A Participatory Design Approach to Coastal Tourism: Perspectives from Local Communities of Praia da Barra and Costa Nova, Aveiro, Portugal

Arthur Braga (), R. Jr. Flores, Gonçalo Gomes, Carlos Costa and Zelia Breda
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Arthur Braga: University of Aveiro
R. Jr. Flores: University of Aveiro, Department of Communication and Arts (DECA)/ID+ Research Institute for Design, Media and Culture/Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies Research Unit (GOVCOPP)
Gonçalo Gomes: University of Aveiro
Carlos Costa: University of Aveiro
Zelia Breda: University of Aveiro

A chapter in Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 2, 2026, pp 737-754 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the residents’ perceptions towards the impacts and challenges of tourism in coastal destinations, with reference to the case of Praia da Barra and Costa Nova. The research employs a participatory design (PD) approach to determine how tourism influences residents’ quality of life, the local environment, their sense of place and assess their perspectives on tourism planning and development within their communities. PD approach promotes effective stakeholder involvement, enhanced transparency, mutual understanding and shared responsibility. Through collaborative mapping, collective reflection on tourism impacts and future visioning, the applied methodology enabled participants to articulate concerns and aspirations regarding territorial transformation. Place-based strategies are given emphasis in strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of these destinations while addressing the socio-environmental issues. Furthermore, the study contributes to the adoption of a holistic model for sustainable coastal tourism development by integrating active community participation with innovative, context-sensitive practices.

Keywords: Participatory design; Destination management; Coastal tourism; Destination design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O21 Q01 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-17534-2_44

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17534-2_44

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