The potential of rural tourism development in the azores islands from the perspective of public administration and decision-makers

Abstract

Regional planning policies are an essential instrument for allowing the local inhabitants' necessary life quality standards. Those planning tools support future living prosperity in that territory, encouraging the ending of spatial and social inequalities as an incentive instrument for the so-desired sustainable development. Thereby, this paper aims to analyze the Public Administration and Decision-Makers' opinions concerning the Potential of Rrural Tourism Development in the Azores Islands. We used an exploratory methodology, which enabled to assess those perceptions. Consequently, it was possible to understand that the public administration's role in fostering and coordinating rural tourism is pivotal for this activity's continued sustained growth. Besides, throughout this study, it was possible to understand that regional development has been decisive and has decidedly influenced the local population. The research also recognizes that are many advantages in this typology of tourism for local communities-i.e., job creation or stimulating the local economy, are just a few examples.