Keywords:
Rural regeneration, literary tourism, youth
Rural regeneration: rural areas represents around 80% of the EU territory and are home for around 30% of the European population. Most of rural areas are facing challenges like a shrinking and ageing population, a lack of good quality services, and a higher risk of poverty compared to urban areas. Rural areas are also performing worse than urban areas in a number of indicators e.g. in education or GDP level. Still, rural areas can be places for innovation and for vibrant communities. Their potential is often underestimated and literary tourism in rural areas is a little explored area in research. Literary tourism may create jobs, attract and retain young people and regenerate rural areas if rightly valorised through vision, strategy and planning.
