The development of the rural areas, such as most municipalities in the Portugal`s interior, are completely dependent on the maintenance and retention of their population and valorization of their activities. In many cases the tourism can be the main alternative for that dynamic. The consequences for those areas, their economy (namely in the agricultural sector and wine production) and territories are evident.

In this special issue these conceptions will be presented, and the dependency of this various domains will be demonstrated. It`s related to territorial sustainability. Based for the most part on direct and indirect employment generated by tourism, it will be shown its role and that of other functions, in the maintenance and enhancement of the landscape, preserving the tourist use and at the same time the local demographic contingent. These aspects are crucial and can demonstrate a multidimensional view of the rural tourism. It`s pretended to receive several contributions and perspectives around these social, economic, and environmental/landscape factors to the development processes.

Tourism is one of the main alternatives to promote a sustainable development process in rural areas.

The primary goal of this special issue is to give examples for the previous statement. We invite contributions that explore the tourism activities, with particular interest in the sustainable conceptions for the rural development processes.

Types of articles welcomed: Original research articles, review articles, case studies, etc..

Through this special issue, we aim to demonstrate with several theoretical and case studies, the importance of tourism activity in the rural areas. We welcome researchers from various disciplines to provide interdisciplinary perspectives on development. Your contributions will play a crucial role in advancing knowledge in this field.