Innovation in saltpans of Aveiro

The academia role for touristic development

Abstract

Over the last decade, the growth of new businesses is revitalizing the abandoned saltpans of Aveiro by transforming former salt production sites into touristic sites, where artisanal salt production, birdwatching, aquaculture, or other activities take place. The main goal of the study is to analyse the innovation process conducted by private initiatives considering the role of University of Aveiro. Thus, an exploratory study is conducted using semi-structured interviews with owner/managers of tourism companies on saltpans as well as with University of Aveiro staff. The data collected is examined through a content analysis using the software NVivo 12. The main findings show that tourism supports distinctive uses for saltpans, for instance aquaculture, recreational activities, accommodation, or the creation of a bathing area. Also, the collaboration between tourism companies on saltpans and other organisations seems to be weak and, particularly, with academia is limited to a few student’s internships, fieldwork, and training courses. However, companies and academia agree that both would benefit from more regular interactions, which could be achieved through other knowledge transference channels.