Sustainable tourism that exploits resources in rural regions generates increasing benefits to rural areas such as:
• Rural productivity
• Employment
• Improved distribution of wealth
• Conservation of the environment
• Local peoples involvement
• And a suitable way of adapting traditional beliefs and values to modern times.
However, often those who have always lived in a rural environment, particularly in the new accession countries, do not fully appreciate the potential of their rural heritage as a source of tourist interest.
The question which has led to the project concept is how can people who live in rural areas learn to evaluate and best exploit the potential of their built and natural heritage for alternative enterprise and agritourism, whilst at same time ensuring that these resources are maintained and preserved.
