The tourist experience in Portugal – how to maintain authenticity?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the importance of authenticity of the tourist experience, based on the main conclusions of the International Tourism Forum Round Table, attended by representatives of the main entities of the tourism sector in Portugal.

Design/methodology/approach

The main conclusions resulting from the International Tourism Forum Round Table are presented and discussed. The event was organised by the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development, under the theme “Tourism in 2017: trends and opportunities for businesses and destinations”.

Findings

The International Tourism Forum Round Table concluded that the tourism industry worldwide and in Portugal in particular, is facing major challenges that call for innovative ways of managing the tourist experience. Several questions regarding the negative impacts of tourism have been discussed, with authenticity being one of the major concerns.

Originality/value

The profiling of the current state of Portuguese tourism, its opportunities and challenges allows the design of more effective strategies to improve the Portuguese tourist offer and the experience of tourists visiting Portugal.

Citation

Costa, J., Carvalho, S. and Rodrigues, D. (2017), "The tourist experience in Portugal – how to maintain authenticity?", Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 9 No. 6, pp. 640-645. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-09-2017-0051