eTN Asia, 10-12-2006
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional representative for Asia and the Pacific sees a “promising future” for development of rural tourism, especially in China. This view was expressed at the recently concluded Rural Tourism Forum, held in Guizhou province, which was attended by more than 200 tourism industry representatives and experts from 16 countries.
Xu Jing, UNWTO's regional representative, "Rural tourism offers clear tangible benefits to villagers, and relaxation for city dwellers."
Experts who gathered for the forum, which was jointly organized and sponsored by the UNWTO, World Bank and China National Tourism Administration, agreed that apart from meeting its key goal of alleviating poverty worldwide, rural tourism can help to bridge the divide between cities and countrysides.
"Apart from conserving its heritage, rural tourism should also create financial opportunities for villagers, stimulate the overall economy and cultural development of rural areas," said Francesco Frangialli, secretary general of UNWTO. "It also helps the underprivileged, women, the elderly, children and the disabled."
The experts further recommended the development of Guizhou without losing its unique culture and landscape.
"Local ownership and control under the village tourism associations will ensure fair distribution of profits and benefits. Local stakeholders should be fully involved in both planning and implementation of projects, without which it cannot be successful and sustainable," said the forum's communiqué.
