UNWTO identifies priorities for rural tourism development
29-05-23
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has launched a new report which provides an overview of the situation of rural tourism in its Member States and identifies the main challenges and opportunities for tourism as a driver of rural development, from a policy perspective.
"Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective - Results of the UNWTO Survey on Tourism for Rural Development to Member States", the first UNWTO reference document on tourism and rural development, has been produced with the participation of Member States from around the world.
Main findings: rural tourism is an opportunity
More than half of the Member States (59%) state that rural tourism is a priority.
Almost all Member States (96%) foresee a better future for rural tourism in the coming years.
Creating new jobs, improving livelihoods and combating depopulation were the most frequently cited opportunities brought by tourism to rural areas.
Member States also identified the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and the protection of the environment among the greatest potential benefits of rural tourism.