Sustainability Challenges and Drivers of Cross-Border Greenway Tourism in Rural Areas

Tatjana Tambovceva, Dzintra Atstaja, Maria Tereshina, Inga Uvarova and Agita Livina
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Tatjana Tambovceva: Institute of the Civil Engineering and Real Estate Economics, Riga Technical University, Kalnciema str. 6-213, LV1048 Riga, Latvia
Dzintra Atstaja: Department of Management, BA School of Business and Finance, Valdemara str.161, LV1013 Riga, Latvia
Maria Tereshina: Department of Public Policy and Public Administration, Kuban State University, Stavropolskaya str. 149, 350040 Krasnodar, Russia
Inga Uvarova: Department of Management, BA School of Business and Finance, Valdemara str.161, LV1013 Riga, Latvia
Agita Livina: Institute of Social, Economic and Humanities Research, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Cesu str. 4, LV4201 Valmiera, Latvia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 15, 1-26

Abstract: This article provides a practical example of the development of cross-border tourism and its link to achieving sustainable development goals. Greenways (GWs) are successful and recognized initiatives in Western Europe, but have recently also shown development trends in Eastern Europe, notably, in the Baltic Sea Region and Russia. These initiatives improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for sustainable economic activities for the local communities, especially in rural areas, adding value to their natural, cultural, historical and human heritage. The authors studied examples of best practice in scientific literature and practice, encouraging the development of cross-border tourism and GWs in Europe and Russia, in order to further adapt it to other continents. Analyzing the environmental, economic, social and institutional factors in the region and their role in sustainable development, the need for institutional regulation that would allow the development of a wider development of GWs is identified. Research results reveal sustainable development dilemmas of positive socioeconomic effects of GWs and negative environmental effects of increased flows of tourists. Focus groups and expert interviews allowed us to assess the level of various factors contributing to sustainable development and clarify the directions of the future research.

Keywords: greenway; rural areas; sustainability; resources; tourism; EU; Russia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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