Responsible Tourism at a Rural Cultural Landscape: Opportunity or Threat?

The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its agricultural stone structures and water systems, faces economic challenges due to declining rural activities and over-reliance on mass tourism. While tourism drives the island's economy, its benefits largely bypass local landowners, creating disparities. The study proposes that fostering proximity and slow food concepts, combined with traditional agricultural practices, can enhance economic viability for small farms while preserving the cultural landscape's authenticity. It highlights the need for community-driven decision-making and sustainable tourism models to balance economic growth with heritage conservation. Insights from a family-owned olive oil production business demonstrate how integrating agriculture with tourism can revitalize local economies without compromising tradition.

Deya, B. (2019). Responsible Tourism at a Rural Cultural Landscape: Opportunity or Threat? University of Massachusetts Amherst. https://doi.org/10.7275/8HZH-TZ51