This thesis was written about the impacts of tourism in rural development. The subject of the report (Development of rural tourism in Jakobstad/Pietarsaari) itself is an interesting topic. The objective of this report is to know, how tourism can help for the well-being of rural areas like Pietarsaari.

This thesis has been divided in many parts. Impact of tourism in rural development is the first part of this report. The step by step process of development of rural tourism is another part of this report. After the process of development, benefits of rural tourism as well as the SWOT analysis of rural tourism has been written in this report. In this thesis, Pietarsaari is highlighted as the main case study. How a small town like Pietarsaari can be brought up in terms of development focusing on the tourism aspects is discussed as the main issue in this thesis.

The author of this report has done the research for thesis by the help of books, e-books, websites and online materials. This report has been written using secondary method. A part of using secondary data analysis, the author also has done quantitative as well as qualitative research to get information for thesis. From these researches the author of the thesis found that there is moderate possibility of tourism in Jakobstad and for that more investment on tourism, effective marketing, public awareness, participation and proper planning is required.