Yan, Sitta (2023) Exploring village strolls as a potential for sustainable regional development as part of the Dutch tourism strategy ‘Perspective 2030’. Master thesis, Cultural Geography - Tourism Geography and Planning (TGP).
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Master thesis S. J. Yan.pdf Download (1MB) | Preview |
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Poster presentation Sitta Yan.pdf Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Walking tourism has great potential for sustainable regional development in marginalised areas, as it can spread out tourism away from overcrowded urban areas. Walking has countless mental, physical and social benefits for residents and tourists. This study explores the concept of ‘dorpsommetjes’ (or village strolls) and similar walks or paths, as a potential to aid the Dutch tourism strategy ‘Perspective 2030’. An important aspect of this study, is the perceptions of the villagers, the meaning of village strolls and how it connects to their village identity. The methods used are mapping of village strolls which are further analysed through transect walks. To gain even deeper knowledge and improve this research's credibility, semi-structured interviews were held with key informants. It is found that village strolls have high value for residents and tourists alike, but are lacking in accessibility and continuity as most are neglected and hard to reach. Also, concerns arose about attracting the wrong target group, which could be overcome through education. In the end, this research concludes that in theory, village strolls are suitable for the Dutch tourism strategy as they can spread out tourists and enhance sustainable regional development. The key is centralising the local community, their needs and wishes and involving them from an early stage to ensure higher satisfaction, participation, support and involvement among the local community. This study displays the positives and negatives of village strolls in the tourism strategy but also calls for further research among villagers.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Cavagnaro, E. and Schulz, K.A. and Muldoon, M.L. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Sep 2023 10:42 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Sep 2023 10:42 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/318 |
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