Nature Tourism

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The classes aim at a participatory and theoretical-practical discussion of the themes, supported by the analysis of practical examples and the use of texts, cartography and other materials, in addition to research work promoted and presented by the students. At the same time, it is planned to carry out field visits as well as the participation of relevant entities and personalities, through conferences or other types of interventions, within the scope of the curricular unit's matrix themes.

Learning Outcomes

The overall goal is to develop students' skills in acquiring, consolidating and application knowledge about nature tourism.

At the end of the course, students will be able to: define the concept of nature tourism; explain the evolution of supply and demand for nature tourism; demonstrate the relevance of protected areas and other natural spaces as nature tourism destinations; relate territorialities and nature tourism experiences with new technologies (information, communication, location) and innovation; identify and interpret the economic, social, environmental and territorial effects of nature tourism; recognise the emerging challenges of nature tourism and the opportunities for its development; analyze the current dynamics of nature tourism activities and discuss their results/contributions to sustainable development.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Conceptualization of nature tourism.

2. Characterization and evolution of the supply and demand of nature tourism.

3. Motivation, satisfaction, profile and behavior of nature tourists.

4. Protected areas and other natural spaces as nature tourist destinations.

5. New technologies and innovation in territorialities and nature tourism experiences.

6. Sustainability of nature tourism and promotion of development: economy, society, environment and territory.

7. Emerging challenges and opportunities for the development of nature tourism: contexts of change, plans and public policies.

8. Nature tourism activities: current dynamics and contributions to sustainable development.

Head Lecturer(s)

Professor a Definir - Faculdade de Letras

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 25.0%
Presentations: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 45.0%

Bibliography

Carvalho, P. (2021). Walking & cycling. Uma nova Geografia do turismo. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra.

FAO & UNWTO (2023). Understanding and quantifying mountain tourism. FAO/UNWTO.

Leung, Y-F., Spenceley, A., Hvenegaard, G., & Buckley, R. (Ed.) (2018). Tourism and visitor management in protected areas. Guidelines for sustainability. IUCN.

Mandić, A., & Walia, S. (Ed.) (2023). The Routledge handbook of nature based tourism development. Routledge.

Räikkönen, J. et al. (2023). Conceptualizing nature-based science tourism: A case study of Seili Island, Finland, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(5), 1214-1232.

Silva, F., & Carvalhinho, L. (2017). Turismo na natureza e de aventura. In F. Silva & J. Umbelino (Coord.). Planeamento e desenvolvimento turístico (pp. 259-275).

Sørensen, F.  & Grindsted, T. (2021). Sustainability approaches and nature tourism development. Annals of Tourism Research, 91, 103307.