Local Policies for Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study from Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Resumo

Objectives: This research embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic interplay between local governance structures and community participation in the context of the burgeoning tourism industry, a sector experiencing exponential growth globally (Guarneros‐Meza & Geddes, 2010). Central to this inquiry is the objective to forge sustainable tourism policies deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability, particularly at localized levels (Evans et al., 2006). The project aspires to transcend theoretical discourse, endeavoring to formulate a concrete, actionable blueprint applicable across diverse destinations, with a spotlight on Lagos, Algarve. This endeavor is pivotal in a time where sustainable management in tourism is not just desirable but imperative for future resilience.

Methodology: In our research, we adopted a comprehensive and multi-layered methodology, integrating a vast array of data sources and stakeholder insights to explore sustainable tourism in Lagos, Algarve (Aquilani et al., 2016; Scholz et al., 2006). The study began with an extensive literature review, encompassing a wide range of academic sources, industry reports, and case studies. This foundational phase was crucial in identifying key themes and gaps in the existing body of knowledge about sustainable tourism, local governance, community participation, and policy development (Beaumont & Dredge, 2010; Bichler, 2021; Bramwell, 2010; Serra et al., 2017). Central to our empirical investigation was Lagos, Algarve, selected for its unique combination of cultural heritage, ecological diversity, and a burgeoning tourism sector. Our participatory, bottom-up approach brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local government officials, tourism industry leaders, local business owners, community representatives, and environmental experts (Fraser et al., 2006). This inclusive approach was instrumental in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the local context and challenges. The heart of our data collection process was a series of structured focus group discussions, carefully designed to elicit detailed insights on themes identified from the literature review. The rich qualitative data gathered from these discussions were meticulously recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. This analysis was pivotal in unraveling the complex interplay between local governance, community participation, and sustainable tourism development (Makosky Daley et al., 2010; Redman-MacLaren et al., 2014; Roman et al., 2020).

Main Results and Contributions: The findings from this study culminated in a significant contribution to both academic knowledge and practical applications in sustainable tourism policy. We developed a holistic policy framework addressing six critical domains: Environmental Protection and Conservation, Spatial and Urban Development, Economic Prosperity and Viability, Social Inclusion and Equity, Cultural Authenticity and Preservation, and Transparent Governance. Each domain offers a unique perspective on sustainable tourism, from policies and practices aimed at preserving natural resources and biodiversity, to strategies ensuring equitable distribution of tourism benefits among community members (Guo et al., 2019; Torres-Delgado & Palomeque, 2012). The framework emphasizes sustainable urban planning, economic policies ensuring long-term tourism sector viability, and the preservation of local culture and heritage within the tourism industry. Perhaps most notably, the study provides a practical toolkit for global destinations, offering guidelines for implementing sustainable tourism practices. The application of this framework in Lagos, Algarve, serves as a model, demonstrating its practicality and effectiveness. This comprehensive approach not only sets an academic benchmark but also acts as a guide for policymakers and practitioners in the field, underscoring the importance of community-led, governance-supported initiatives in the realm of sustainable tourism (Pollermann et al., 2014).

Research Limitations: While the study delves deep into the intricacies of Lagos, Algarve, its specificity might render certain insights less applicable to other global destinations with varied socio-economic and cultural backdrops. The participatory design, although comprehensive, might inadvertently miss out on niche, yet critical perspectives. Moreover, the real acid test for these policies lies in their on-ground application; their practical utility and long-term impact remain subjects for future research.

Conclusions: The research highlights the crucial symbiosis between proactive local governance and stakeholder collaboration as keystones for devising effective sustainable tourism policies. It provides a theoretical and structural framework, whose real value will be gauged through its practical application and adaptability. As the need for sustainable tourism management becomes increasingly evident, this research not only bears testament to this necessity but also serves as a guide, advocating for community-led, governance-supported initiatives. Lagos's journey in this domain offers valuable insights, potentially inspiring destinations worldwide to embrace a path of sustainability and community empowerment.