Constraints and contributions of Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations for the sustainability of tourism on islands: a case study from the Azores archipelago, Portugal.

Abstract

Enclosed in the dynamics of the global economy, tourism can be a strategic sector for the sustainability of the countries, presenting great versatility and capacity to grow. Being an activity that promotes great impacts, both positive and negative, it is in permanent evolution of concepts and practices. If implemented and managed wisely, it can promote growth synergies and complementarities with other local production clusters, contributing to alleviate regional asymmetries, generate employment, social cohesion and stimulate sustainable development, particularly in islands. In this context, the objective of this study is to verify and analyze the ENGO actions on the sustainability of tourism in the Azores archipelago. The aim is to demonstrate the importance of a tourism model that involves these ENGO in a responsible, participative, inclusive and ethical way. The case study methodology was chosen through qualitative analysis. In this way, the results demonstrate that the ENGO in the Azores play an important role in the sustainability of tourism, contributing directly and indirectly to the development of the activity. However, it is necessary to recognize this role by the tourism stakeholders, promoting synergies for the creation of a cohesive and participative network, distinguishing the singularities of the destiny.