Rural tourism opportunity spectrum: linking people and landscape for spatial planning

The aim of the study was to develop a low-cost method for tourism opportunity spectrum evaluation in rural landscapes. The method uses the geographic information system (GIS) for spatial analysis of the problem. Open source materials are used in the evaluation. Three principal indices derived from spatial data are evaluated: attraction index, view index, and access index. These form the basis for tourism suitability and opportunity spectrum evaluation. The analysis is realized for two types of tourists: those using cars, and hikers. The method permits the current state of tourism to be identified, and points out possible ways for further development as well as identifying valuable but overexploited zones which should be conserved. The obtained results can improve the sustainable management of landscapes and enhance the profits of rural areas.