Although there has been an increasing interest in rural tourism in terms of research, training and teaching in recent years, its conceptualization and the relationships between concept and strategy are still poorly represented and not well understood. The need for such a critical understanding is particularly crucial as rural areas experience rapid change, and as tourism is viewed as a key element of development and regeneration. This volume provides an interdisciplinary approach to new directions in rural tourism, drawing on the latest conceptual thinking and evolving strategic roles. It brings together case study exemplification from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, Poland, New Zealand and the Caribbean. It debates such key issues as sustainability and niche marketing. The book thus provides accessible material drawn from a range of environmental and cultural contexts and focuses attention on the nature and interrelationships between local and global issues in rural tourism and development.

'A balanced, informed, eclectic but coherent, insight into contemporary rural tourism issues. Well worth a read.' Brian Wheeller, Visiting Professor of Tourism, NHTV, Breda, The Netherlands 'A valuable compendium, covering some of the increasingly wide spectrum of issues and opportunities in rural tourism. Well thought through opening and closing chapters encase thought provoking case studies from around the world. Vital reading for students of the subject, the book also has some useful sections for practitioners on the real-politik of questions such as tourism management, strategy formulation, host guest relationships, access and the ever tantalising question of authenticity.' Bernard Lane, University of Bristol, UK, and Co-Editor, Journal of Sustainable Tourism '...should be in all university libraries and on the bookshelves of academics interested in rural tourism. It is a welcome and valuable contribution to the rural tourism research literature.' Geografiska Annaler 'The area/theme approach is...the main strength of this volume... high academic and practical value of this volume. it is an important contribution to the literature on rural tourism, and contains interesting original facts and analyses. The editors have done their best to present a well-structured, well-organized work...to the interested reader. The careful language and content editing is especially commendable...' Journal of Rural Cooperation

Derek Hall is Professor of Regional Development at The Scottish Agricultural College in Ayr, Lesley Roberts is Senior Lecturer in Tourism at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Morag Mitchell is a Researcher for the Rural Policy Group at The Scottish Agricultural College in Aberdeen.