Home, escape and identity: Rural cultures and sustainable tourism

Tourism is an increasingly significant part of contemporary culture. This paper weaves new ideas in the theoretical interpretation of tourism, culture, and the environment together with a discussion of how sustainable tourism might be distinguished from other forms of tourism in rural areas. It examines the ways in which tourism development engages with the people who live and work in the countryside and their heritage. Finally, initial suggestions are made about a new approach, which could be used in Western Ireland. Informed theory is used to understand observed reality to provide a base for practical application.