Tourism as a possible means of development of the disadvantaged settlements, on the example of Ópusztaszer village

Abstract

Nowadays, rural areas are characterized by economic and social crisis phenomena such as emigration, aging, difficulties in generation change in agriculture and exclusion on the periphery. An alternative source of income could be a solution for reducing and solving problems which in the countryside the development of tourism means. The tourism contributes to the creation of new jobs, therefore increases the rural employment and also supports the local cultural and natural heritage. Because of the arriving tourists the range of services can be expanded that the locals can also enjoy. Furthermore local products can be sold locally, resulting in a shorter supply chain with all its benefits. Reducing unemployment, expanding services and incomes for the local people can help raise the living standards and maintain the rural way of life. In our study, we examined the touristic offers of Ópusztaszer, and in connection with this, we prepared a SWOT analysis to assess the local tourism potential.