The role of tourism in sustainable rural development: A multiple case study in rural Taiwan

Chang, Jung-Chen (2011). The role of tourism in sustainable rural development: A multiple case study in rural Taiwan. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis adopts an integrated tourism research approach to investigate the role of tourism in sustainable rural development. It identifies what the key ingredients of sustainable rural tourism development (SRTD) could be, which include an effective policy framework, good partnerships between stakeholders and a strong connection between tourism and local resources. A qualitative approach is adopted in investigating the cases of the Puli, Yuchih, and Renai townships in Taiwan, and the investigation focuses on three key concepts of policy, partnership and place (3Ps). Several issues emerged from the investigation. Due to dependence on central government support, the public-private partnership appears problematic; however, the strong level of business support networks and community organisations engaging in tourism strengthens local initiative in promoting sustainable development. The effects of tourism on local development are perceived as having more positive outcomes than negative ones, even though, the contribution of tourism to SRTD is still considered limited due to the scale of the rural decline problem it is trying to address. The influential correlations between policy, partnership, and place that emerged from the empirical findings evidently support the 3 Ps integrated tourism concept proposed by this research. This provides a more realistic and holistic understanding of tourism in rural areas. The thesis contributes to the literature by introducing the 3 Ps integrated tourism concept, and empirically, through the case studies, it also contributes to the understanding of current rural tourism development in an East Asian context.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):