Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna DOTTORATO DI RICERCA IN SCIENZE E TECNOLOGIE AGRARIE, AMBIENTALI E ALIMENTARI Curriculum: Cooperazione Internazionale e Politiche per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile Ciclo XXVII Settore Concorsuale di afferenza: 07/A1 Settore Scientifico disciplinare: AGR/01 Linking rural tourism to agriculture. Evidences from comparative case studies in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Presentata da: Arlinda Arënliu Coordinatore Dottorato Relatori Giovanni Dinelli Samir Sayadi Matteo Vittuari Esame finale anno 2015 1 Index 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………... 1.1 Statement of problem …………………………………………………………………………. 1.2 General statement of contribution …………………………………………………………….. 1.3 Obstacles in the research work………………………………………………………………... 2. Study rationale, research questions and methodology/research approach……………… 2.1 Broad rationale for the study………………………………………………………………….. 2.2 Research questions. Search for sustainable rural tourism in Kosovo: Can rural tourism benefit from agriculture?............................................................................................................. 2.3 Methodology.………………………………………………………………………………... 3. Rural development in the EU – multi-functionality of agriculture and challenges for sustainable development of rural areas 3.1 Key concepts: multi-functionality of agriculture, public goods, territorial capital, rural tourism and agro-tourism……………………………………………………………………………………. 3.2 Rural development policy in the EU and its evolution from agriculture production to environmental and social safeguards……………………………………………………………….. 3.3 Rural tourism in EU: an opportunity for sustainable growth and social revitalization………… 3.4 Agro-tourism: a new perspective for agriculture sustainability, local development and its development challenges…………………………………………………………………………….. 4. European experiences in building rural tourism and agriculture linkages: Illustrated by case studies of agro-tourism development in Appennino Bolognese, North Italy and Alpujarra, South Eastern Spain 4.1 Case studies……………………………………………………………………………………. 4.2 An overview of tourism development in rural areas of Italy. Agro-tourism growth and legislative framework…………………………………………………………………………... 4.3 Introduction to the study area - Appennino Bolognese, North Italy…………………………... 4.3.1 The territory and population………………………………………………………………….. 4.3.2 Agriculture production and agro-tourism in the area…………………………………………. 4.3.3 Agro-tourism promotion and the role of tourism development authorities/structures ………. 4.4 How RT developed in Spain? Agro-tourism a perspective for agriculture sustainability in rural areas of Spain……………………………………………………………………………... 4.5 Introduction to the study area - Alpujarra, South East Spain…………………………………. 4.5.1 The territory and population………………………………………………………………….. 4.5.2 Agriculture production ……………………………………………………………………….. 4.5.3 Agro-tourism development …………………………………………………………………... 4.5.4 Diversity of products and events within Alpujarran agro-tourism offer…………………….. 2 5. Rural restructuring in Kosovo – new policy approaches for agriculture and rural development 5.1 Introduction to Kosovo…………………………………………………………………………. 5.2 The status of agriculture and rural development in Kosovo……………………………………. 5.2.1 The role of agriculture and its socio-economic dimension…………………………………… 5.3 Management and implementation of the Agriculture and Rural Development Plan (ARDP) 2007-2013………………………………………………………………………………….. 5.4 ARDP 2014-2020 addressing challenges beyond agriculture production: transition or new functions for the rural areas………………………………………………………………... 5.5 Rural areas and potentials for economic development in Kosovo…………………………….. 5.6 Supporting tourism development as a tool for sustainable economic growth and development of rural areas in Kosovo: Programs and initiatives supported by donor organizations…………….. 5.6.1 Use of territorial capital: are all resources mobilized and used properly?................................. 5.6.2 Linking rural tourism to agriculture………………………………………………………….. 5.6.3 Diversity of products and services offered within rural tourism offer in Kosovo and their promotion …………………………………………………………………………………………... 5.6.4 Networking activities and role of LAGs in local development………………………………. 6. Field research- Demand for rural tourism and agro-tourism: Comparative approach between Kosovo and Appennino Bolognese and Alpujarra 6.1 Comparative analyses of demand from survey conducted in Kosovo, Appennino Bolognese in Italy and Alpujarra in Spain………………………………………………………………………… 6.1.1 Locations were surveys were conducted……………………………………………………… 6.1.2 Socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of visitors…………………………………... 6.1.3 Opinions and preferences of the visitors towards the tourist attractions, resources, goods and services in rural areas ………………………………………………………………………………. 