Tourism activities and companies in a sustainable adventure tourism destination: the Azores

Authors

  • Ponte João Fundo de Maneio, Ponta Delgada
  • Gualter Couto School of Business and Economics and CEEAplA, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada
  • Pedro Pimentel School of Business and Economics and CEEAplA, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada
  • André Oliveira Fundo de Maneio, Ponta Delgada

Keywords:

Tourism activities, tourism companies, adventure tourism, sustainable tourism, Azores

Abstract

The Azores is one of the most sustainable nature-based island destinations in the world. Local tourism activities companies are vital to tourists’ adventure experiences. These businesses’ portfolios were analysed using various editions of the official Tourism Activities Guide. The analysis focused on companies’ products, types of activities, geographical coverage and brands. The generalised profile generated indicates that these firms each operate on only one island, have a small portfolio and are prone to specialise in sea or land activities. Snorkelling and motor boat rides are the most common sea activities, while nature hikes and walks, van tours and cultural tours are the most widely offered land activities. Explicit or indirect references to the Azores and adventure often appear in companies’ brands, which is in line with international trends in adventure tourism. However, company profiles are changing due to the impacts of a new air transport model.

Author Biography

  • Ponte João, Fundo de Maneio, Ponta Delgada
    Doutor e Mestre em Estudos Alemães pela Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Licenciado em Línguas e Literaturas Modernas e Bacharel em Turismo Professor Adjunto, ESGHT / Universidade do Algarve Editor de Tourism & Management Studies Coordenador do "Master in European Tourism Management", o qual se encontra integrado numa rede de 7 universidades europeias.

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Published

31.10.2018

Issue

Section

Tourism/Hospitality: Research Papers

How to Cite

João, P., Couto, G., Pimentel, P., & Oliveira, A. (2018). Tourism activities and companies in a sustainable adventure tourism destination: the Azores. Tourism & Management Studies, 14(4), 25-38. https://tmstudies.net/index.php/ectms/article/view/1118

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