Jorge Costa, Daniela Rodrigues and João Bastos
In this paper, the barometer of tourism (BoT), as a new approach to environmental scanning, is presented and discussed. A unique research methodology developed by IPDT, with the…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the barometer of tourism (BoT), as a new approach to environmental scanning, is presented and discussed. A unique research methodology developed by IPDT, with the aim of analyzing prospectively the tourism and hospitality sectors from the perspective of senior professionals and public and private decision makers, is illustrated in detail.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on official tourism information and on-going research by IPDT, in particular, the “Barometer of Tourism”, which results are used to correlate with official statistics, thus demonstrating the Barometer’s value as a scanning tool.
Findings
BoT is a simple and low budget tool that can successfully predict the behaviour of tourism demand for Portugal in the short and medium term. After 50 editions, BoT established itself as a recognized and unique trends’ identification tool for the Portuguese hospitality and tourism organizations.
Practical implications
Results provide rich insights on analyzing prospectively the tourism and hospitality sectors from the perspective of senior professionals and public and private decision makers.
Originality/value
This paper seeks to illustrate that BoT can successfully predict the behaviour of tourism demand for Portugal, being a simple, low-budget and recognized tool for trends identification in hospitality, travel and tourism organizations.
Daniela Maria Rodrigues, Jéssica Ferreira Rodrigues, Vanessa Rios de Souza, João de Deus Souza Carneiro and Soraia Vilela Borges
One way to increase the availability and to add more value to exotic Brazilian fruits is to develop new products. However, prior to product development, there is a need to know…
Abstract
Purpose
One way to increase the availability and to add more value to exotic Brazilian fruits is to develop new products. However, prior to product development, there is a need to know consumer’s preferences and target audience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of different characteristics of Cerrado fruit preserves on the intention to purchase using conjoint analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Conjoint analysis evaluated three factors with three levels each, defined by focus group technique. The attributes and levels evaluated were: flavor (marolo, marolo and soursoup, marolo, soursoup and sweet passion fruit), nutritional information (light, diet and absent) and health claims (aids reduction of cardiovascular disease risk; aids reduction of blood cholesterol; aids activation and regulation of the gastrointestinal system).
Findings
The results of conjoint analysis led to three consumers’ groups. Group 1 (majority) were more influenced by flavor (IR=26.5 percent) and nutritional information (IR=59.3 percent). Groups 2 and 3 were greatly influenced by flavor and nutritional information, respectively. Health claims influenced weakly on the intention to purchase regardless the groups. Thus, the concept of Cerrado fruit preserves for each group was different.
Originality/value
This research contributes to future studies, supporting the development of products based on Cerrado fruits and the variety of products on the market. There are few research works using conjoint analysis to evaluate consumer preferences in the early stages of new product development, which makes this paper even more relevant.
Details
Keywords
Jorge Costa, Silva Carvalho and Daniela Rodrigues
The purpose of this paper is to draws on the main conclusions of an International Tourism Forum Round Table discussion, attended by representatives of the main entities of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draws on the main conclusions of an International Tourism Forum Round Table discussion, attended by representatives of the main entities of the tourism sector in Portugal as well as international travel and tourism specialists. The authors identify the importance of making travel and tourism growth sustainable and discuss how success approaches can be shared more widely.
Design/methodology/approach
The main conclusions resulting from the International Tourism Forum Round Table are presented and discussed. The event was organised by the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development (IPDT), with Sponsorship support from the Solverde Group, under the theme: “Tourism in 2018: How to Share Tourism Success”.
Findings
Participants in the International Tourism Forum Round Table concluded that the tourism industry worldwide and in Portugal in particular, is facing major challenges that calls for innovative ways of managing the tourist experience. Several questions regarding tourism have been discussed, including desertification in some inland cities and villages.
Originality/value
This paper provides knowledge about the current state of Portuguese tourism, its challenges and opportunities and identifies innovative ways and likely solutions for drawing tourists to other regions of the country – beyond the major cities.
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Keywords
Jorge Costa, Silva Carvalho and Daniela Rodrigues
This paper aims to identify the importance of authenticity of the tourist experience, based on the main conclusions of the International Tourism Forum Round Table, attended by…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the importance of authenticity of the tourist experience, based on the main conclusions of the International Tourism Forum Round Table, attended by representatives of the main entities of the tourism sector in Portugal.
Design/methodology/approach
The main conclusions resulting from the International Tourism Forum Round Table are presented and discussed. The event was organised by the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development, under the theme “Tourism in 2017: trends and opportunities for businesses and destinations”.
