Özet:

The relationship of information and communication technologies with tourism has been become intense in the entire process from pre-travel to post-travel. This phenomenon, which previously showed its effect mostly in urban destinations, has begun to gain a place in rural areas as a result of the successful applications of sharing economy platforms, the search for solutions for the stalemates of the local economy and the changing tourist profile. The subject and purpose of this study is based on the symbiotic relationship of the sharing economy with tourism and on theoretical evaluations in rural areas-rural tourism. In this context, the opportunities and risks that the sharing economy may bring in the countryside are emphasized. This qualitative article is an action research designed on a thematic review and relational analysis. The data obtained from the literature are integrated in a flow from general to specific and from theory to examples. According to the findings, the growth of the sharing economy in rural areas will continue with its various dimensions. This situation may create numerous social and economic opportunities for rural tourism (bringing new functions to idle structures, providing jobs, income and awareness of local heritage conservation, socializing those living in disadvantaged areas, etc.) as well as some risks (legal problems, unfair competition, discrimination, etc.). Rural tourism, together with the sharing economy in a holistic structure, will have to go beyond traditional in terms of services and activities, organization, promotion and marketing and go through a new structuring process.

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