Social entrepreneurship in tourism: a chance for rural communities

Abstract

The article argues that enterprises that develop the tourism sector in rural territorial communities have the characteristics of social enterprises and meet the threefold criterion – they ensure the well-being of residents of rural settlements. Ukrainian legislation gives local governments broad powers to plan and finance tourism activities, but their capacities are very limited as most rural budgets are subsidized. It is possible to promote tourism in rural communities only if the majority of residents are aware of all the benefits and responsibilities associated with this activity. The article confirms that uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources can lead to their irreversible depletion. The example of ski resorts shows that the practice of a single economic activity for the whole area poses a threat to local communities, as the well-being of residents becomes very dependent on natural and climatic conditions. The article emphasizes that the maximum use of available local resources is an important factor in the success of social entrepreneurship in tourism at the level of rural communities. In order to avoid conflicts when planning business, it is necessary to take into account the natural and anthropic resources of each community and compare the forms of their use with local values and traditions. Differences in the results of the impact on the local community as a result of the activities of the classic and social tourism enterprise on its territory are analyzed. The main vectors of the impact of social entrepreneurship in tourism on the social aspects of rural areas are highlighted.

The Impact of Agritourism Activity on the Rural Environment: Findings from an Authentic Agritourist Area—Bukovina, Romania

“…the existence of authentic products that can be capitalized on through tourism Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW decline of local economies affects social life, t A possible solution to this unfavorable co quences in all three directions (economic, so agritourism activity [26,27]. Although agrito to integrate the sustainable diversification rural entrepreneurship [30,31]. This particul on traditional products' authenticity to attra mogeneity of products.…”

“…The essence of agritourism considering the rural community development Genuine opportunity to strength The capacity to combine, in a dy difficult to carry out even indivi An opportunity for the growth a reduced profitability from agricultural activities and marketing difficulties in case of production selling [32] Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW decline of local economies affects social life, t A possible solution to this unfavorable co quences in all three directions (economic, so agritourism activity [26,27]. Although agrito to integrate the sustainable diversification rural entrepreneurship [30,31]. This particul on traditional products' authenticity to attra mogeneity of products.…”

“…The capacity to combine, in a dynamic way several fields (some of which are A possible solution to this unfavorable conjuncture, which includes favorable consequences in all three directions (economic, social, and environmental) [25] is undoubtedly agritourism activity [26,27]. Although agritourism is a "small" field [28], it can be a way to integrate the sustainable diversification of rural economies [29], a model of modern rural entrepreneurship [30,31]. This particular field can offer alternative incomes, relying on traditional products' authenticity to attract consumers, who are saturated with the homogeneity of products.…”

Rural Tourism in Mountain Rural Comunities-Possible Direction/Strategies: Case Study Mountain Area from Bihor County

“…Thus, through rural tourism activities, it may be possible to ensure the connection of the economic, social, and environmental aspects of the rural mountain communities [11,12] and allow the holistic capitalization of all resources [13][14][15][16] in an innovative way [17] to ensure its productivity, economic competitiveness, and future profitability [18]. Positive examples where the local mountain community managed to ensure its "smart" development [19,20] through rural tourism or agritourism activities (either agritourism household with individuality or through the smart tourist village) [21,22] are numerous [23][24][25][26][27].…”