Purpose

This paper aims to provide an understanding of residents' perceptions of how tourism activity in a rural area impacts their environment as well as their economic and social lives individually and as a community.

Design/methodology/approach

As a primary method of data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 residents in the rural areas of Cyprus.

Findings

The study's findings suggest that tourism activity in the rural areas provides a plethora of opportunities to residents, but comes with challenges and threats. Both social and environmental impacts are mainly for the benefit of the local communities as the engine of development. Emphasis is given to the revival of the local culture with the emergence of small and medium enterprises, along with the motivation of younger populations and women to become active entrepreneurs. However, a more holistic approach should be taken to sustainable tourism development in Cyprus, ensuring that all local communities have an opportunity to develop small-scale niche tourism products that enhance the image of rural destinations and which become a source of pride for the residents.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by enhancing knowledge of the relationship between tourism and local rural communities. Shedding light on residents' perceptions by evaluating social and environmental impacts can guide government policy making and implementation.

中文翻译：

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居民对乡村旅游的环境和社会影响的看法

目的

本文旨在了解居民对农村地区旅游活动如何影响他们的环境以及他们个人和社区的经济和社会生活的看法。

设计/方法/方法

作为数据收集的主要方法，对塞浦路斯农村地区的 20 名居民进行了半结构化访谈。

发现

研究结果表明，农村地区的旅游活动为居民提供了大量机会，但也伴随着挑战和威胁。社会和环境影响主要是为了当地社区的利益，作为发展的引擎。随着中小型企业的出现，以及年轻人和女性成为积极企业家的动力，强调了当地文化的复兴。然而，塞浦路斯的可持续旅游业发展应采取更全面的方法，确保所有当地社区都有机会开发小规模的利基旅游产品，以提升乡村目的地的形象，并成为居民的骄傲。

原创性/价值

该研究通过增强对旅游业与当地农村社区之间关系的了解，为文献做出了贡献。通过评估社会和环境影响来阐明居民的看法可以指导政府政策的制定和实施。