Member of the GOVCOPP - Research Unit in Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies. Research interests include cultural tourism, cultural heritage and the concepts of design thinking, creative thinking, creative industries, sustainability and innovation - all in the context of tourism experience. Supervisors: Zélia Breda
The smart and 4.0 paradigms are increasingly dominating the narratives of tourism decisionmakers ... more The smart and 4.0 paradigms are increasingly dominating the narratives of tourism decisionmakers and planners, although being argued that both concepts still lack theoretical background capable of supporting their adoption in development and planning strategies. People travel because they want to get involved in a particular destination through remarkable experiences. Thus, through innovative approaches, tourism destinations can create outstanding oers to engage visitors within the territory, enhancing their attractiveness and competitiveness. Innovation and technology walk side by side, and their impact within a particular context might contribute to the remodelling of the established panorama. Aiming to discuss the role of both smart and 4.0 paradigms in a tourism innovation context, this study applies a case study analysis to the smart cities of Ljubljana and Málaga. The results indicate an increased awareness of digital potentialities by the decision-makers, turning tourism destinations into innovative territories, where the continuous innovation processes are supported by the adoption of technological tools and synergies among the stakeholders, with positive implications on destinations' attractiveness and competitiveness.
Mediterranean Protected Areas in the Era of Overtourism: Challenges and Solutions, 2021
The present study proposes to analyse the impacts of tourism in the historical area of the city o... more The present study proposes to analyse the impacts of tourism in the historical area of the city of Porto in Portugal, according to the perception of the resident population, in order to define the limits of acceptable change (LAC) for tourism development in this area. Literature suggests that the impacts of tourism are felt more intensely by communities living in tourism destinations, and, because of this, they must be involved to play an active role in the development of local tourism policies. For that reason, the analysis of tourism impacts considering local percep- tions is an essential part of adequate tourism planning and management process. The LAC method can be applied in the management of these tourism areas with the need to adapt and consider the changes caused by tourism, helping in the development of strategic plans to support sustainable development. It must be characterised by the active involvement of the community throughout the process, while decisions should be based on results that are acceptable to a variety of stakeholders. Based on the concepts mentioned above and the proposed objectives, the research method- ology follows a qualitative approach. The data collection process was based on three focus groups with the participation of several stakeholders involved and/or affected by the development of tourism in the area. Those focus groups underpinned the LAC method and participatory planning, which contributed to the definition of the limits of acceptable change considering tourism development in the historic centre of Porto.
Purpose-This paper aims to analyse residents' perceptions of tourism growth in Porto prior to the... more Purpose-This paper aims to analyse residents' perceptions of tourism growth in Porto prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to determine the most appropriate strategies to mitigate negative tourism impacts. Studies on resident perceptions of tourism impacts are still scarce, particularly the ones addressing the topic in the context of Portuguese urban tourism areas. Design/methodology/approach-Data was collected through an online survey, focusing on three categories of impacts: (i) economic, (ii) sociocultural (iii) and spatial-environmental, and the respective mitigation strategies, analysed from the perspective of Porto's residents. Descriptive and bivariate statistics-T-test and Eta correlationwere used to analyse the collected data. Findings-Respondents who live in the city centre experience specific tourism impacts more negatively, when compared to those living outside the inner-city area. Furthermore, no strong correlation is found between the said impacts and the respective mitigation strategies. However, creating awareness among tourists about acceptable behaviour in shared spaces is the strategy that stands out, as it has a medium correlation with all three impact categories. Most impact-strategy associations are weak, meaning that the defined strategies are not the most case-appropriate, which is something that policymakers should address. Originality/value-To the best of the author's/authors' knowledge, this is the first study to adopt this approach in tackling the negative impacts of rapid tourism growth in Porto.
TCL2016 CONFERENCE. TOURISM AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH, 2016
This paper discusses the concept of design thinking in the business/management context, making a ... more This paper discusses the concept of design thinking in the business/management context, making a parallel with cultural tourism management, and attempting to portray it as a tool for a more sustainable tourism experience of cultural heritage. The main goal of the paper is to initiate a conversation of the design thinking concept within the tourism realm and show, on a practical example, how design thinking can be used as a tool for creation of an innovative tourism project, aimed at making a change in cultural tourism experience and making it more sustainable. The very concept of design thinking is discussed first, followed by its interpretation and usage in management sphere and the implications of its usage in cultural heritage tourism realm. Finally, a practical example of a project created in Porto, Portugal is used as a case study.
