ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the most important contemporary engines of the development of rural tourism, agritourism and related types of tourism, that is: urbanisation and the development of metropolitan areas. It aims to highlight present and forthcoming trends in the development of rural tourism, agritourism, ecotourism, food tourism and nature tourism in metropolitan areas. The book provides definitions and theoretical knowledge concerning the development of different types of tourism in the metropolitan commuter belt. It examines and determines key phenomena and challenges for rural tourism, agritourism, food tourism and nature tourism products arising from urbanisation and the development of metropolitan areas. The book explains how public and private resources can be combined to achieve synergy in tourism promotion. It analyses major economic, social, market and managerial aspects.
