RURAL TOURISM IN SOUTHERN GERMANY

A literature review reveals a multitude of different ideas as to what constitutes rural tourism. A model is suggested that places farm, rura l, and non-urban tourism into context. Based on a survey ol rural oper ators and tourists in Southern Germany, several aspects of rural touri sm are discussed. The main market segments are Families with children and older couples, and their main activities are excursions to attract ions outside the region. Inexpensive accommodation appears to be a maj or incentive to choose the region as an excursion-base. Although touri sm is frequently suggested to farmers as a panacea, this study indicat es that farm tourism provides only a small side-income, partly because of legal limitations.