Internationalization and collaborative economy biggest challenges faced by rural tourism

The General Director of Tourism, Octavi Bono, stated today that internationalization and competition of accommodation from the collaborative economy are currently the main challenges faced by the rural tourism sector in Catalonia.

In a presentation made on Thursday by the Rural Tourism Observatory, Bono pointed out that the number of rural tourism establishments has increased by 212% in Catalonia, a phenomenon that has also been seen across the rest of Spain.

Holidaymakers and travellers who seek a more rural experience, instead of a typical ‘city break’, are motivated by the unique experience they can enjoy. Couples are most willing to pay more for rural tourism, followed by families and groups of friends.

The study shows that the service provided by rural accommodation owners is one of the main advantages compared to urban tourism. One of the main disadvantages was the need for a car in order to reach more remote places.

According to the study, the typical eco-tourist who seeks a rural getaway in Catalonia is 43 years of age, and makes two rural breaks each year. Nature and cultural heritage are what rural tourists value most, according to the study.

The data provided for the study comes from 466 owners of rural establishments and 3,466 travelers.

After the Rural Tourism Observatory’s presentation, Bono also stated that the October 1 referendum does not seem to have affected tourism.

"These days, the 12 tourism offices abroad, have not detected any concerns about the demand, neither of the prescribers nor of the media."