The Potential of Responsible Nature Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development in Northern Portugal

Abstract

The exponential growth of tourism has brought new challenges to the sector, to which the segment of nature tourism is no different. As a result, responsible tourism, along with sustainable tourism, has become a beacon for the tourism industry as a tool for sustainable development. There are several challenges inherent in the practical application of the principles of responsible tourism at an operational level. These include the very environment in which nature tourism takes place, and the diverse, often conflicting, interests held by a broad range of stakeholders in a context where demand forces a paradigm shift by the tourism industry. Contributing to the sustainable development of Northern Portugal through the stimulation of nature tourism under these conditions is a great challenge, as well as the implementation of responsible tourism practices within the tourism industry. Based on eight semi-structured interviews, this study seeks the analysis of nature tourism in Northern Portugal, focused on the activity of tourism leisure-related companies, as well as the analysis of responsible tourism in the region, to verify its potential as a driving force for sustainable development. The study shows that Nature tourism in protected areas in Northern Portugal is not yet widely developed in the context of leisure-related tourism companies. The lack of specialization, deficient regulation, and supervision, and competition from non-profit and public entities are some aspects that condition the development of nature tourism in the region.