The Development of Countryside Walking Tourism in the Time of the Post-Covid Crisis

Abstract

With low investment, countryside walking tourism contributes to the rapid recovery of rural tourism in the post-covid time. The research purpose is to examine factors that impact the interest of tourists in the state-supported countryside walking tourism. The sample consisted of 467 respondents from the general public. The SPSS software was used for processing data. The results indicated that safety, content, and price are the most influential factors. For females, slightly more important factors were related to the possibility of consuming authentic food and beverages, buying traditional handmade products, the inclusion of the local population, and the well-being of urban residents. A village, with authentic local houses and cuisine, and local tour guides, are the epicenter of countryside walking tourism. Embedding countryside walking tourism in sustainable rural tourism development policies is recommended. The research contributes to the integration between sustainable rural development and sustainable tourism development.

Green Tourism and Sustainability: The Paiva Walkways Case in the Post-Pandemic Period (Portugal)

“…Milojković et al [50] report that although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of tourism in rural areas has been insufficiently investigated, the results of some studies indicate a positive impact of the pandemic on this type of tourism, citing the need of tourists to travel to a safer or less risky location due to the lower population The Paiva Walkways are a good example of utilization, as they were pioneering and are now a national and international benchmark. According to the Arouca Geopark [49], the walkways have the following objectives: valuing the geological heritage and the rest of the natural and cultural heritage; dynamizing activities and products with regard to their scientific value; promote quality and contribute to planning policies in the areas of the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry; promote education for sustainability; promote a geotourism approach with special emphasis on the qualification, organization, promotion, and marketing of strategic tourism products; promote territorial dynamics, socio-cultural animation and reinforce the sense of belonging; and strengthen and stimulate cooperation, partnerships, and networking.…”

“…Milojković et al [50] report that although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of tourism in rural areas has been insufficiently investigated, the results of some studies indicate a positive impact of the pandemic on this type of tourism, citing the need of tourists to travel to a safer or less risky location due to the lower population size [51]. During anti-pandemic measures, lots of people were isolated in apartments in cities, had limited movement, and feared pneumonia, while the post-pandemic period is characterized by an appreciation of rural life in the countryside [52].…”