Sustainable Tourism in the Centre of Portugal
Project Leader: Tooka Pourgive
Project Description:
The following pilot project proposes the establishment of an online institution that helps promote sustainable tourism practices through digital media, and e-learning. Digital media plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability within the tourism industry by empowering tourists with real-time access to resources that enhance their travel experiences[1]. As a commercial asset, social support and information sharing through digital platforms can foster an informed tourist community that makes environmentally-conscious decisions[2]. Furthermore, social media serves as a conduit for discovering localized opportunities and sustainable travel options[3], ensuring that tourists have the knowledge and tools to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing their enjoyment. By leveraging digital media, we can encourage responsible tourism practices and contribute to the global effort to preserve our planet for future generations.
Methodology:
The project will initially begin by conducting research, with the aim of exploring how sustainable tourism is upheld across digital media for the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the centre region of Portugal. It will do so by identifying key regional stakeholders, reviewing sustainability assessment models, and evaluating the viability of intercultural communication measures.
In its secondary phase, the project will create specific short-term online training courses, as well as consultancy services related to sustainable tourism, intercultural awareness, and digital media promotion.
Objectives:
This pilot project aims to improve the sustainability of the tourism sector in the Centre Region of Portugal through e-learning courses, and digital media awareness strategies.
- Creation of short-term training courses for tourism-related businesses.
- Formation of consultancy services targeting digital promotion of
- Designing intercultural awareness tools to communicate best practices to tourists.
Outcomes:
- Online workshops and training courses are provided to local tourism businesses.
- Digital media presentations of tourism businesses and destinations are evaluated.
- Sustainable tourism practices are continually promoted through collaboration with local and international institutions.
Thematic Priorities:
- Sustainability
- Circular economy
- Digital media and e-learning
- Innovation
Sustainable Development Goals:
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12)
Geographical Focus:
The centre region of Portugal is the main geographic focus of this project. It consists of 8 municipalities; Aveiro, Beira Baixa, Serra da Estrela, Coimbra, Leiria, Oeste, Médio Tejo, and Videu Dão Lafões. This is because most tourists travel throughout the region or go on day trips to different locations.
Audience:
Governmental and regional actors will be contacted to establish collaborative workshops, and agreements.
Works Cited:
1 Sigala, M. (2018). New media, marketing, and sustainable tourism. In Tourism Marketing for Developing Countries (pp. 143-164). IGI Global.
2 Gretzel, U. (2017). Social media and the new tourist experience. In Social Media in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality (pp. 29-42). Routledge.
3 Neuhofer, B., Buhalis, D., & Ladkin, A. (2019). Technology as a catalyst of change: Enablers and barriers of the tourist experience and their consequences. The Routledge Handbook of Transport Economics (pp. 37-54). Routledge.