Key issues on tourism destinations competitiveness
As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging secto... more As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging sector in Serbian economy, the objective of this research is to provide an insight in Portuguese and Serbian tourism markets. In order to accomplish the main objective, a statistical overview of the two mentioned tourism markets is conducted, as well as a comparison of available and potential tourism products. Furthermore, the paper brings to the equation a comparative analysis of several tourism policies based on each national strategic plan for tourism, as well as a brief review of their effectiveness. Bearing in mind that Serbia is a landlocked country, sun & sea product of Portugal was analysed separately.
As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging secto... more As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging sector in Serbian economy, the objective of this research is to provide an insight in Portuguese and Serbian tourism markets. In order to accomplish the main objective, a statistical overview of the two mentioned tourism markets is conducted, as well as a comparison of available and potential tourism products. Furthermore, the paper brings to the equation a comparative analysis of several tourism policies based on each national strategic plan for tourism, as well as a brief review of their effectiveness. Bearing in mind that Serbia is a landlocked country, sun & sea product of Portugal was analysed separately.
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods use either objective or subjective attributes (crit... more Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods use either objective or subjective attributes (criteria) under certain conditions to rank variables of interest, but are scarcely engaged in tourism studies. This paper explores the usage of two particular multi-criteria analysis methods: Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The objective is tourism valorization of some of constructed (cultural) heritage in the city of Oporto (Portugal), namely some of the city’s architectural masterpieces: Casa da Musica, Serralves House and Museum of Contemporary Art, Church of Sao Francisco de Assis, Church of Carmelitas, Clerigos Tower, and the Cathedral. The heritage is ranked based on a set of criteria: (i) historic value; (ii) aesthetic/artistic value; (iii) representativeness; (iv) state of preservation; (v) infrastructure and accessibility; and (vi) social significance. The study seeks not only to expand the usage of these methods in tourism research, but to also have an insight in aspects of the sites in focus that could be improved in terms of their attractiveness and interest to visitors.
This study is set in the context of tourism marketing, more specifically in the process of touris... more This study is set in the context of tourism marketing, more specifically in the process of tourism destination image evaluation from the gender perspective, seeking to examine the image of Serbia as a travel destination. The perceived image of Serbia was examined on a sample of 144 fair visitors at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin in 2013. The statistical data analysis applied in the research covered: frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson chi-square independent test, t-test for the independent samples, and two-way between groups ANOVA. The research was conducted in such way so the results would show fair visitors’ attitudes concerning the image of Serbia, which were viewed through the gender criteria. More precisely, the relationships between the perceived image and the visitors’ spending, their association, information sources, awareness of Serbia and the socio-demographic characteristic referring to their gender were assessed.
6th World Conference for Graduate Research in Tourism Hospitality and Leisure, 2012
Travel agencies are being increasingly repressed from the tourism market by a new rival – the Int... more Travel agencies are being increasingly repressed from the tourism market by a new rival – the Internet. The consequence is the tourism companies’ independence from intermediaries and the decrease of costs, including the costs for users of tourism services. Does this way of direct purchase mean the exclusive benefits for both producers and clients? Will it dominate in the future or the adherence towards intermediaries will survive and even reach a new expansion? Which are the benefits and which flaws of both mentioned ways of purchase? – These are some of the questions tried to be answered in this work. Authors also found relevant the comparison of characteristics of this “new reality” on both national and international level, as well as its impact on stakeholders within the tourism system. For that purpose, two parallel researches had been conducted in Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
INVTUR 2017 Conference: Co-creating the future of tourism, 2017
The main objective of this communication is to address the concept of design thinking, focusing o... more The main objective of this communication is to address the concept of design thinking, focusing on its hitherto usage in management and – more specifically – tourism management context, opening the door for further academic conversation on the topic. We aimed to gain an insight into the extent to which the concept is discussed in the academic literature and answer the following questions: What are the implications of engaging design thinking in tourism and in which context is it used? In which way is it used in terms of a scientific/research method? How does it assist in co-creation of innovative tourism experiences, contributing to experience and creative economies and defending sustainability? This is a theoretical, conceptual paper that relies on qualitative methodology, using comprehensive literature assessment as a research method. It annotates and discusses the literature on design thinking in general, thenceforth shifting focus to its engagement in management and, more particularly , tourism management. The conclusions are based on selective bibliography readings, covering the main contributors to the development of the topic.
