On 15-17 July, LCSS IERD researchers presented the interim results of the project "Sustainable Rural Development via Recreational Trails" at the 11th Sustainable Development Conference (SDC2025) in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.
The Institute's researchers gave the presentation on "Trail-related tourism and rural community economic growth: a review of empirical literature", which analysed how recreational trails can contribute to regional development and economic community empowerment.
Recreational trails support diverse tourism activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, and horseback riding. While trail-related tourism (TRT) has gained academic and policy development interest, its economic impact is often studied at the national level, overlooking local rural contexts. Yet, rural communities are key beneficiaries and need targeted support to meet demand and achieve economic resilience. This study reviews literature from 1994 to 2024 using Scopus, applying systematic review and bibliometric analysis to explore how TRT contributes to rural economic empowerment. The analysis identifies two main themes. First, endogenous factors –accommodation, food services, transport, and guided tours – are essential for minimizing economic leakage and retaining value locally. Second, exogenous factors such as economic education and land ownership are equally crucial, showing that external investments can complement local initiatives. Together, these dynamics position TRT as a catalyst for sustainable rural development by enhancing livelihoods, attracting investment, and preserving culture.
The conference convened scholars and professionals from 22 countries. This interdisciplinary scientific forum brought together scholars, practitioners, and NGOs’ representatives from across the world to discuss strategies for achieving sustainability through innovative research and practice. The conference provided a valuable space for academic exchange, networking, and collaboration on topics such as climate change, sustainable cities, green economies, economies for life (regenerative economies, solidarity and cooperative economies, peasant economies, community economies, “other economies” such as indigenous and Afro-descendant economies) and community resilience. The participation not only contributed to the global dialogue on sustainable development but also strengthened international visibility for Lithuanian research in the fields of rural policy and tourism economics.
This project has received funding from the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT), agreement No S-MIP-24-43.
Project duration: September 2024 – August 2027
Project team: Dr. Goda Lukoševičiūtė goda.lukoseviciute@ekvi.lt
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė vitalija.simonaityte@ekvi.lt
Dr. Erika Ribašauskienė erika.ribasauskiene@ekvi.lt