Transformative rural tourism strategies as tools for sustainable development in Transylvania, Romania: a case study of Sâncraiu

Abstract

Purpose According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions, while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It aims at having a low impact upon the environment and local culture; generating income and employment; and ensuring the conservation of local ecosystems. This paper aims to examine the ways in which the development and promotion of a new tourism product based on unique rural heritage and traditions contribute to the development of sustainable tourism by relating the practices to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 17. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a literature review on the topic of sustainable rural tourism, this paper uses a case-study methodological approach and provides an example of a sustainable rural tourism destination from the North Western development region of Romania (Cluj County, Transylvania) to depict specific sustainable tourism practices. The study uses a comprehensive desk-research based on secondary data from key industry and academic sources. Findings The research findings show that sustainable rural tourism can greatly support the development of rural destination and makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Romanian tourism industry, in general, and rural economies in particular, as shown in the case examined in the paper. Sâncraiu represents an example of sustainable tourism practices that contribute to poverty reduction (SDG1 – Target 1.A), provide decent work and ensure economic growth (SDG8 – Target 8.9), help reducing inequalities (SDG10 – Target 10.3), protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11 – Target 11.4), promote responsible consumption and production (SDG 21 – Target 12.b) and last but not least this destination demonstrates that development is only possible when partnerships are forged (SDG 17). Social implications This paper illustrates that fostering unique rural heritage and traditions can contribute to the sustainable development of destinations. Sustainable tourism practices contribute not only financially to a destination but also to its social infrastructures, jobs, nature conservation, adoption of new working practices and the revitalisation of passive and poor rural areas. Originality/value This paper examines and depicts sustainable rural tourism development as a transformative strategy contributing to the long-term viability of a rural destination. The research findings can be viewed as an example of good practice, which may be applicable to other geographic regions with similar contexts.

The Feasibility of Rural Tourism in Fostering Real Sustainable Development in Host Communities

“…Evaluating and measuring the impact of rural tourism development that has been implemented: (Ali pour et al, 2011;Badulescu and Badulescu, 2017;Bidwell and Murray, 2019;Butler and Rogerson, 2016;Ćurčić et al, 2021;Gao et al, 2019;García-Delgado et al, 2020;Gica et al, 2020;Ibanescu et al, 2018;Jordan et al, 2016;Kneafsey, 2000;Li et al, 2016;Mthembu and Mutambara, 2018;Neumeier and Pollermann, 2014;Nooripoor et al, 2021;Ristić et al, 2019;Romanenko et al, 2020;Skuras et al, 2006;Svels, 2015;Yang et al, 2019) 20 25.6…”

“…There is a crucial need to reduce these negative impacts, as rural areas are physically and specially fragile in style and quality of life (Bramwell, 1994). Subsequently, the adverse effects are possibly minimized by the involved parties, through constant promotions (Kelfaoui and Rezzaz, 2021), strategically designed construction linked to government development plans (Chen and Kong, 2021), adequate pricing policy (Dai et al, 2017;Radović et al, 2020), quality and the provision of a wide range of services and products (Dai et al, 2017;Skuras et al, 2006), leadership partnerships between stakeholders at different levels (Gica et al, 2020), local community approach (Lenao et al, 2014;Mair, 2006) as well as by building superior rural infrastructure (Radović et al, 2020)Several attempts are involved in generating diverse positive effects as well as in achieving success in rural tourism development. The realization is based on well-planned rural tourism, with "good" and "correct" implementation.…”

Gastronomic Heritage: A Contributor to Sustainable Local Tourism Development

“…The establishment of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals highlighted the need for research, policy, and practice on tourism development to incorporate economic, social, and environmental dimensions (Yoopetch and Nimsai, 2019). In this regard, special attention has been paid recently to sustainable tourism where scholars and researches addressed various aspects of this broad topic: aspects regarding cultural heritage (Jeroscenkova et al, 2016;Gica et al, 2021), sustainable tourism development, tourism's contribution to environmental/socio-technical/economic sustainability (Panzer-Krause, 2019;Hall, 2019), as well as the interdependence relationship between tourism and local/regional sustainable development Rinella and Epifani, 2021). The tourism industry as a critical component of the global economy can play an important role in influencing consumers to participate in sustainability through their food consumption choices (Higgins-Desbiolles and Wijesinghe, 2019).…”

Merintis Wisata Tematik Edukasi Kopi di Bali Utara sebagai Pemulihan Ekonomi Pasca-Pandemi Covid-19

“…Berbagai istilah muncul untuk menyebut model wisata berbasis mayarakat bertema antara lain: desa atau kampung kreatif, desa wisata tematik, kampung tematik, dan istilah-istilah lainnya yang dimaknai sebagai wisata berbasis potensi lokal berkelanjutan yang berpihak kepada masyarakat setempat (Norrby et al, 2003;Putra dan Pitana 2010;Arismayanti, 2017;Park dan Lee, 2019;Faizal et al, 2020;Hamamah et al, 2020: Prihasta dan Suswanta, 2020Polukhina et al, 2021;Sardiana dan Sarjana, 2021;Gica et al, 2021: Lun et al, 2021. Munculnya desa-desa wisata tematik dapat memotivasi masyarakat untuk menggali potensi daya tarik wisata sebagai destinasi.…”