Current Issue

BUILDING GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN FOR RURAL TOURISM DURING AND AFTER COVID-19

Chen-Ying Yen

Department of Hospitality Management, Meiho University

23, Pingguang Rd., Neipu, Pingtung County 91202, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

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Wei-Shuo Lo*

Department of Hospitality Management, Meiho University

23, Pingguang Rd., Neipu, Pingtung County 91202, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

*Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study aims to explore how to implement the green supply chain into rural tourism for sustainable development of local community during and after Covid-19. The conceptual framework of green supply chain provides a systematic approach to uncertainties from upstream to downstream of destination. The proposed framework was constructed through a case study of 13 local rural communities in southwest Taiwan. The results showed that when local communities developed rural tourism as a recovery strategy, the community obtained opportunities for sustainable development. However, local communities faced serious problems, such as agricultural production and marketing and young people leaving. Sustainable rural development can help address physical and mental health issues associated with COVID-19. Green-care elements within communities involve two critical resources for developing rural tourism, namely tangible resources such as agricultural foods and beverages, natural landscapes, and historical heritage, and intangible resources, such as slow lifestyle and cultural festivals. 

Keywords: Sustainable Tourism. Agriculture; COVID-19; green supply chain; recovery strategy; rural tourism; sustainable development.