ESHT - DTL - Comunicações em eventos científicos
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- Sustainability perspectives of rural and urban luxury hotelsPublication . Liberato, Dália; Costa, Elga; Saraiva, Daniela; Liberato, Pedro; Rodrigues, CristinaSustainability and luxury are topics of research at an individual level, but the relationship between them is still somewhat ambiguous. Sustainability aims to protect and preserve the environment, encourages the conscious use of resources, and promotes good community involvement. Luxury, on the other hand, is considered materialistic consumption to satisfy individual pleasures, referring to the exclusive and personalized use of a product or service. Assuming this antagonistic relationship, the main objective of this study is to compare the perception and practices of sustainability in luxury hotels, both in urban and rural areas. To this end, the specific objectives are to understand the sustainability indicators and in the context of hotel operations, the behavior and receptiveness of tourists to sustainability practices in hotels (urban and rural) and to identify the obstacles faced by hotels in implementing sustainable measures. Using qualitative analysis, through semi-structured interviews with the managers/directors or representatives in charge of luxury hotels in urban and rural areas in the Northern Region of Portugal, it was also possible to gain a more detailed understanding of sustainability in luxury hotels in urban and rural areas, as well as their points of convergence and divergence. Some of the statements made in the literature review were confirmed, especially regarding the profile of tourists, who mention that their perception of sustainability differs according to their geographical location. It was also possible to confirm that many sustainable practices are not implemented in luxury hotels, not only for fear of affecting the quality of the guest experience, but, according to the data from this research, it is also mainly due to a lack of financial resources, awareness, and leadership problems.
- Sustainable tourism development: literature review for a new conceptual modelPublication . Rodrigues, Cristina; Liberato, Dália; Brandão, Filipa; Liberato, Pedro; Mendes, TeresaThis study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable tourism by developing a conceptual model that identifies twelve key dimensions crucial to this industry's sustainable development. Based on a thematic literature review, the research encompasses the sustainable principles, the triple bottom line approach, along with accessibility and infrastructure, health and safety, technology integration, effective marketing, as well as resilience and adaptability, analysed through the lens of tourism sustainability. The proposed model offers a holistic framework for guiding sustainable tourism, illustrating how different elements enhance industry sustainability. The model works as a strategic tool that guides policymakers in several dimensions, allowing them to make informed decisions that can be adapted to different contexts. Theoretical implications underscore the strategic importance of governance, awareness, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This study provides valuable insights for students, researchers, and professionals in the tourism sector, deepening their understanding of the multifaceted nature of sustainable tourism development.
- Sustainable practices in nautical tourism. The portuguese network of nautical stationsPublication . Liberato, Dália; Liberato, Pedro; Sousa, Gisela; Brandão, Filipa; Costa, Elga; Mendes, TeresaNautical tourism is a broad concept that includes rivers, lakes, and water where tourists can enjoy activities on a boat. The Nautical Stations of Portugal are a network of organizations that operate together to promote high-quality nautical tourism through the integrated valorization of resources, including accommodation, restaurants, and nautical activities, attracting tourists and other visitors. The general objective of the research is to evaluate the importance of Nautical Tourism in Sustainable Practices, using the Portuguese Nautical Station Network as a case study. The specific objectives are to analyze the relationship between the location of the Nautical Station and the dimensions of sustainability and to evaluate the relationship between social and environmental sustainability. The methods used were an exploratory interview with the Coordinator of the Network of Nautical Stations of Portugal and the application of a questionnaire service addressed to the Coordinating Entities of the Nautical Stations. The analysis of the quantitative data was carried out by establishing the relationship/association between a set of variables, using descriptive statistics. The participation of most of the nautical stations in Portugal reflects their involvement in innovative projects aimed at the sustainable and integrated development of the tourism sector in different territories and the identification of sustainable nautical activities in the Network, providing good practice for other businesses.
