Relationship Building Process through Local Tourism Development

: A Case of Regional Rejuvenation Process by Tourism Development in Shibetsu, Hokkaido

Abstract

Tourism can be recognized as a useful tool for regional rejuvenation even in a mobile society. This study was carried out in Shibetsu, Hokkaido to illustrate effectiveness of tourism development for regional rejuvenation. The result of this study shows that tourism contributes to the establishment of regional networks. These networks have two characteristics; connecting different types of actors and consisting of horizontal links between autonomous actors. The author proposes four consecutive steps of the management process for regional rejuvenation by tourism development. These steps are 1) establishing regional networks, 2) promoting organizational learning through networks, 3) creating new activities based on regional networks, and 4) building the system for sustainable regional rejuvenation.