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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Tourism is widely recognized as a driver of development in numerous nations. In Portugal's context, it stands as a pivotal economic sector that has experienced remarkable growth in recent years (Lopes & Soares, 2017). In this sense, and following the guidelines of international agencies, it is necessary for tourism to adopt a new and holistic paradigm in sustainable tourism development plans (ETC, 2021).
According to Baidal (2001) the approach to sustainable tourism must take into account: i) Recognizing the holistic and interconnected nature of factors across various dimensions - economic, environmental, social, cultural, political, and technological - directly impacting development, and embracing a multidisciplinary planning approach; ii) Striking a balance between policy considerations and the technical-scientific aspects of planning, which serve as a primary catalyst for fostering social engagement; iii) Adapting to diverse socio-economic and political contexts, varying territorial scales, and distinct environmental characteristics; iv) Placing emphasis on the local level, where development challenges are identified and where the principles of sustainability, such as Local Agenda 21, can be effectively put into action; v) Implementing long-term strategies and actions that consider the well-being of future generations, while enhancing the ability to identify, reconcile, and unite stakeholders; vi) Encouraging planners to be more cognizant and dedicated to the planning process, enabling them to better identify stakeholders, harmonize their interests, and promote consensus.
Based on the holistic paradigm mentioned, this research aims to analyse the plans for tourism development in the Porto and Northern Portugal region. The first approach is to identify the tourism development plans and the second approach is to identify the associated dimensions and issues related with sustainable development considered in these plans.
Effective planning is crucial in achieving equilibrium between economic objectives and the necessity of safeguarding and improving tourism destinations. It functions as a vital instrument for aligning the economic advantages of tourism with sustainable methods that guarantee the enduring appeal and sustainability of these destinations (Costa, 2020). By integrating strategic planning, destinations can maximise their potential for growth and economic development while protecting their natural and cultural assets.
Description
Keywords
Sustainable tourism Public policies Tourism planning Porto and Northern Region
Citation
Publisher
Universidade de Aveiro