Importance Whereas rural areas face aggravating challenges, it is necessary to find alternative sources for increasing the living standard of rural population and develop rural infrastructure. Rural tourism can become one of possible ways to develop non-agricultural activities there. Objectives The research determines the conditions and factors for making competitive tourism product in rural areas for cultural, educational, ecological, adventure, hunting, fishing, rural, agricultural and sport tourism in line with natural, recreational, cultural and historical background of the regions, and regulation of anthropogenic effects. Methods Using a SWOT analysis, I analyzed weaknesses and strengths of the tourism development in rural areas, its opportunities and circumstances, which have a strong adverse effect on the industry. Results I identified natural, recreational, cultural and historical capabilities of the regions, challenging issues of development, and set up goals for forming a competitive tourism product in rural areas. Conclusions and Relevance Dedicated policies, which are supported with resources, may help eliminate most weaknesses and generate a competitive product. As a result of the industry development, tax revenues will increase at each fiscal levels, and indicators of natural, recreational, cultural and historical capabilities of the regions will improve.
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