This book reviews the theory and practice of tourism and recreation in rural areas in Europe. Including numerous case studies , 9 chapters cover: the changing nature of recreation and tourism provision in rural areas; the emergence of sustainability in the development debate; the different levels of policy influencing recreation and tourism development, and emphasizing the connectedness between local and global processes; the role and influence of the local community in recreation and tourism; changing patterns of tourism consumption; the changing nature of tourism supply; and the processes relating to the convergence of supply and demand.

Agritourism has emerged as a viable financial option for many farms and ranches. Since the publication of the first edition of Agritourism and Nature Tourism, the landscape has changed as counties and local governments incorporate agritourism into their local plans. This new edition builds on the concepts of the first, and adds updated information on regulations, risk management, and new marketing trends.

Recent years have witnessed a change from the passive, low key use of rural areas for recreation to the explosion of tourism as a highly active and dominant agent of change and control in the countryside and associated rural communities. This book considers the effects of rural recreation and tourism with special reference to: * the economics of rural restructuring * public sector rural policies * imaging and reimaging * the social dynamics of rural change * sustainability of tourism and recreation in rural areas Contemporary reflections of each of these issues are brought together by Richard Butler, C. Michael Hall and John Jenkins from experts in Australasia, North America and Europe. The book provides a critical evaluation of the enthusiasm and promotion given to this growth industry by government and private bodies, and examines opportunities and challenges associated with the development and management of tourism in a rural environment.