Theme Group on Tourism
The theme group of tourism has been in operation for 16 years. It has taken the development work of rural tourist industry into a more systematic direction; programmaticity and sustainability have increased on all levels. Tourism is the trend-setter for the new, industrial role of rural areas as places of services and prosperity.
The theme group of tourism has developed a strong role within the changing field of tourism in integrating national development and resources, and safeguarding continuity in the development processes. It also functions as the national point of contact of communication within rural tourism. The theme group is constantly looking for new signals from, for example, various strategies and programmes that support rural tourism, which it then refines to suit the purposes of practical development.
The potential of tourism as a rural industry has not yet been fully exploited. In some areas, tourism is practically the only option of retaining the vitality of the area. In sparsely populated rural areas, the attraction factors strengthening in force (clean nature, space and stillness) and the operational environment are at their best. It is, therefore, justified to continue supporting the reinforcement of rural industries. The theme group is needed to increase programmability, to create sustainability, and to integrate local, regional and national development work.
Tasks of Rural tourism Theme Group