The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations

Introduction: Research on residents' perceptions of sustainable tourism development (STD) has focused mainly on high-density areas, with little attention to emerging destinations. This study analyzes residents' perspectives in Lamego, a historic town in northern Portugal within the Douro...

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Main Authors: Isabel Vieira, Ana Rodrigues, Didiana Fernandes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Instituto Politécnico de Viseu 2025-06-01
Series:Millenium
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Online Access:https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/40917
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author Isabel Vieira
Ana Rodrigues
Didiana Fernandes
author_facet Isabel Vieira
Ana Rodrigues
Didiana Fernandes
author_sort Isabel Vieira
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Research on residents' perceptions of sustainable tourism development (STD) has focused mainly on high-density areas, with little attention to emerging destinations. This study analyzes residents' perspectives in Lamego, a historic town in northern Portugal within the Douro World Heritage area. Objective: Using cluster analysis, this study aims to segment residents based on perceptions of community involvement, local government management of tourism (LGMT), tourism impacts, community attachment, economic dependence, perceived risk (COVID-19), and support for STD, and to analyze differences in sociodemographic variables across these groups. Methods: This study uses a quantitative approach with a questionnaire for Lamego residents. We applied cluster analysis to categorize 250 residents into distinct groups based on their views on support for STD and related variables. Results: Three resident clusters were identified: Moderately Involved, Highly Involved, and Disconnected. These groups show significant differences in their engagement with STD initiatives and perceptions of local governance effectiveness. Conclusion: Findings emphasize the necessity of integrating residents' perceptions into STD planning and policy. This study provides insights for tourism management in emerging, low-density destinations, contributing to more effective and inclusive development strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-4cd78b2459f74eae906b1cedd3ed59292025-08-20T03:32:08ZengInstituto Politécnico de ViseuMillenium0873-30151647-662X2025-06-01219eThe role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinationsIsabel Vieira0Ana Rodrigues 1Didiana Fernandes2Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | Centro de Estudos em Educação e Inovação (CI&DEI), Viseu, PortugalUniversidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal | Centro de Estudos Transdisciplinares para o Desenvolvimento (CETRAD), Vila Real, PortugalInstituto Politécnico de Viseu, Viseu, Portugal | Centro de Estudos em Educação e Inovação (CI&DEI), Viseu, Portugal Introduction: Research on residents' perceptions of sustainable tourism development (STD) has focused mainly on high-density areas, with little attention to emerging destinations. This study analyzes residents' perspectives in Lamego, a historic town in northern Portugal within the Douro World Heritage area. Objective: Using cluster analysis, this study aims to segment residents based on perceptions of community involvement, local government management of tourism (LGMT), tourism impacts, community attachment, economic dependence, perceived risk (COVID-19), and support for STD, and to analyze differences in sociodemographic variables across these groups. Methods: This study uses a quantitative approach with a questionnaire for Lamego residents. We applied cluster analysis to categorize 250 residents into distinct groups based on their views on support for STD and related variables. Results: Three resident clusters were identified: Moderately Involved, Highly Involved, and Disconnected. These groups show significant differences in their engagement with STD initiatives and perceptions of local governance effectiveness. Conclusion: Findings emphasize the necessity of integrating residents' perceptions into STD planning and policy. This study provides insights for tourism management in emerging, low-density destinations, contributing to more effective and inclusive development strategies. https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/40917sustainable tourism development; community involvement/attachment; local government management of tourism; perceived risk; tourism impacts; economic dependence
spellingShingle Isabel Vieira
Ana Rodrigues
Didiana Fernandes
The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
Millenium
sustainable tourism development; community involvement/attachment; local government management of tourism; perceived risk; tourism impacts; economic dependence
title The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
title_full The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
title_fullStr The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
title_full_unstemmed The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
title_short The role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low-density destinations
title_sort role of cluster analysis in promoting sustainable development in low density destinations
topic sustainable tourism development; community involvement/attachment; local government management of tourism; perceived risk; tourism impacts; economic dependence
url https://revistas.rcaap.pt/millenium/article/view/40917
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