Rail trail development: a conceptual model for sustainable tourism

Notwithstanding the contemporary significance of rail trails as recreational and tourism assets, studies focusing particularly on these multi-use trails have been sparse. This paper presents a contribution to this gap, proposing a model of rail trails as tourism products in an attempt to provide a conceptual basis for rail trail management, planning and research. Examining the Otago Central Rail Trail using this model indicates a potential for rail trails to be established as sustainable tourism products and assets to the adjacent communities. We conclude that the model, despite its limitations, provides useful information that may help managers to better understand and further develop the benefits derived from rail trails.