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Publication
Social Carrying Capacity in Island Destinations: Interpreting Visitors’ Opinions in Madeira Island
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Social carrying capacity is an additional
dimension of tourism carrying capacity. This paper
aims to provide further understanding beyond physi cal values describing carrying capacity for a touristic
site on an island destination, namely, the Laurisilva of
Madeira. This UNESCO site is the major tourist attraction
on the island. The component of social carrying capac ity was added to assess satisfaction levels registered in
481 completed questionnaires and find relevant factors
reflecting social values and enjoyment while visiting the
site. Nonparametric tests were performed to study the
relationship between sociodemographic variables and
satisfaction measurements. Statistically, cleanliness and
natural conditions, trail amenities, trail conditions, envi ronmental conditions, and pollution levels were the five
dimensions relevant to gauging satisfaction related to
visiting the natural heritage site. Social carrying capacity
showed an average satisfaction of 71%, but mean scores
concluded visitors to be only slightly satisfied and differ ences in satisfaction levels regarding the education level
of respondents. These are essential dimensions for good
site management and for planning management actions
for the island destination. This method of analysis is fea sible for site management and is complementary to the
corresponding physical thresholds.
Description
Keywords
Social carrying capacity Laurisilva Sustainable management Island destinations UNESCO Madeira (Portugal) . Escola Superior de Tecnologias e Gestão
Citation
Mota, L., Franco, M., & Santos, R. (2021). Social Carrying Capacity in Island Destinations: Interpreting Visitors’ Opinions in Madeira Island. European Journal of Tourism, Hospitality and Recreation, 11(2), 253-266.
Publisher
Sciendo