OLIVE TOURISM IN RURAL AREAS. A CASE STUDY IN SPAIN

Abstract

The significant role played in recent years in different gastronomy and beverages tourism destinations has also meant a potential commitment to the development of other similar types of tourism, such as olive tourism, being creating this typology especially in Mediterranean countries where are the major producing areas of the world. The aim of this paper is to contribute to progress in the analysis of tourism demand in the field of olive tourism by presenting the results of a fieldwork in Spain. The methodology used in this research involved conducting surveys to passengers at the time of his visit to mills, olive oil interpretation centres and thematic museums related to olive oil. The results of this research indicate that tourists especially value their rural activity, the satisfaction with their visit to this destination and the relationship, in addition to agriculture activities, culture due to the important heritage elements.