism has been practiced since alternatives)” (Commission and the Council of Europe,
ancient times, but in an empirical, spontaneous form. 2010, p. 26).
The development of rural tourism is a complement to Creativity allows destinations to innovate new
classic tourism, being a cheaper alternative to any products relatively rapidly, giving them a competitive
travelers' pocket. Today, rural tourism is of particular advantage over other locations” (Richards and Wilson,
importance. Withdrawal in an oasis of tranquility in the 2006, p. 1215),
middle of nature is a haven for tourists wishing to Following the model of other countries, where a
escape from the daily crowds of large crowded cities. tree or a rock has their story, creativity and innovation
Children raised in cities among concrete and glass in this area are indispensable, they are often costly and
buildings, among the thousands of road cars, learn here have a major impact.
to love nature, to love animals in their environment. Romanian tourism needs the urge of creativity
Rural tourism has become a way of life, it is a trend of to create new tourist products and to value its rich
tourism industry development, being a solution to job tourist patrimony.
creation in rural areas, generating additional income, Authenticity comes and completes creativity,
thus contributing to raising the standard of living of the resulting in a unique tourist product, given by relief,
rural population. landscapes, food, zonal traditions, people's attitude,
The wide range of motivation to spend your weather. Authenticity is also viewed as a “western
holiday in the country is becoming more and more cultural notion associated with the past ‘primitive
attractive to young people, families and the elderly. Other’ articulated in opposition to modernity” (Cole
They can take hikes, take part in traditional, cultural, 2007, p. 944). Some authors (Wang, 1999, p. 351). have
religious holidays to practice different sports regardless considered that “things appear authentic not because
of the season. they are inherently authentic but because they are
Rural tourism is defined as a set of goods and constructed as such in terms of points of view, beliefs,
services offered by the peasant household to the perspectives, or powers”.
consumption of people who, for a certain period of Traditions can be a tourist attraction if they are
time, come to rural areas for relaxation, rest, recreation, well publicized and exploited, and give authenticity to
initiation in crafts, etc. (Luca, Chiriac, 2015 ) zonal tourism.

•creativity •autenticity
Ecotourism

Culinary
and wine Creative rural tourism
tourism tourism

RURAL
TOURISM
rural tourism
Heritage
Ethnic tourism
tourism •traditions •welness

Agroturism

Figure no 2 The pills of rural tourism

Figure no 1 The main type of rural tourism

The main forms of rural tourism are: The primary purpose of tourism, and of rural
 Agrotourism tourism in particular, is wellness, the general well-
 Ethnic tourism being of the tourist. If this is done, all the other positive
 Culinary and wine tourism effects of tourism come from itself.
 Ecotourism The rural tourist combines the recreation with
 Heritage tourism nature and culture as well as with the sport. Peace and
 Creative tourism digital detoxification are increasingly sought after and
The major pills of rural tourism are tradition, appreciated. And Romania has rural tourism areas
 Journal of tourism
[Issue 26]

suited to this purpose, according to an international top  Construction of roads, picturesque paths,
of the "European Best Destinations", which also cycling tracks, on-road, off-road route;
includes cities from Italy, Spain, Ireland, Finland,  Counseling and support in obtaining some
France. external funding, training in business and
In Europe in 2014, rural tourism provides 6 hospitality skills;
million bed spaces in 500,000 establishments, who Applying a strategic management to the touristic
represent around 15% of the total accommodation area is imperative, so tourism creates important positive
capacity of Europe. Together with related services, the effects in the area, and becomes a way of economic and
sector generates more than €100 billion in direct social recovery in the region.
spending – mostly in the local economy. This is very Considering the importance of tourism in the
important for the survival and revitalization of many process of rural development planning, it is of
rural areas. paramount importance to take it into account in rural
Tourism brings benefits tourists, hosts, but also planning and plans. For the purpose of playing the
the importance to the economic and social life of the positive role of tourism in the process of rural
area, with direct, indirect, and induced positive effects. development, paying attention to environment
Tourism represents an important source of jobs for rural management, local contribution, firm laws, marketing
regions. Tourism gives business opportunities to local and realistic planning in tourism seems necessary.
population and increase local quality of life. Tourism (Rezvani, 2005)
encourages restoration of local historic sites and Reality and experience show that there are many
supports local culture in rural areas. hidden costs that reduce the effectiveness of tourism.
The main benefits of tourism are job creation, The volume of revenue earned is an important
job retention, service retention, new business indicator of tourism activity evaluation. It is estimated
opportunities, opportunities for youths, repopulation that about 80% of the amount spent by tourists arrives
and revitalization of the unindustrialized and in developed countries that manage airlines, hotels and
nonindustrial areas, community diversification, tour operators. So according to statistics, due to the
development of arts and tradition, enhances and leakage phenomenon, only $ 5 a hundred dollars remain
revitalizes community pride, landscape conservation, in the tourist area.
preservation of culture and heritage, environmental
protection. CONCLUSIONS
For an area to become a rural tourism
destination, not just a stop off point, is necessary an For that local community, rural tourism can be
agreement between public and private sector. an important sector in terms of revenue and
Community involvement is very important. employment and it can help to maintain economic
Rural tourism investment will improve the stability.
economic, environmental and social well being of rural In conclusion, tourism is not the panacea for all
areas. rural problems but it has number of positive attractions.
Rural communities call for rural tourism as an (Long and Lane, 2000). It is one of the many
alternative means of sustainable development through opportunities that communities might improve
the restructuring and diversification of local economic productivity and incomes.
activities; tourism emerges as a means by which rural Rural tourism is essentially a private sector
areas can be economically, socially and politically activity, driven by income generation and job creation,
adjusted and can adapt to the new global environment and often the diversification of agricultural holdings,
(Sillignakis, 2001). which is based on landscape and conservation and
Research and development are necessary for heritage infrastructure, often financed by the sector
development and this involves a partnership between public These sectors have the ability to expand, be
the public and private sectors. better organized and use best practices on a larger scale.
The need for partnership is very important if Researchers in tourism and tourism
rural tourism is to succeed. For developed and beneficiaries have come to the conclusion that rural
improved the tourism in the area, local administration tourism is the "tourism of the future", and agro-touristic
and the whole community must to involve in: pensions will be a great quest.
 Creation of a centre of touristic information; For this reason, with a lot of creativity and
 Creating partnerships between the private innovation, tourist board managers need to innovate
companies and local public administrations; more and more attractive tourist products to
 Creating new joints, various galleries, "lure" the tourist and make him walk the threshold of
exhibitions, handicraft workshops; the guesthouse and stay as pleasant as possible long
 Development of public transport; lasting.
 Development of utilities network,
communication and internet services, scenic
road construction;
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[Issue 26]

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