6.1.4 Tourism and its connections to agriculture: preferred model, opinions and attitudes of visitors………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6.2 Discussion: Comparative analysis of the demand side between Kosovo and Appennino Bolognese and Alpujarra……………………………………………………………………………. 7. Conclusions of the study 7.1 Conclusions and Recommendations……………………………………………………………. 8. References Annexes Annex 1 Attended events and activities 3 Annex 2 Questionnaire for Kosovo survey in Albanian language Annex 3 Questionnaire for Kosovo survey in English language Annex 4 Questionnaire for survey in Alpujarra in Spanish language Annex 5 Questionnaire for survey in Appennino Bolognese in Italian language 4 Abstract and Keywords Rural tourism has been widely promoted in the European Union as an effective measure counteracting economic and social challenges facing rural areas especially those with declining agriculture economies. Particularly its role is seen in provision and maintenance of public goods which are more and more demanded by the public and considered in the policymaking. In Kosovo, rural tourism has been developed through the support of the international organizations and private sector initiatives, with primary aim to generate additional income for rural households and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources. Anyhow, it could be stated that the use of territorial capital to enhance the quality of the tourist offer and undertake promotion at wider circles of people has not been well explored so far, particularly possible links with agriculture that would satisfy visitors demand. In this regard this research study analyzes involvement of local stakeholders and use of territorial capital to develop tourist offer in rural areas of Kosovo. Beside, study applies comparative approach with other two areas of the European Union, Appennino Bolognese in Italy and Alpujara in Spain, to understand and compare the process of rural tourism development and demand characteristics between Kosovo and these areas. A survey has been conducted in all three study areas with rural tourism visitors to understand their preferences for public and private goods and services when visiting rural areas and the role of agriculture in sustaining rural tourism. Results show that there is a potential to link rural tourism with agriculture in Kosovo, which would help in sustaining agriculture and add additional value to local food products, which in return would enhance the tourist offer and make it more attractive for the visitors but also for the farmers as an additional revenue generating sector. Keywords: rural tourism, agriculture, public goods, territorial capital. 5 List of tables and figures TABLES Table 2.1 Kosovo Tourist Regions Table 2.2 Multiple- case study selection criteria Table 5.1 Investments in rural tourism through donor organizations Table 6.1 Distribution of respondents by survey areas in Kosovo Table 6.2 Distribution of respondents by survey areas in Italy Table 6.3 Distribution of respondents by survey areas in Spain Table 6.4 Gender of participants in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.5 The age groups of respondents in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.6 Number of family members per household in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.7 Educational status of the respondents in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.8 Nature of employment of the respondents in Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.9 Family monthly income of respondents in Kosovo (in Euros) Table 6.10 Family monthly income of respondents in Italy and Spain (in Euros) Table 6.11 Respondents‟ connections to rural areas: Have you lived at some time in a rural area? Table 6.12 Respondents‟ connections to rural areas: Is someone of your nearby relatives engaged in any activity related to the agriculture sector? Table 6.13 Respondents‟ lifestyle behaviors: Comparison between Kosovo, Italy and Spain (reported in a scale from 1-never do it to 9-always do it ) Table 6.14 Distribution of respondents according to their frequency of visits to rural areas: Comparison between Kosovo, Italy and Spain (%) Table 6.15 Duration of visit in rural areas: Comparison between Kosovo, Italy and Spain Table 6.16 Distribution of respondents according to their frequency of visits to rural areas in Kosovo by age groups Table 6.17 Distribution of respondents according to their frequency of visits to rural areas in Italy by age groups Table 6.18 Distribution of respondents according to their frequency of visits to rural areas in Spain by age groups Table 6.19 Distribution of respondents according to their reasons for visit to rural areas for tourism purpose in Kosovo Table 6.20 Distribution of respondents according