308
A. I. Correia et al.
and/or experiences within the VCLG; the implementation of sustainable tourism
practices and its promotion through SM.
The respondents’ answers were interpreted separately by the research team first,
followed by a shared analysis and discussion to analyse the identified ideas/themes.
When an agreement above 70% was achieved, it was considered as a reliable
interpretation, which is considered reliable as a rule of thumb (Çakmak and Isaac
2012).
The interviewees were mainly male (five males and two females), with higher
education in tourism, cultural tourism, informatics, and sports. They are operating
mainly in the north of Portugal and the number of years of existence ranges from
two to fifteen years.
4 Geographical Context: Viana do Castelo Littoral
Geopark
Viana do Castelo Littoral Geopark (VCLG) is located in the Northwest region of
Portugal, in the Council of Viana do Castelo. It occupies an area of 320 square
kilometres comprising both Atlantic coastal and mountainous territories. The park
includes a wide range of natural and cultural resources, due to the local geological and
ecological diversity and richness, complemented by other equal varieties of cultural
heritage. It is a unique place where geology, nature, culture and tourism converge
(Carvalhido 2018).
Valorising many of VCLG’s geosites, 13 of which are already classified (Carvalhido 2018), helps to make the local populations sensitive to the natural heritage
they have. This also allows visitors to experience local origins in conjunction with
amusable walks through a unique seascape allocated in several itineraries.
Moreover, the VCLG also incorporates a wide range of cultural resources,
including archaeological sites. One of these is particularly interesting due to the
inherent link established and materialised with rocks: rock art (Bettencourt et al.
2017). In fact, VCLG comprises about 50 entries of this type of historical remains,
totalling 28 rock art sites distributed within 10 parishes.
The real challenge is to assure the perfect alliance between natural and cultural
resources, making sites suitable for visits. This can only be successful by increasing
the number of available sites to visit, including interpretative contents and points,
creating virtual 3D photogrammetric models, among many other possibilities. This
would allow for an improved convergence of synergies between local stakeholders
on the promotion of these resources to different scholars and educators, local
communities, landowners, and tourist corporations and operators all over the country.
The availability of new ideas is being developed and prepared by the Municipality of Viana do Castelo, and there will be new facilities and contents for public
visit/access during the current year.
A. I. Correia et al.
and/or experiences within the VCLG; the implementation of sustainable tourism
practices and its promotion through SM.
The respondents’ answers were interpreted separately by the research team first,
followed by a shared analysis and discussion to analyse the identified ideas/themes.
When an agreement above 70% was achieved, it was considered as a reliable
interpretation, which is considered reliable as a rule of thumb (Çakmak and Isaac
2012).
The interviewees were mainly male (five males and two females), with higher
education in tourism, cultural tourism, informatics, and sports. They are operating
mainly in the north of Portugal and the number of years of existence ranges from
two to fifteen years.
4 Geographical Context: Viana do Castelo Littoral
Geopark
Viana do Castelo Littoral Geopark (VCLG) is located in the Northwest region of
Portugal, in the Council of Viana do Castelo. It occupies an area of 320 square
kilometres comprising both Atlantic coastal and mountainous territories. The park
includes a wide range of natural and cultural resources, due to the local geological and
ecological diversity and richness, complemented by other equal varieties of cultural
heritage. It is a unique place where geology, nature, culture and tourism converge
(Carvalhido 2018).
Valorising many of VCLG’s geosites, 13 of which are already classified (Carvalhido 2018), helps to make the local populations sensitive to the natural heritage
they have. This also allows visitors to experience local origins in conjunction with
amusable walks through a unique seascape allocated in several itineraries.
Moreover, the VCLG also incorporates a wide range of cultural resources,
including archaeological sites. One of these is particularly interesting due to the
inherent link established and materialised with rocks: rock art (Bettencourt et al.
2017). In fact, VCLG comprises about 50 entries of this type of historical remains,
totalling 28 rock art sites distributed within 10 parishes.
The real challenge is to assure the perfect alliance between natural and cultural
resources, making sites suitable for visits. This can only be successful by increasing
the number of available sites to visit, including interpretative contents and points,
creating virtual 3D photogrammetric models, among many other possibilities. This
would allow for an improved convergence of synergies between local stakeholders
on the promotion of these resources to different scholars and educators, local
communities, landowners, and tourist corporations and operators all over the country.
The availability of new ideas is being developed and prepared by the Municipality of Viana do Castelo, and there will be new facilities and contents for public
visit/access during the current year.