ABSTRACT
In the complex world of global tourism, the primary emphasis is on metropolitan areas, where mass tourism generates large economic benefi ts, both for the community and for the businesses involved. Often rural communities get ignored with respect to tourism development. Rural locales are often seen as areas too diffi cult or too expensive to develop or market. There are certainly many exceptions to this view, such as exotic lodges, beautiful resorts, and unique bed and breakfast properties in rural locations. For the most part rural areas in much of the world are somewhat neglected with respect to tourism development in general, and specifi cally in terms of sustainability. This chapter will discuss many of the problems of tourism development and sustainability in rural environments and then present principles and practices to help mitigate some of the diffi culties in these areas. While the chapter relies heavily on information about rural tourism in the United States, much of the research in this regard is apropos of other parts of the world as well.
