Advancing Rural Tourism in Adjara: Key Projects and Strategic Approaches

  • Nino Khakhubia Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia
  • Giorgi Gogitidze Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia
  • Jumber Shainidze Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia
  • Sophio Lazishvili Grigol Robakidze University, Georgia
  • Lela Goguadze Department of Tourism and Resorts of Adjara, Georgia
Keywords: Rural tourism, projects, development strategies, communities, authentic experiences

Abstract

This article explores the development of rural tourism in general, the evolution of its definition, and its connection to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on key projects and strategies that have driven the growth of this sector in the Adjara region. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and traditional agricultural practices, Adjara has become a significant destination for rural tourism. The study highlights various initiatives and community-based tourism projects supported by governmental and international organisations. The findings suggest that rural tourism offers local communities economic opportunities and contributes to cultural heritage preservation and environmental sustainability.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

PlumX Statistics

References

1. Lane B., (1994). "What is Rural Tourism?" - Journal of Sustainable Tourism magazine, Volume 2, Issue 1-2.
2. Roberts L. and Hall D.R., (2001). Rural Tourism and Recreation: Principles to Practice. Cabi Publication.
3. Sharpley R., Sharpley J. (1995). Rural Tourism: An Introduction. International Thomson Business Press.
4. Setiawan Priatmoko S., Kabil M., Akaak A., Lakner Z., Gyuricza C., Dénes Dávid L., (2023). Understanding the Complexity of Rural Tourism Business: Scholarly Perspective.
5. Milicevic S., Dordevic N., Mandaric M., (2024). Rural Tourism: Empowering Rural Development.
6. Yang L., (2024). Development of Rural Tourism in China in the Context of Rural Revitalization
7. Gallo N., Vicent L., Trillo D., (2024). Digitalisation and rural tourism development in Europe.
8. Li Y., Ismail M.A., Aminuddin A.M. (2024). How has rural tourism influenced the sustainable development of traditional villages? A systematic literature review – Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 4, February 29, 2024.
9. Sachaleli N., (2023). Sustainability As A Competitive Advantage In Rural Tourism Development
10. Gogitidze G., Nadareishvili N., Piranashvili M., (2023). Assessment of the resource potential for the family hotels in the mountain zone of Adjara – ESAA II. International Eurasian Social Sciences and Arts Symposium.
11. Gogitidze G., Piranashvili M., Turmanidze G., Khakhubia N., (2024). The development of the family hotels trend in mountainous Adjara - ESAA II. International Eurasian Social Sciences and Arts Symposium.
12. Gogitidze G., (2022). Attitudes of the Residents Towards the Tradition of Hospitality in the Mountainous Region of Adjara – Economics, Volume 104, Issue 4-5, 2022.
13. World Tourism Alliance Case Studies in Rural Revitalization: How Forgotten Areas Became Thriving Tourist Hotspots | WTM Global Hub (2021).
14. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): https://sdgs.un.org/goals
15. European Federation of Rural Tourism: https://www.ruraltour.eu/
16. Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: https://tourism-villages.unwto.org/en/news/unwto-names-its-best-tourism-villages-2023/
17. Tourism Product Development Agency: https://visitajara.com/en
18. Tourism Product Development Agency: https://infoajara.com/en
19. Batumi Birdwatching Festival: https://batumibirdfest.com/en
20. International Rural Tourism Conference:
https://batumiruralconf.com/home
Published
2025-03-15
How to Cite
Khakhubia, N., Gogitidze, G., Shainidze, J., Lazishvili, S., & Goguadze, L. (2025). Advancing Rural Tourism in Adjara: Key Projects and Strategic Approaches. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 21(39), 301. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2025.v21n39p301