THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM FOR RURAL AREAS: THEORETICAL ASPECTS

Abstract

Rural areas, far from large cities, are characterized by fewer employment opportunities and a lower standard of living. The population in these areas is constantly decreasing, especially among the younger generation. They emigrate not only abroad, but also to larger cities. Tourism is considered a factor promoting development at the local, regional and national levels. It expands the possibilities for improving the quality of life and creates the prerequisites for new activities and earning opportunities in rural areas, thus contributing to the development of rural areas. This article aims to reveal the influence of tourism on the development of rural areas from a theoretical perspective. Therefore, it is important to theoretically reveal the impact of rural tourism on rural areas and the possibilities of its assessment. It has been found that the concept of rural tourism is dominated by the geographical criterion of the rural area, which distinguishes rural tourism from other types of tourism. It can change the social and economic picture of a rural area, open up new opportunities for economic, social and environmental development, but scientific research reveals not only positive, but also negative impacts of tourism on rural areas in the cultural, social, economic, environmental, technological and political areas, which can become the basis for assessing the impact of rural tourism.