Back to business? Taking lessons from Porto (Portugal) to inform sustainable tourism futures after COVID-19

Porto has undergone significant economic and social changes in recent decades, closely intertwined with the evolution of its tourism sector. This research examines the vulnerabilities brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic of this tourist city and tracks the resultant changes. We conducted an an...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Inês Gusman, José Alberto Rio Fernandes, Pedro Chamusca
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Asociación Española de Geografía 2023-12-01
Series:Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.bage.age-geografia.es/ojs/index.php/bage/article/view/3448
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Porto has undergone significant economic and social changes in recent decades, closely intertwined with the evolution of its tourism sector. This research examines the vulnerabilities brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic of this tourist city and tracks the resultant changes. We conducted an analysis of a set of variables focusing on the changes that have occurred during two distinct periods: during and post COVID-19. The data are analysed through longitudinal, comparative, and spatial approaches. The findings indicate the high exposure of Porto's tourism sector to international demand. Currently, the tourism sector growth exceeds 2019 levels and the challenges related to tourism development and its impact on local communities persist. Despite efforts to diversify tourism, the overall landscape seems largely unchanged from the pre-pandemic scenario. The vulnerabilities highlighted during the pandemic should guide the development towards a more sustainable future. It is crucial to maintain the multifunctionality of cities, particularly in the most tourist-driven areas, accommodating diverse activities alongside tourism, including residential, economic, and administrative functions.
ISSN:0212-9426
2605-3322