Types and characteristics of rural tourism

Section 1: Defining Rural Tourism

Rural tourism can be thought of as tourism that takes place in non-urban areas or countryside. It is often related to naturist experiences and activities in relatively undisturbed natural areas.
Usually involves small-scale tourism operations that are locally owned and managed.
It offers the opportunity for tourists to learn and experience rural lifestyles, traditions, heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

Section 2: Types of Rural Tourism

Agritourism: This includes visits to farms, orchards, vineyards and similar establishments. Visitors may participate in farm activities like harvesting.
Eco-tourism: This involves responsible travel to natural areas, which conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
Heritage or Cultural tourism: Connects travellers to regional history or lifestyle. Involves visits to heritage sites, monuments, or cultural festivals in rural areas.
Adventure tourism: This includes activities like mountaineering, trekking, river rafting, wildlife safaris, which are usually conducted in rural or wilderness settings.
Rural sports tourism: This includes activities such as hunting, fishing, bird watching and horse riding.

Section 3: Characteristics of Rural Tourism

Limited scale of operations: Due to the goal of preserving rural and natural landscapes, the scale of rural tourism operations is often limited.
Use of local resources: Rural tourism frequently leverages local natural and cultural resources e.g., local cuisine, folk art, festivals.
Seasonality: Some forms of rural tourism, such as those reliant on specific weather conditions (fishing, hunting) or natural phenomena (bird migration) are highly seasonal.
Sustainable practices: Emphasis on eco-friendly practices to minimise negative impacts on local environments and communities. This can be seen in the use of solar power, rainwater harvesting, etc.
Community engagement: In many instances, communities are actively involved in the management, decision-making, and benefit-sharing of rural tourism.