Abstract
WTO (World Tourism Organization) recognizes that adventure tourism is a journey that includes at least two of three elements: (a) physical activity, (b) natural environment; and (c) cultural immersion. With this in mind, the Autonomous Region of Azores, classified as one of the OR (Outermost Regions) by the European Union (EU), meets several of those elements. Therefore, the Archipelago shows several potential for the development of this typology of tourism. However, this insular region faces many challenges. Some of those obstacles are also great opportunities for regional development towards new sustainable models. For example, there is the islands’ geographical location, which enables exceptional territorial development opportunities and growth opportunities. Contextually, the Archipelago’s nine islands afford great variety to the destination, and the tranquil rural landscape fits the perfect framework for unparalleled, charming, and relaxing experiences. Moreover, the Archipelago’s specific characteristics, as its volcanic nature, make the destination a perfect place to be explored. These are just some examples of the region’s potential to develop this typology of tourism, based on nature, and consequently, a vehicle to achieve the so-desired regional sustainability.
Highlights
In 2015, the SAINT project, co-financed by the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme, kicked off
In the SAINT Project, “slow adventure“was defined as a form of tourism that avoids the quick-fix adrenalin-pumping hits of convenient adventure experiences in favor of slow, immersive journeys, living in and traveling through wild places and natural spaces—experiencing nature in its timeframe, seasons, weathers and variations (Figures 1 and 2) [6]
The Portuguese autonomous region of Azores is one of the European Union’s Outermost Regions (OR). It includes nine islands positioned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a midpoint between the North American Continent and Europe (Figure 3)
Summary
The Portuguese autonomous region of Azores is one of the European Union’s Outermost Regions (OR) It includes nine islands positioned in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a midpoint between the North American Continent and Europe (Figure 3). The heterogeneous territory’s fragmentation resulted in very different islands in terms of area and natural resources, with significant land dispersion For these reasons, five islands—Santa Maria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Flores, and Corvo—have been categorized as the “Cohesion Islands” (being the smallest islands or more significant challenges to their development) and benefit from positive discrimination in the regional economic policies. Keep developing new products that grant more value increasingly to the Azores’ experiences as a way to place the destination, respectively In this regard, nature, slow, and adventure tourism can be frontline outputs of this model
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