Abstract

BORDONARO, Lorenzo. Expectations of tourism: hope, disappointment and tourism development in Vila Real (Douro, Portugal) . Etnográfica [online]. 2020, vol.24, n.2, pp.289-314. ISSN 0873-6561.  https://doi.org/10/4000/etnografica.7964.

In this article, based on ethnographic research in Vila Real, Portugal, and carried out within the framework of the “Dourotur” research project, I describe local expectations of tourism in a context of prolonged economic decay and marginalization by national economic policies. Though acknowledging local demands for tourism as legitimate, I question the too straightforward link between tourism and local development that has become a mantra in Portugal. I maintain that, in order to be effective and face local expectations, tourism development policies need to be adapted to local territories and developed in a participative and sustainable form.

Keywords : tourism; development; Portugal; Douro; Vila Real.

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