SOME STRUCTURES AND PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE RURAL TOURISM

Organisational structures and processes in rural tourism The role of rural tourism as a potential economic tool is well rec-ognised. It is estimated that tourism in rural areas makes up 10-20 % of all tourism activities and a EuroBarometer (1998) survey report shows that 23 % of European holidaymakers choose the countryside as a destination every year. The majority of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the EU are in tourism and employ less than five people. Many are comprised of two family members. Rural areas provide a special appeal to tourists because of the mystique associated with the rural environment, its distinct culture, history, ethic and geographic characteristics. Rural tourism is a growing sector of the world's fastest growing industry- the tourism industry. It offers many benefits to the rural community. It can be developed locally in partnership with other small business, local government and other agencies. Its development is not dependent on out-side firms or companies and their decisions on whether they want to be i