Impacts and Challenges in Agritourism Development in Yunnan, China

Abstract

Agritourism has received increasing attention in academic literature as it has been widely promoted both in developed and developing countries. Based upon an empirical study in a rural village in Yunnan, China, this study examines the impacts of agritourism on an ethnic community and discusses the challenges faced by residents who are attempting to improve their livelihoods through tourism. A qualitative study of selected households indicates positive experiences both economically and socioculturally. Agritourism has not only provided a supplementary income and new employment opportunities to the rural community, but has also increased the conservation of the environment and appreciation of minority cultures and rural lifestyle. However, the development of agritourism is facing a number of challenges, and government aid is needed to support farming families establishing and operating tourism enterprises.