THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR CULTURAL TOURISM

Abstract

This work aims to determine the role of the hospitality industry and its contribution to the cultural experience of senior tourists in the Douro region.

It is also our aim to understand to what extent the Douro Wine Region classification as a World Heritage Site contributes to the cultural tourism development in the region as well as to the development of the hotel industry.

Methodologically, this work is based on a case study, collecting primary data through the application of survey questionnaires to the hotel directors of the region and to public-private entities.

The analysis vectors are: to verify the characteristics, the importance and rise of cultural senior tourism, to study the hospitality industry role in the cultural tourism experience evaluation, and to reflect on the relationship between the hospitality industry and public-private entities as a Cultural Tourism motor. In conclusion, we study the role of hospitality industry in the development of this tourism sector in the Douro and the importance of public-private partnerships, particularly with a focus on hospitality.

We try to determine the importance of the cultural senior tourism as a hospitality industry segment and its role in the development of cultural tourism, as well as to identify the leading partnerships between the hospitality industry and the public sector that support senior cultural tourism.