THE IMPACTS OF TOURISM: THE CASE OF MEDIEVAL JOURNEY OF SANTA MARIA DA FEIRA

Abstract

This research has as main objective to assess the perceptions of the impacts – economic, social, cultural and environmental caused by a cultural event named Medieval Journey in the city of Santa Maria da Feira, under the perspective of the inhabitants and organizations. To achieve this, a descriptive research was conducted, through 352 questionnaires collected. The main conclusions point out to the following: ? The most important positive economic impact is the increase of the commercial sales volume.

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The value and preservation of the historical and cultural heritage is considered the most relevant impact in terms of socio-cultural impacts.

? The most negative impact of the event is the traffic jam.

? A rational utilization of the spaces is seen as an important environmental impact.

As a whole, the event contributes to 32% of the development of the city of Santa Maria da Feira.