Repository logo
 
Loading...
Profile Picture
Person

Martins de Almeida, António Manuel

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • From island mass tourism to rural tourism In Madeira: Is there a place for a re-definition of islands image?
    Publication . Almeida, António Manuel Martins de
    Existe amplo consenso que a manutenção da capacidade competitiva de destinos turísticos maduros assenta no desenvolvimento de nichos de mercado alternativos como no caso do turismo rural Outros mercados alternativos, como o eco-turismo e o segmento do turismo rural também têm sido objecto de atenção por parte dos gestores destes destinos turísticos. O turismo rural é um nicho de mercado, recente mas em crescimento, com crescente importância em áreas periféricas com história no turismo de massa ou oferecendo produtos turísticos standard. Devido à relativa ´juventude´ do sector na Madeira, esta comunicação visa providenciar um melhor entendimento da imagem percepcionada do sector, baseado numa amostra de 150 turistas. Análise estatística multivariada é aplicada para construir a imagem do sector, com base na avaliação de uma série de itens como é usual neste tipo de estudos. Este estudo proporciona a oportunidade de preencher um vazio na literatura devido à identificação dos factores condicionantes da imagem, para além de incluir uma série de recomendações em termos de gestão do destino.
  • Rural development and rural tourism: an institutional approach
    Publication . Almeida, António
    Purpose: The development of rural and peripheral areas is still a matter of concern in most western countries. Rural tourism has long been understood as an effective catalyst of change in depressed and deprived. Nevertheless, the tourism led approach produced mixed results. In this vein, this study is concerned with the analysis of the potentialities, weakness and strengths of the rural hinterland in Madeira, in light of the recent developments in this sector. Design/methodology approach: The analysis pursued in this paper refers to a case study approach employed to outline the prospects of developing the rural hinterland based on rural tourism ventures. Secondary data was gathered from the Local Statistical Office, but this study derives the main conclusions from the analysis of descriptive content of structured interviews held with rural houses managers. Findings: The analysis reviews several papers in order to identify the main challenges faced by the local authorities at the county level. As found elsewhere, institutional factors will be decisive in succeed in this regard. The local authorities are well placed to act as a resource provider and coordinators/team leaders. Originality/value: This paper provides an analysis of the development path of rural tourism in Madeira and explores how local policy makers may be the “missing link” needed to improve the sector prospects based on tangible and intangible amenities and better entrepreneurial activities. This paper provides unique insights about the development of rural tourism in localities still learning how to best promote alternative market niches
  • Rural development and rural tourism: the impact of infrastructure investments
    Publication . Almeida, António; Machado, Luiz Pinto
    Rural and peripheral development is still a matter of concern in several western countries. Depopulation, low density of business activities, younger people emigra tion and better-qualified individuals feeling that such regions have been abandoned by the government, and incapable of moving on, are among the key indicators to “understand” rural and peripheral areas. Rural tourism has long been understood as an effective catalyst of change in depressed and deprived (of entrepreneurial capacity) areas and to explore a unique set of amenities. Because of funds directed to help private investment projects in rural tourism facilities, most peripheral areas are now relatively well endowed with key infrastructures. Nevertheless, the tourism lead approach produced mixed results due to low levels of demand in some areas and lack of a cooperative behavior among providers to maximize the opportunities offered by the wide range of attractions. In this paper, we investigate to what extent investments in infrastructure helped the rural tourism sector to attract more visi tors in Madeira. Based on the panel-data approach, this paper provides insights to analyze the development path of rural tourism in Madeira and to explores how local policy makers may be the “missing link” needed to improve the sector prospects based on tangible and intangible amenities.
  • Segmentation by benefits sought: the case of rural tourism in Madeira
    Publication . Almeida, António Manuel Martins de; Correia, Antónia; Pimpão, Adriano
    Rural tourism has been promoted as an effective catalyst for growth in rural areas severely hit by the rural structuring process. However, with regard to islands, rural tourism has been mainly advertised and promoted as a counterpoint to mass tourism. While in most Western countries rural tourism has been in place for decades, islands have been pursuing a rural tourism agenda only since the 1990s. Consequently, we face a dearth of research regarding motivation factors that attract tourists to the rural hinterland on islands. The purpose of this study is to segment and profile rural tourists based on benefits sought in order to gain a better understanding of the current demand trends. The data collection procedure were based on a self-administered survey applied to a sample of 180 tourists, and four clusters were identified. The relaxer cluster which comprises individuals attracted by opportunities to relax and recharge batteries, are the most dominant, suggesting that the sector mimics, to a large extent, the main tourism market. This is a problematic outcome because the sector is failing to attract a more diverse and wealthy clientele. Due attention should also be paid to other clusters. The ruralist segment values relaxation in natural segments to escape from daily routine, the ‘want it all segment’ is composed of tourists interested in all kind of activities and the family-oriented cluster is mainly interested in socialising with the family. Implications of our preliminary conclusions for theory and practice are discussed.