Motivações para a procura de Parques Naturais como destinos turísticos de Natureza

Abstract

One of the fastest growing areas contributing to the growth of the world tourism industry is Nature-based Tourism. In fact, the value of natural spaces for tourism is increasingly recognized given the importance of its natural, cultural and landscape resources, which foster a range of leisure activities that qualify the tourist experience and enhance the quality of life of local communities. In this sense, it is proposed to measure the motivations of seeking Nature-based tourism destinations by applying the study in the International Douro Natural Park, Arribes del Douro Natural Park and Serra da Estrela Natural Park. The results indicate that tourists are motivated by the needs of routine change and relaxation, by social and prestigious motivations, by the search for new learning and self-knowledge, and by the need to escape the routine life of everyday life. The study aims to be a contribution to the management of nature-based tourism destinations in the denition of marketing and communication strategies adjusted to the diversity of motivations for choosing these spaces. The paper also presents its limitations and outlines lines of future research.