Findings
The International Tourism Forum Round Table concluded that the tourism industry worldwide and in Portugal in particular, is facing major challenges that call for innovative ways of managing the tourist experience. Several questions regarding the negative impacts of tourism have been discussed, with authenticity being one of the major concerns.
Originality/value
The profiling of the current state of Portuguese tourism, its opportunities and challenges allows the design of more effective strategies to improve the Portuguese tourist offer and the experience of tourists visiting Portugal.
Details
Keywords
Jorge Costa, Daniela Rodrigues and João Gomes
The desired balance between human activity and environmental development and protection requires a clear and equitable distribution of responsibilities, regarding consumption and…
Abstract
Purpose
The desired balance between human activity and environmental development and protection requires a clear and equitable distribution of responsibilities, regarding consumption and behavior toward natural and cultural resources. This paper aims to take a look at the relationship between tourism and sustainable development and the prospect of certified sustainable tourism destinations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the literature on the impacts of tourism and the application of sustainable development principles in the context of destination development.
Findings
Environmental certification has proven to be an important policy instrument, helping consumers to choose products and services that are less harmful to the environment and more authentic, serving as a marketing tool for companies that differentiate their products in the market.
Originality/value
The process of certification of tourist destinations is an issue that is little discussed, despite the numerous advantages for the destinations.
Details
Keywords
João Gomes, Daniela Rodrigues, Mónica Montenegro and Jorge Costa
This article aims to identify the holiday intentions of Portuguese residents, highlighting the importance and evolution of the internal market and the constraints that lead to a…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to identify the holiday intentions of Portuguese residents, highlighting the importance and evolution of the internal market and the constraints that lead to a significant decrease of those taking holidays in recent years.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on official tourism statistics and on an ongoing research by Instituto de Planeamento e Desenvolvimento do Turismo (IPDT) on “the holiday intentions of Portuguese residents regarding summer holidays”.
Findings
The article finds that tourism in Portugal continues to grow and, in 2013, witnessed a record number of foreign tourists. Despite this success, domestic tourism showed a decrease, explained by the context of economic crisis that affects the country since 2009. However, other reasons such as professional commitments, and the avoidance of peak season for summer holidays, are also referred as reasons for not taking summer holidays.
Practical implications
Results allow for a clear understanding of Portuguese residents’ profile regarding holiday intentions for summer holidays. The information presented and analyzed may be seen as very relevant in assisting decision makers in their strategy making process.
Originality/value
This article seeks to illustrate the holiday intentions of the Portuguese residentes in a comparative study carried out over a three-year period. The results allow drawing conclusions about the tourism behavior of residents in Portugal during a severe economic crisis.
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Mónica Montenegro, Jorge Costa, Daniela Rodrigues and João Gomes
This article aims to identify the image of Portugal as a tourist destination in international markets and the impacts of the economic crisis on that image. As the basis for the…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to identify the image of Portugal as a tourist destination in international markets and the impacts of the economic crisis on that image. As the basis for the analysis, the results from the past three years of an ongoing research by IPDT – Institute of Tourism on this topic were used. The findings were used to support a discussion on the need for social and political stability and a climate of creativity and innovation in the tourism sector to foster growth and success.
Design/methodology/approach
The article is based on official tourism information, research by IPDT on the tourists’ profile in Portugal and an ongoing research on “the image of Portugal as a tourist destination” carried out using as population the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Affiliate Members directory.
Findings
The international tourism market recognizes and appreciates the destination – Portugal, recognizing that the present context of crisis does not negatively affect Portugal’s touristic image. The results presented and discussed indicate a preference by respondents for “Wine” as the main touristic product that should be associated to Portugal in its international tourism promotion. This perception is clearly aligned with the prominence that Portuguese wines have been taking internationally and a perspective that indicates alternative products to the traditional “sun and sea” associated with the country’s tourism image.
Practical implications
The research results presented and the supporting discussion allow for a better understanding on the present image of Portugal as a tourist destination and the alternative attributes to traditional “sun and sea” that may be used in its international promotion. These results may indicate the need for a repositioning of the destination by the introduction of new elements in the promotional messages. The reflexions presented may be of great use for decision-makers in-charge of international tourism promotion.
Originality/value
This article analysis the impact of the economic crisis on the image of Portugal as a tourist destination, based on an international study carried out over a 3-year period. The results alert for possible discrepancies between the destinations positioning and the perceptions and desires of the markets.