Browsing by Author "Vieira, Sara"
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- Hikes and levadas in Madeira: characterizing visitors and their experiencePublication . Prudente, João; Lopes, Helder; Noite, João; Rodrigues, Ana; Vieira, Sara; Alves, Ricardo; Fernando, CatarinaRecent research indicates that more and more often tourists use the Madeira Natural Park (MNP) area to develop their physical activity, through mountain hiking and Levada walks. This study aims at identifying tourists’ characteristics and to understand how visitors live their experience. A survey was carried out at the end of two different activities and the sample was divided into two groups (G1: Levada Walks in the Laurissilva; G2: Walks outside the Laurissilva). The data was collected immedi ately after the activity ended (total: 293; male: 124; female: 169) and people were asked about: 1. Information availa ble at the start of the activity; 2. Interaction and attention demand; 3. Natural area visited. The data indicates that the Madeira tourists have higher education, many are students and teachers, the majority being European. Our tourists are well informed about the natural environment and more than 90% agreed that it was ideal for aesthetic enjoyment and inspiring exploration. Our findings can help the tourist agents to improve their products, encour age the agencies to attract new markets outside Europe and can work as a basis for providing more guidance in the MNP, promoting a higher ‘flow experience’.
- Mountain hikes and Levada practitioner’s motivation and experience- characterizationPublication . Fernando, Catarina; Lopes, Helder; Noite, João; Rodrigues, Ana; Vieira, Sara; Alves, Ricardo; Prudente, JoãoMadeira Island provides excellent conditions for those who visit its Natural Scenarios due to its variety of landscapes, weather, topography and infrastructures. It is then fundamental to think about the experience that is provided. The aim of this study is to identify the 3 main dimensions related to the practitioner’s experience while performing mountain hikes or Levadas: 1. Practitioner’s motivations; 2. Practitioner’s predisposition; 3. Practitioner’s experience. A “QEFENRAM” survey was applied (Florido, 2010). 293 replies were obtained, after the activities’ conclusion (males: 124; female: 169). The data analysis showed the following results: a) Considering the different levels of motivation, 52,6% of the participants revelled intrinsic motivation while 27,1% showed extrinsic motivation; b) 79.2% is aware of safety measures and has the necessary competence to perform the activity; c) 76.3% reported to be highly focused on their activity and also felt to be part of the scenario itself. Meanwhile 10.9% refer to feel interfering, negatively, with the environment. We can characterize the practitioner’s motivations and experience and based on this information we can discuss about the need to improve some aspects in the touristic scenarios to improve the experience in Levadas and mountain hikes.