An Empirical Investigation of Architectural Heritage Management Implications for Tourism: The Case of Portugal

Shahrbanoo Gholitabar, Habib Alipour and Carlos Manuel Martins da Costa
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Shahrbanoo Gholitabar: Faculty of Tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, Gazimagusa/KKTC, via Mersin 10, Gazimağusa 99450, Turkey
Habib Alipour: Faculty of Tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University, Gazimagusa/KKTC, via Mersin 10, Gazimağusa 99450, Turkey
Carlos Manuel Martins da Costa: Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism (DEGEIT), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-32

Abstract: The aims of this study are manifold. First, to investigate the potentials of architectural heritage in the context of tourism destination development, as well as examine public sector policies and make plans toward the preservation of these resources. Secondly, to appraise the outcome of preservation and its implications for tourism. The study is an effort to explore and understand the interrelationships between tourism and architectural heritage sites through tourist image and perception. For the purposes of this research, numerous heritage sites were sampled in Portugal. A mixed research method was utilized to gauge tourists’ image/perception of heritage resources, and impact (quantitative approach). A qualitative approach was utilized to assess the priority of tourists in their visits and public-sector policies toward heritage resource management and planning. The fuzzy logic method was used to assess the architectural value and the tourist and preservation potential of historical buildings in Porto/Aveiro. The contribution and implications of the study are also explained. The results revealed that architectural heritage resources have the most appeal to tourists. The study to date demonstrates the architectural value and tourist and preservation potential of the buildings observed via evaluation by fuzzy logic methods.

Keywords: heritage preservation; reuse; architectural heritage; heritage planning; heritage management; heritage tourism; Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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