- European Union food geographical indication qualifications: a systematic literature review on tourism destinations’ impactsPublication . Queiroz Veiga e Mendes, Teresa Maria; Rodrigues, Cristina; Elisa Alén; Liberato, Dália; Ana Cristina SousaEuropean Union (EU) Geographical Indication (GI) qualifications represent food products quality and reputation from specific geographical origins, connected with specific food production and/ or transformation, from diversified EU territories. Several studies show that food products demand increases once they are recognized as GI products, mainly by international tourists. On the other hand, constructs such as regional gastronomic identity, food heritage, and cultural foodscapes are strengthened by these qualifications and improve tourism destinations’ (TDs) performance by means of food branding. In May 2024, a new GI regulation was introduced by the European Commission, which intends to unify and simplify registration procedures, recognize the importance of sustainable agri-food practices, and empower European food producers and consumers. Overall, EU shows that these food quality symbols can present a clear competitive advantage, concerning other international markets, thus impacting in the continuous demand for EU as the world’s leading tourism destination region. This paper delivers a systematic literature review on food tourism impacts through GI food qualifications, based on a specific articles’ selection protocol. The selected articles, analyzed through a visual bibliometric networks’ software, produced four clusters, reflecting the main food tourism strategies for destinations: Rural Development & GIs, Geographical Indications, Cultural Heritage & GIs Wine Tourism & GIs. The research showed several backlashes to this scheme, concerning impacts on TDs. Further research should be focused on GI’s tourism-related management in each EU member states’ territories and a more accurate definition on EU geo-cultural boundaries. Joint collaborations, comparative case studies, food itineraries, foodscapes’ double accreditation, but also sustainable and autonomous agricultural production for each state member could be some of the urgent academic scopes.
- A study conducted on the Tripadvisor reviews of thermal spas in Portugal and Spain. Analysis of the service model and user satisfactionPublication . Fernando Toro Sánchez; Joana A. Quintela; Liberato, DáliaThe aim of this paper is a comparative study between different thermal spas located within the countries of Portugal and Spain in order to reveal the degree of compliance with the variables that make up the SERVQUAL service model, considering the reviews registered by users on the Tripadvisor platform as the basis for the study. This study takes the texts of the reviews, decomposes them into different sentences, and subsequently associates them with each of the variables contemplated within the study model so as to obtain a more accurate association between the data source and the aforementioned study model. Results were taken from Tripadvisor reviews of Portuguese (n1 = 622) and Spanish (n2 = 529) thermal spas, and using the study model, a correlation analysis (r) combined with an unsupervised cluster study was performed to assess the relationships among various factors. The results obtained in both analyses were compared between the two countries. The findings frame the level of equilibrium that can be seen in the service model variables of the different thermal spas analysed. In this way, similarities and differences are revealed between spa users in the two countries analysed in terms of the key variables. It will be of great interest to academics interested in the study because of the methodology applied on the basis of Machine Learning on the data source of the reviews, which generates valuable information for tour operators for direct application in the design and development of tourism activities.
- Rural tourism: a case for proposing activities and experiences in a low-density regionPublication . Liberato, Dália; Pereira de Oliveira, Mónica; Elisa Alén; João Torres; Azevedo Pataco, Teresa Alexandra; Liberato, PedroRural tourism has been developing in Portugal, initially as a consequence of the pandemic, but also of new market trends, such as the demand for distinctive and authentic experiences, well-being and health, with these closely linked to the dimensions of sustainability. Tourism enterprises and companies need to keep up with these trends, modernizing while maintaining the characteristics of rural authenticity. At the same time, they must value the resources and potential of territories from a regenerative, sustainable perspective, thus promoting integrated regional development. Through an exploratory and applied study of agritourism, this research aimed to (i) evaluate and revitalize the tourist experience; (ii) promote integrated regional development and enhancement of the area under analysis, by proposing complementary activities to accommodation. The data collected through a questionnaire survey, using a quantitative approach, shows that quality agritourism generates a high tourist potential. This is due to the quality of the welcome offered to guests, the implementation of a policy of environmental sustainability and the promotion of local products and the region. Complementary services make it possible to maximize the experience by developing stimulating activities in sensory, aesthetic, intellectual and social terms, constituting an attractive strategy for both establishments and territories, and therefore also extending the stay at the destination.
- The Douro Wine Villages Project, 20 years on: the perceptions of entrepreneursPublication . Meneses, Daniela; Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Koerich, Guilherme HenriqueThe Douro Wine Villages (Aldeias Vinhateiras do Douro) project was an urban requalification project that covered five municipalities of the Douro region: Tabuaço, Alijó, Sabrosa, Tarouca and S. João da Pesqueira, based on Douro Integrated Territorial Action with objective to fortify the territorial and institutional cohesion of the Douro region, and promote and harness its internal resources while effectively structuring the regional economic system. The case study applied to Favaios Wine Village in Alijó municipality is innovative and aims to understand the effective impact of development and territorial cohesion plans from a tourism perspective and how they can positively affect the community. Based on the study’s objective, a qualitative methodology was applied and divided into two phases. In the first phase, the plans and programmes developed between the years 2000 and 2022 were observed. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with economic agents and the local community. The results indicate that despite multiple concerted efforts, there continues to be an exodus of young people, resulting in an increasingly ageing population, and a lack of skilled labour for the tourism sector was mentioned. On the other hand, new tourism-related projects are being implemented.
