Advances in Tourism Research 2010

Potentialities and
Problems of Rural
Tourism
Pedro Manuel Cravo
Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugal

Oviedo, November 10th 2010

Spatial Planning
The terms:
spatial planning;
land use planning;
town and country planning;
regional planning;
urban planning.
are often used interchangeably, and will depend
on the country in question or the perspective
used.

Spatial Planning Definition

There are numerous
definitions of spatial planning.

According to the Portuguese

Constitution:
Spatial Planning aims to ensure the adequate location of
activities, a balanced social and economic development and
the enhancement of the landscape, and is an essential
responsibility of the State, to be carried out with citizen
participation, in a framework of sustainable development.

Functions of Spatial Planning

In most developed
countries, spatial planning
is an important part of the
social policy, ensuring that
land is used efficiently for
the benefit of the wider
economy and population
as well as to protect the
environment.

Spatial Planning and

Regional Development
One of spatial planning main goals is the
regional development;
All the countries show economic differences
between its regions:

differences in the distribution of income;

differences in productivity levels;
differences in access to the labour market;
differences in access to the essential goods and
services.

Correction of spatial development disparities

And at the Local Level

To promote entrepreneurship;
To develop policies to support SMEs;
The support of Local authorities:
Reducing local taxes
Giving special conditions in local tariffs (water,
electricity,);
Creating benefits in the use of land or buildings (rent at low
rates);
Constructing public infrastructures (roads, industrial
parks,).
To encourage private and mixed networks of interaction;
To mobilize the endogenous development (local
productions).

Sustainable Tourism
Development
The wise use of resources with a long term
viewpoint.
Change as a result of the development is almost
always inevitable.
Indeed, economic change at least is often a
highly desired occurrence and often the basic
reason for the development of tourism in the first
place.
Changes in the environmental and social/cultural
realms are also highly likely, if not certain.

Rural
Tourism

Potentialities

Preservation of the environment;

Preservation of cultural heritage;
Diversification of the economic base;
Creation of jobs;
Valuing of social groups;
Social, cultural and economic dynamics.

Information on
Existing tourist circuits and typical
itineraries;
Available sports and activities
Handicrafts, wine, gastronomy and other
traditional rural products
Food and beverage places in the vicinities
Fairs, markets, religious and popular
events

Entertainment Activities
Raises the average stay of tourists;
Raises the average spending;
Requires investment on equipment and
infrastructures;
Requires a dynamic management policy;
Has maintenance costs.

Partnerships

Exchange of ideas and experiences;

Diminishes the promotional costs;
Allows the identification of a brand image;
Allows the creation of a reservation central;
Incentives the cooperation in entertainment
activities;
Permits technical advisement;
Permits professional training.

Recommendations

Change of mentalities;
Professionalism;
Benchmarking;
Explore new markets;
Use new technologies;
Strategic partnerships;
Create, develop and explore a good
brand/product image.

Thank you very much!

Pedro Cravo
pedro.cravo@ipbeja.pt