Post redactado por Elsa Rodríguez Felipe (co-fundadora de Pueblos Remotos)
The rural world is the perfect setting to implement a sustainable tourism development model based on environmental, social, and economic respect. The protection and conservation of the environment we are visiting is key to this type of tourism, as is the well-being of the local community living in these areas. Equally important is the profitability of the model; that is, it must be sustainable in the long term. Furthermore, the involvement and commitment of local stakeholders are fundamental if we want it to endure and generate a positive socio-economic impact on the destination.
Rural landscape of the island of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands. Photograph by Envato Elements.
There are many reasons why we should choose this sustainable model, which prioritizes quality, exclusivity, and authenticity, versus a mass tourism model governed by mediocrity, quantity, and a lack of originality. For us, the five key reasons why we should promote sustainable tourism in rural areas are the following:
1) Returning to our roots. The land provides us with what we need to live and sets the pace; nature is in charge. In the countryside, there is no rush; instead, tranquility prevails, what is now known as "slow life." We need to escape those cities full of noise, traffic, and the constant hustle and bustle to reconnect with ourselves, with our essence, and with the meaning of being in the here and now. Going for walks, breathing fresh air, hugging trees, listening to the sounds of birds and leaves are just some of the activities that will help us appreciate the rural world.
2) The connection between people. Traveling allows us to visit countless places, learn about different cultures, and immerse ourselves in new adventures. However, we rarely manage to truly connect with the people who live there, understand their businesses or way of life, learn their stories—in short, become part of their daily lives. The foundation of sustainable tourism lies in these connections, allowing visitors to integrate into the community, contributing their part while simultaneously taking away a wonderful experience. Synergies prevail—this collaboration between people, both those who are part of the local community and those who are just passing through.
3) The creation of tourism products. The tourism sector's value chain is very broad and cross-cutting, and many stakeholders in rural areas are unaware that their activity can be considered tourism-related. Sustainable tourism development allows for innovation, diversification, and the creation of new experiences for visitors to rural areas without losing the authenticity of what is being offered. A very simple example is an organic farm, dedicated to growing different fruits and vegetables, that begins to organize sustainable seedling workshops. Opening its doors and welcoming visitors ("tourists") by offering them authentic experiences is the creation of a tourism product.
Sustainable seedbed workshop with Finca La Costa during Icod Remoto. Photograph by Teddy Murphy.
4) Empowering local entrepreneurs. Most businesses or projects in rural areas are family-run or sole proprietorships. When a sustainable tourism model is implemented, they become visible, their existence and the value of their work are communicated to the world. They begin to collaborate with other local stakeholders in similar situations, synergies emerge, and they feel empowered because they no longer have to struggle alone. There is strength in unity, and it is what allows us to go further.
5) Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of sustainable tourism in rural areas contributes positively to achieving most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, especially the following:
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SDG 8 “Decent work and economic growth”, fostering entrepreneurship, especially among young people, providing access to and creating new employment opportunities, diversifying economic sectors and reducing youth unemployment and brain drain.
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SDG12 “Responsible production and consumption”, supporting agroecological production, prioritizing family farming that manages its operations in a sustainable way and raising awareness about the importance of buying local products, as close as possible.
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SDG 17 “Partnerships”, involving local administrations to generate effective public-private partnerships and enhancing collaborations between rural businesses in a horizontal manner.
At Pueblos Remotos, we have designed a model that promotes these five basic aspects. Each edition carefully considers the criteria of what we call "Connected Rurality," which fosters connection with: the environment, ourselves, other people like us, the local community, and the world at large, through the use of new technologies and digitalization.
Our goal is to create a meeting place for visitors and local stakeholders, a space for knowledge transfer and the exchange of experiences that will last over time, and above all, a place where we can give voice and visibility to all those rural projects and initiatives striving to make this world a better place. When the passion for caring for the environment, benefiting local communities, and generating profitable long-term projects come together, that's where sustainable tourism development finds its place and should remain.
