Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.30.3.12
Creating new opportunities for tourism development through cross-border collaboration: Shedding light on overlooked destinations
Maria Carmen Pardo
; Professor Instituto Politécnico Viana do Castelo (IPVC): Centre for Research, Development and Innovation in Tourism (CITUR)
Sofia Almeida
; Universidade Europeia; CETRAD, Universidade de Trás os Montes e Alto Douro
*
Ana Cláudia Campos
; PhD, Assistant Professor Faculty of Economics; CinTurs, Universidade do Algarve
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this investigation is to explore opportunities for advancing cross-border
tourism in the Iberian Peninsula.
Methodology/Design/Approach – In this study, focus groups and in-depth interviews were
conducted to both public and private stakeholders in the cross-border regions.
Findings – Findings indicate that the cross-border areas in Portugal and Spain are perceived
by stakeholders from both countries as familiar territories and also that there are signs of
transnational cooperation. This indicates there is significant potential for the advancement
of cross-border tourism in the Iberian Peninsula. Nonetheless, the study concludes that more
initiatives are required, beginning with the creation of an adequate organization to build the
cross-border destination.
Originality of the research – The research delivers managerial insights to assist public and private actors in developing this cross-border destination, such as the need to curtail contextual
expenses or accentuate the public sector’s role in stimulating private sector’s involvement in
the process.
Keywords
inland destination; regional development; cross-border territory; cross border tourism; intelligent specialization
Hrčak ID:
322821
URI
Publication date:
17.9.2024.
Visits: 12 *