Publication Date
12-2004
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Dr. Katie Algeo (Director), Dr. David Keeling, Dr. Stuart Foster, Dr. Richard Deal
Degree Program
Department of Geography and Geology
Degree Type
Master of Science
Abstract
The northern portion of Belgium, a region known as Flanders, is one of the most densely settled, industrialized areas in the world. Existing in small, isolated tracts, are "green spaces" mainly devoted to agricultural output.
The Flemish way of life and environment has become increasingly "urbanized." Tourism commissions operating in the countryside have drawn on Flemish heritage and identity, as well as the rural landscape to act as marketing tools. In terms of perception and the notion of a distinctly Flemish rural "space'" how are tourist flow patterns influenced? Does the process of perception result in an exclusive urban to rural pattern, or is there deviation (e.g. rural to rural)? Finally, what mechanisms are utilized by the tourism industry to create the demand for rural tourist activity -- is culture invented, or does an emerging Flemish identity reveal itself as part of the linguistic movement?
Disciplines
Geography | Human Geography
Recommended Citation
Thomas, Joel Stuart, "Tourism and Rural Identity in the Waasland, Belgium" (2004). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 233.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/233