Paper short abstract:

This paper aims at investigating the tangible and intangible changes occurred in traditional rural settlements in the Mediterranean context as a result of sustainable tourism–led rural regeneration initiatives.

Paper long abstract:

The built vernacular heritage in rural areas is a significant product of a community. It is a fundamental representative of the social and cultural traditions and a bridge between local people and the continuity of their past. It is a direct source of pride of all peoples. Rural heritage is a unique attraction for both local and foreign tourists. It is an opportunity to remember the authentic life style within contemporary rural context. Therefore it is inevitable to try protecting both physical (architectural) and socio-cultural concepts in rural settlements in order to conserve cultural and architectural traditions for a more sustainable future.

The aim of this study is to investigate the changes of tangible and intangible values in the traditional rural settlements after sustainable tourism-led rural regeneration initiatives have been implemented. The methods of achieving this information are to analyze in-depth cases in the Mediterranean rural villages where a sustainable tourism initiative has been undertaken. Analysing the completed projects aims at helping understand the principles, and process as well as the final outcomes of such schemes on the local setting especially on the individuals.

Through the findings, the research intends to establish a broader understanding and awareness of the dynamic between the different disciplines that contribute to the whole process such as sociology, economy, and tourism besides historic conservation and the politics of rural regeneration.