Rural Tourism

Tourism in the rural areas is one of the new opportunities that are being created for those dwelling there. They have the resources, the manpower, the basic skill &expertise in terms of hospitality and a down-to-earth approach that is in sharp contrast with the five star culture of tourism in city areas. The rural residents have a scope and potential to present a very pleasant and exciting change from traditional tourism which tourist are finding jaded and therefore have begun exploring new vistas of adventure and experience. Rural tourism, of which, agri-tourism is also a part, can attract tourist to rural communities for a form of relaxation that follows the growing trend of tourism that is both educational and relaxing. It is another option for farmers wanting to diversify their farming operations that will bring more economic activity to rural areas. It cannot be doubted that rural areas have undergone substantial transformation in the past few decades and that they are receiving influences of urban activities which have transformed them in spaces that are not restricted to agriculture production. Tourism in rural areas can be considered a promising alternative for increasing employment and income levels for rural residents, provided not only by the sector itself, but by other closely related activities such a commerce and services. As a matter of fact, the whole rural community ends up as a beneficiary of the improvements brought about by tourism implementation, which can be expressed as a better provision of infrastructure and public services.

OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL TOURISM

Fig- opportunities in rural tourism At the heart of rural tourism is farm based experience. Associated with these are a range of experience that the tourist enjoy because they are imbued with the rural character of the place. The above figure shows that