Wind farms and the rural tourism experience – problem or possible productive integration? The views of visitors and residents of a Portuguese village

Abstract

Wind energy is recognized as a relevant alternative and renewable energy source, frequently exploited in rural areas, and potentially competing for land and resources with rural tourism. This study reviews the growing but limited research literature on the interactions between wind farms and rural tourism. Using results from a Portuguese village case study, it presents new and often complex insights regarding the potential impacts of these structures on the tourist experience, giving new understanding of the impact of wind farms on a rural tourism destination from the viewpoint of both visitors and residents who actively participate in experience co-creation and are directly affected by investment in both tourism and wind energy, with comparisons between national and international visitors, and between visitors and residents. Possible managerial actions of universal relevance are discussed, exploring the potential for integrating tourism with wind energy production, including tourism-research-related guidelines for wind farm planners, quality and market-targeted information and interpretation development, and efforts to include wind farms in tourist experience planning such as guided tours and event creation. More research is needed to promote wind farms as “green destinations”, capable of attracting a growing number of environmentally concerned visitors.