Role of agritourism in the develment of small cities

Abstract

This article examines the role of agritourism as a strategic instrument for the sustainable development of rural areas and small cities. Through a comparative analysis of established models in Western Europe (Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Ireland), key success factors are identified, including policy integration, community-centric development, quality certification, and the formation of collaborative local networks. The study employs a qualitative methodology based on a comprehensive review of secondary sources to contrast these European benchmarks with the emerging agritourism sector in Russia. The analysis reveals significant potential for agritourism to address chronic rural challenges in Russia, such as youth outmigration, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, by leveraging authentic experiences and synergy with existing tourism flows. However, the sector faces substantial hurdles, including an underdeveloped regulatory framework and a lack of professionalization. The paper concludes that for Russia, the path forward lies not in imitation but in the contextual adaptation of international principles. This requires creating a supportive legal and financial ecosystem, investing in local capacity building, and fostering integrated rural tourism clusters to transform agritourism from a niche activity into a catalyst for integrated socio-economic revitalization.