Rural Tourism Development in the Philippines: Balancing Economic Growth with Ecological and Socio-Cultural Sustainability

This descriptive study investigated the perceived impacts and challenges of rural tourism in Surigao del Norte, Philippines. A survey of 400 stakeholders from 20 municipalities was conducted to assess perceptions regarding economic, socio-cultural, and ecological capital. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and chi-square tests and z-tests were employed to analyze differences between demographic groups and correlations between perceived impacts and challenges. The findings revealed a predominantly positive perception of rural tourism's impacts on all three forms of capital, with significant benefits identified in job creation, investment attraction, cultural exchange, and environmental conservation. However, challenges related to infrastructure, business support, environmental protection, and community involvement were also highlighted, with perceptions of economic challenges varying significantly among stakeholder categories. This research contributes valuable insights for the development of sustainable and inclusive rural tourism strategies in the region.