Issues in Rural Community Tourism Development

Policy makers are turning to tourism as a potential industry force that may bring both economic and demographic stability to American rural communities. The systematic planning and appropriate utilization of community related physical, economic, and socio-cultural attributes is the key to the establishment of sustainable tourism. This paper focuses on several issues that are increasingly recognized as critical factors in the community system. Both quality of life and sense of place are emphasized. The paper concludes with broadly defined guidelines for future planning toward sustainable development