Abstract：

This study examines the group characteristics of informal workers in China's rural tourism sector, a rapidly expanding yet understudied segment of the labor force. Based on a literature review and empirical fieldwork in Shandong Province, the research identifies a distinct profile: the workforce is predominantly elderly and female, possesses generally low but stratified educational attainment, and is overwhelmingly composed of individuals with local rural household registration. These characteristics are not random but are shaped by deep-seated socioeconomic structures, including rural-urban migration patterns, traditional gender roles, and regional educational disparities. The findings reveal that these workers are a double-edged sword for sustainable development: they provide essential services, maintain cultural authenticity, and bolster local livelihoods, but also face challenges related to service quality, social protection, and equitable governance. The study concludes that a nuanced understanding of this group's composition is critical for formulating targeted policies that can effectively integrate informal employment into a sustainable and inclusive future for rural tourism.

Key Words：

rural tourism; informal workers; group characteristics