Sustainable rural tourism has started to develop recently in Estonia and other Baltic states. However, the tourism sectors of these countries focus primarily on mass tourism (mostly SPA- and wellness sector, but also beer festivals, corporate holiday camps, car races etc.). The ideology of sustainable nature-friendly tourism and “green” eco-tourism has so far been overshadowed by the supporters of mass tourism. Estonia (venue of the Summer University, Saaremaa Island included) as well as other Baltic and Nordic countries, has versatile wildlife rich in plant/ animal/bird/insect species many of which are rare. We have intact nature areas, national parks, bird sanctuaries and other protected areas awaiting eco-friendly visitors and conscientious tourism developers.  The potential of sustainable rural tourism is largely unused in Baltic countries. An international summer university facilitates application of international expertise and exchange of ideas, good practices and methodology in this multi-discipline area.  It also enables to bring together students with different backgrounds and cultures, creates synergy of cooperation and supports networking and cooperation between universities and colleges training tourism specialists. 

The 12-day-long summer university course in Saaremaa Island, on 3-14 august 2009 (10 days of which contained learning) combined 3-4 hours of  theoretical lectures and seminars conducted by international teachers, followed by group assignments and discussions, expert panels and round-table discussions, field-trips, guided tours and excursions, familiarization trips, practical hands-on training and classes.