This document discusses rural tourism in Spain, focusing on greenways. It provides an introduction to rural tourism as an alternative to beach tourism, exploring nature, culture, and local activities. It then analyzes the situation of rural tourism in Spain and the region of Andalusia, noting its importance to the economy. Specifically, it examines greenways, which are converted railway lines allowing non-motorized travel through nature. An example greenway in Andalusia is described, and benefits of greenways for rural tourism development are outlined. In conclusion, networks and greenways are highlighted as ways to boost rural tourism businesses while preserving the environment.

1. RURAL TOURISM IN SPAIN
GREENWAYS
Shanti Colmenero Van der Velde

2. CONTENT
 Introduction
 Rural Tourism situation analyse: Spain and
Andalusia
 Greenways
 An example
 Conclusions
 Sources

3. INTRODUCTION
 Rural tourism is a good alternative to sun-and-
beach tourism
 Nature, history, gastronomy, culture and sports
 Asturias and Galicia
 Country or small villages
 Historical or traditionally-built buildings
 Internet

4. RURAL TOURISM: SITUATION ANALYSE
 Rural tourism is an increasingly important
activity for the European economy
 Variety of enterprises and agents involved
 Different terminology
 Values of the rural world
 Ecotourism: conservation and respect for the
environment
 Networks engaging in promotion

5. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
 Small size of rural enterprises
 Different terminology
 There are not economies of scale
 Conservation of the natural environment
 Destination image

6. ANDALUSIA: SITUATION ANALYSE
 Mature and consolidated tourism destination
 Consolidated rural tourism destination
 Alternative to traditional tourism development
 Systems of Quality Certification
 Association of Rural Hotels of Andalusia (ARHA)
 Andalusia Network of Rural Accommodation (ANRA)

7. ANDALUSIA
And Greenways...
something different

8. WHAT IS A GREENWAY?
 Railway adapted to allow travelers
 Routes for non-motorised transport
 Place to play sports and to get in contact with nature
 Social and economic development of the region
 Environmentally friendly tourism

9. GREENWAYS
 Spain: 1.700 Km
 There are 70 itineraries
 Andalusia: 278.1 Km (2008)
 Greenways passport
Sources: Spanish Railway Foundation
Greenways official web site

10. GREENWAY LOCATION
Greenway “de la Sierra” (Puerto Serrano- Pruna)

11. GREENWAY LOCATION
Source: Greenways Spain

12. GREENWAY HISTORY
 Project conceived in the 20th century
 All the stations, tunnels, and viaducts had been
built but no tracks had ever been laid
 Old train stations are nowadays hotels,
restaurants and an Interpretation Centre

13. CONCLUSIONS
 Benefits of networks:
o Development of rural tourism enterprises
o Conservation and management of the environment
o Creation of a strong rural tourist destination image
 Greenways:
o To develop rural tourism
o Different activities join to the environment
o New use to the old railways
o No seasonal problems

14. SOURCES
 http://www.ffe.es/
 Polo, Ana Isabel y Frías, Dolores. Collective
Strategies for Rural Tourism: The experience of
networks in Spain. Journal of Tourism Consumption
and Practice Volume 2 No.1 2010
 http://www.viasverdes.com/folletos/vv_sierra_folleto.
pdf
 http://www.adif.es/en_US/ocio_y_cultura/vias_verdes
/vias_verdes.shtml
 http://www.spanish-town-
guides.com/Rural_Turism_Spain.htm

15. Thank you
for your attention!