Transformation of the Rural Space in Israel and Its Implications on Rural Tourism

In the last two decades the rural space in Israel has changed in economic, social and environmental terms. The changes are attributed to trends and processes common to many developed economies: an increase in the intensity of production, worsening of terms of trade and decline in the importance of agriculture, decreased government support to agricultural production and uburbanization of the countryside. A major development trend is related to changes in agricultural land uses – accompanied by a transformation in the occupation pattern towards pluriactivity – including the penetration of non-agricultural activities. Within this strategy tourism ased activities have become very common particularly in the peripheral areas. Under these circumstances, the future role of rural areas, in national development, including development of tourism infrastructure, has become a subject of debate among policy makers, professionals and rural dwellers. The inability of all players to put forward a clear-cut and integrated rural policy, have led private interests to influence the development process and to expand tourism activities according to their own interests.