An overview of the new trends in rural tourism

• Author: Sasu K.A., Epuran G.
• Pages: 119-126

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 9 (58) No. 2 - 2016

An overview of the new trends in rural tourism

Karin Andreea SASU1, Gheorghe EPURAN2

Abstract: The main purpose of this paper is to examine the concepts of creativity and

authenticity and their connection to rural tourism. A review of the types of rural tourism has

been made, highlighting the authentic character of each one: in agritourism, authenticity is

experienced by the tourists performing chores in a rural setting; the authentic feature of

ethnic tourism is represented by living the life of local minorities; authenticity in ecotourism

is perceived due to the ecological aspect; the authenticity in creative tourism is derived from

the creative activities performed together with the locals; the authentic feature of culinary

tourism is given by the fact that the tourists can experience local cuisine and beverages. This

paper draws on the literature which explores the new trends, namely creativity and

authenticity in rural tourism.

Key-words: rural tourism, types of rural tourism, creativity, authenticity, commodification

1. Introduction

The importance of rural tourism has been widely recognised as an important factor

in the development of rural areas. This fact is acknowledged by several authors

(Tureac, Turtureanu and Bordean, 2008; Albu and Nicolau, 2011; Fagioli,

Diotallevi, Ciani, 2014; Garau, 2015) who perceive rural tourism as a means of

sustainability by creating new jobs that are much needed in a declining rural area or

by reviving traditional customs. As Bessière states, “rural areas are now increasingly

seen as places for entertainment, leisure activities, second homes and as an

alternative to urban residential areas” (1998, p. 21).

Regarding the number of tourists who practice rural tourism, the trend is an

upward one, while they seek a form of responsible or ecological tourism. At the

same time, the tourists turn their attention to certain areas which offer unique and

specific experiences, and consequently authentic ones, in which the promoted

lifestyle is primordial. In this way the globalised nature of mass tourism can be

avoided.

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, sasu.karin.andreea@unitbv.ro

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, epuran.gheorghe@unitbv.ro