The smart and 4.0 paradigms are increasingly dominating the narratives of tourism decisionmakers ... more The smart and 4.0 paradigms are increasingly dominating the narratives of tourism decisionmakers and planners, although being argued that both concepts still lack theoretical background capable of supporting their adoption in development and planning strategies. People travel because they want to get involved in a particular destination through remarkable experiences. Thus, through innovative approaches, tourism destinations can create outstanding oers to engage visitors within the territory, enhancing their attractiveness and competitiveness. Innovation and technology walk side by side, and their impact within a particular context might contribute to the remodelling of the established panorama. Aiming to discuss the role of both smart and 4.0 paradigms in a tourism innovation context, this study applies a case study analysis to the smart cities of Ljubljana and Málaga. The results indicate an increased awareness of digital potentialities by the decision-makers, turning tourism destinations into innovative territories, where the continuous innovation processes are supported by the adoption of technological tools and synergies among the stakeholders, with positive implications on destinations' attractiveness and competitiveness.
Mediterranean Protected Areas in the Era of Overtourism: Challenges and Solutions, 2021
The present study proposes to analyse the impacts of tourism in the historical area of the city o... more The present study proposes to analyse the impacts of tourism in the historical area of the city of Porto in Portugal, according to the perception of the resident population, in order to define the limits of acceptable change (LAC) for tourism development in this area. Literature suggests that the impacts of tourism are felt more intensely by communities living in tourism destinations, and, because of this, they must be involved to play an active role in the development of local tourism policies. For that reason, the analysis of tourism impacts considering local percep- tions is an essential part of adequate tourism planning and management process. The LAC method can be applied in the management of these tourism areas with the need to adapt and consider the changes caused by tourism, helping in the development of strategic plans to support sustainable development. It must be characterised by the active involvement of the community throughout the process, while decisions should be based on results that are acceptable to a variety of stakeholders. Based on the concepts mentioned above and the proposed objectives, the research method- ology follows a qualitative approach. The data collection process was based on three focus groups with the participation of several stakeholders involved and/or affected by the development of tourism in the area. Those focus groups underpinned the LAC method and participatory planning, which contributed to the definition of the limits of acceptable change considering tourism development in the historic centre of Porto.
Purpose-This paper aims to analyse residents' perceptions of tourism growth in Porto prior to the... more Purpose-This paper aims to analyse residents' perceptions of tourism growth in Porto prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to determine the most appropriate strategies to mitigate negative tourism impacts. Studies on resident perceptions of tourism impacts are still scarce, particularly the ones addressing the topic in the context of Portuguese urban tourism areas. Design/methodology/approach-Data was collected through an online survey, focusing on three categories of impacts: (i) economic, (ii) sociocultural (iii) and spatial-environmental, and the respective mitigation strategies, analysed from the perspective of Porto's residents. Descriptive and bivariate statistics-T-test and Eta correlationwere used to analyse the collected data. Findings-Respondents who live in the city centre experience specific tourism impacts more negatively, when compared to those living outside the inner-city area. Furthermore, no strong correlation is found between the said impacts and the respective mitigation strategies. However, creating awareness among tourists about acceptable behaviour in shared spaces is the strategy that stands out, as it has a medium correlation with all three impact categories. Most impact-strategy associations are weak, meaning that the defined strategies are not the most case-appropriate, which is something that policymakers should address. Originality/value-To the best of the author's/authors' knowledge, this is the first study to adopt this approach in tackling the negative impacts of rapid tourism growth in Porto.
TCL2016 CONFERENCE. TOURISM AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPES: TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH, 2016
This paper discusses the concept of design thinking in the business/management context, making a ... more This paper discusses the concept of design thinking in the business/management context, making a parallel with cultural tourism management, and attempting to portray it as a tool for a more sustainable tourism experience of cultural heritage. The main goal of the paper is to initiate a conversation of the design thinking concept within the tourism realm and show, on a practical example, how design thinking can be used as a tool for creation of an innovative tourism project, aimed at making a change in cultural tourism experience and making it more sustainable. The very concept of design thinking is discussed first, followed by its interpretation and usage in management sphere and the implications of its usage in cultural heritage tourism realm. Finally, a practical example of a project created in Porto, Portugal is used as a case study.
Key issues on tourism destinations competitiveness
As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging secto... more As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging sector in Serbian economy, the objective of this research is to provide an insight in Portuguese and Serbian tourism markets. In order to accomplish the main objective, a statistical overview of the two mentioned tourism markets is conducted, as well as a comparison of available and potential tourism products. Furthermore, the paper brings to the equation a comparative analysis of several tourism policies based on each national strategic plan for tourism, as well as a brief review of their effectiveness. Bearing in mind that Serbia is a landlocked country, sun & sea product of Portugal was analysed separately.