- MICE segment: challenges and opportunities to the tourism sectorPublication . Silva, Susana; Jardim, Catarina; Silva, Cândida; Martins, DoraBusiness and professional travel is one of the oldest forms of travel. Business tourism has grown exponentially in recent years and is seen as a huge opportunity for the sector. Specifically, MICE refer to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions that can be held to perform business tourism (Smagina, 2017). The Meetings refers to a number of events such as: daily meetings, annual meetings, or weekly meetings, which intended to add value through communication, celebrations or training activities, among others. Meetings can also vary in size. Meeting venues differ depending on participation and meeting style, ranging from formative meetings, lectures, seminars, workshops or panel discussions, presentations, or product launches (Swarbrooke & Horner, 2012). Meetings allow the ideals of organizations to be put into practice as well as communication processes between employees, customers, and other stakeholders (Davidson & Cope, 2003). Incentive trips are considered an important tool by organizations and have served as an introduction to human resource management theories, recognizing the work of employees, not in a monetary way, but in a tangible way (Swarbrooke & Horner, 2012). These trips have been used to motivate, recognize employees for their work and/or increase commitment between the organization and the employee (Pizam, 2005). Incentive trips, or corporate hospitality, have a more direct link with leisure tourism due to the strong recreational nature associated with them, in the sense of rewarding employees (Everard, 2010). The incentive market is made up of two sub-sectors: individual or group incentives. Group trips encourage team spirit and a sense of belonging with a large number of people, while individual trips focus essentially on the same objectives, but with a smaller number of people, usually up to 20 (Witt et al., 1992). These trips usually consist of an itinerary of accommodation, transportation, special events or other options that offer the participant a highly rewarding experience (Swarbrooke & Horner, 2012). As far as conferences are concerned, they comprise a wide range of professional events on a particular theme and organized with a formal structure. Conferences can be academic, commercial, or business or for another purpose, and can vary in terms of size and duration. The purpose of a conference is to address themes or issues which are then discussed, solutions identified, or advice given. A conference is an assembly that may involve discussion to establish facts and/or solve problems. Conferences have no connotation in terms of their periodicity and are usually held on a smaller scale than congresses (Sylla et al., 2015). This study aims to understand the future of MICE events in Hospitality and to comprehend what are the main challenges and opportunities to the sector with these events.
- Literary tourism: authenticity and memoryPublication . Ferreira, Ana; Oliveira, MartaThe concern with the authenticity of the tourist experience and the role of literary tourism as a proposal for the interpre-tation and enjoyment of the cultural heritage of a destination are subjects increasingly debated in tourism literature. Thegoal of this article is to contribute to this debate through a literature review focused on the role that literary tourism mayplay in the development of more original and differentiating tourism proposals which contribute to the disseminationand affirmation of the authenticity of the local heritage, preserving the memory of the past and, consequently, the localidentity. The aim was to develop a starting point for an exploratory research on the role that literary tourism plays in theenjoyment of authentic experiences between local communities, their history and tourists/visitors.
- Literary tourism: the new challenges facing the certified tourist guidePublication . Ferreira, Ana; Villares, MartaTourist Guides are one of the key players in the Travel Industry. Through their cultural knowledge and communication and relational skills, they can elevate tourists’ visits to a level of experience and knowledge. Literary tourism is a growing trend in tourism activity that demands new skills from the Tourist Guides. They are asked to be cultural facilitators/mediators and interpreters of the work and of the tourist site, contributing to the tourist experience, giving importance to the writer, his legacy, and the host community. In this way we consider that it is also in this type of tourism that the challenges faced by the tourist guide are felt. Based on these assumptions, this study aims to present the perception of the tourist guide on the impacts of literary tourism in their activity, namely identifying the needs for training and adaptation of the tourist guide to meet the needs of this product and contribute to the enhancement and promotion of literary heritage. The analysis of the results obtained from a questionnaire carried out to a significant sample of Tourist Guides allows us to state, as tourism players, that the Tourist Guides recognize the importance of the dissemination and promotion of literary tourism and are interested in expanding their knowledge and adapting their practises to meet the needs of this type of tourism.