부산대학교 도서관

There is considerable debate about the contribution of counter-urbanization processes in the restructuring of rural areas in Europe. This paper focuses on the impact of counter-urbanization on outdoor rural activities in the context of rural development programmes, a subject on which there has been relatively little research. The participation of urban–rural migrants in new tourism developments is studied in three Spanish case studies: Girona (coastal model), Guadalajara (a very depopulated province near Madrid) and Ciudad Real (a province with a substantial number of endogenous initiatives). This microanalysis examines three main areas of concern : experiences of previous urban activity and the migration process; the main characteristics of the new businesses and their relationship with the local community; and socio-economic characteristics. The results demonstrate a stronger presence of urban–rural migrants in rural tourism activities, compared to other activities included in rural development programmes. The main reason for the urban–rural migration is the desire to be self-employed, although there are also a number of other secondary motives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]