As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging secto... more As tourism presents one of Portugal's most valuable economy sectors, as well as an emerging sector in Serbian economy, the objective of this research is to provide an insight in Portuguese and Serbian tourism markets. In order to accomplish the main objective, a statistical overview of the two mentioned tourism markets is conducted, as well as a comparison of available and potential tourism products. Furthermore, the paper brings to the equation a comparative analysis of several tourism policies based on each national strategic plan for tourism, as well as a brief review of their effectiveness. Bearing in mind that Serbia is a landlocked country, sun & sea product of Portugal was analysed separately.
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods use either objective or subjective attributes (crit... more Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods use either objective or subjective attributes (criteria) under certain conditions to rank variables of interest, but are scarcely engaged in tourism studies. This paper explores the usage of two particular multi-criteria analysis methods: Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The objective is tourism valorization of some of constructed (cultural) heritage in the city of Oporto (Portugal), namely some of the city’s architectural masterpieces: Casa da Musica, Serralves House and Museum of Contemporary Art, Church of Sao Francisco de Assis, Church of Carmelitas, Clerigos Tower, and the Cathedral. The heritage is ranked based on a set of criteria: (i) historic value; (ii) aesthetic/artistic value; (iii) representativeness; (iv) state of preservation; (v) infrastructure and accessibility; and (vi) social significance. The study seeks not only to expand the usage of these methods in tourism research, but to also have an insight in aspects of the sites in focus that could be improved in terms of their attractiveness and interest to visitors.
This study is set in the context of tourism marketing, more specifically in the process of touris... more This study is set in the context of tourism marketing, more specifically in the process of tourism destination image evaluation from the gender perspective, seeking to examine the image of Serbia as a travel destination. The perceived image of Serbia was examined on a sample of 144 fair visitors at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin in 2013. The statistical data analysis applied in the research covered: frequency analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson chi-square independent test, t-test for the independent samples, and two-way between groups ANOVA. The research was conducted in such way so the results would show fair visitors’ attitudes concerning the image of Serbia, which were viewed through the gender criteria. More precisely, the relationships between the perceived image and the visitors’ spending, their association, information sources, awareness of Serbia and the socio-demographic characteristic referring to their gender were assessed.
6th World Conference for Graduate Research in Tourism Hospitality and Leisure, 2012
Travel agencies are being increasingly repressed from the tourism market by a new rival – the Int... more Travel agencies are being increasingly repressed from the tourism market by a new rival – the Internet. The consequence is the tourism companies’ independence from intermediaries and the decrease of costs, including the costs for users of tourism services. Does this way of direct purchase mean the exclusive benefits for both producers and clients? Will it dominate in the future or the adherence towards intermediaries will survive and even reach a new expansion? Which are the benefits and which flaws of both mentioned ways of purchase? – These are some of the questions tried to be answered in this work. Authors also found relevant the comparison of characteristics of this “new reality” on both national and international level, as well as its impact on stakeholders within the tourism system. For that purpose, two parallel researches had been conducted in Portugal and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
INVTUR 2017 Conference: Co-creating the future of tourism, 2017
The main objective of this communication is to address the concept of design thinking, focusing o... more The main objective of this communication is to address the concept of design thinking, focusing on its hitherto usage in management and – more specifically – tourism management context, opening the door for further academic conversation on the topic. We aimed to gain an insight into the extent to which the concept is discussed in the academic literature and answer the following questions: What are the implications of engaging design thinking in tourism and in which context is it used? In which way is it used in terms of a scientific/research method? How does it assist in co-creation of innovative tourism experiences, contributing to experience and creative economies and defending sustainability? This is a theoretical, conceptual paper that relies on qualitative methodology, using comprehensive literature assessment as a research method. It annotates and discusses the literature on design thinking in general, thenceforth shifting focus to its engagement in management and, more particularly , tourism management. The conclusions are based on selective bibliography readings, covering the main contributors to the development of the topic.
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This is a theoretical, conceptual paper that relies on qualitative methodology, using comprehensive literature assessment as a research method. It annotates and discusses the literature on design thinking in general, thenceforth shifting focus to its engagement in management and, more particularly , tourism management. The conclusions are based on selective bibliography readings, covering the main contributors to the development of the topic.
This is a theoretical, conceptual paper that relies on qualitative methodology, using comprehensive literature assessment as a research method. It annotates and discusses the literature on design thinking in general, thenceforth shifting focus to its engagement in management and, more particularly , tourism management. The conclusions are based on selective bibliography readings, covering the main contributors to the development of the topic.