Work

Constraints of Rural Tourism’s Contribution to Local Economic Development and Intervention Mechanisms—Evidence from Shandong Province, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: For visitors who live in the modern, hectic, and bustling city life, rural destinations provide an alternative to escape in a serene environment. Rural tourism also promotes community development, rural restructuring, and capital redistribution. Prior studies paid little attention to the role that rural tourism plays in local economic development. Particularly, what hinders rural tourism’s contribution to sustainable local economic development is inadequately examined. To address this gap in the literature, the current study explores the contribution of rural tourism to local economic development, using Shandong Province as a context. Research participants perceive that rural tourism makes positive contributions to sustainable local economic development by increasing household income, facilitating capital redistribution, and promoting rural entrepreneurship. However, its contribution has been constrained by financial, structural, marketing, and technological factors. Research implications are discussed, and avenues for future research are suggested.

Source: Tourism and Hospitality

DOI: 10.3390/tourhosp6050223

Authors: Amare Wondirad, Yuanqi Cui, Yue Ma, Wang Jingya

Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, Shandong Jiaotong University, University of Tasmania

Language: English

Topic: Community-based Tourism Development and Sustainability

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448