Activity 1 – Design and validation of a model for evaluating tourist destinations as a tool to guarantee their sustainable development
This activity has two interrelated goals. The first goal is to create a conceptual model for evaluating tourist destinations, in order to ensure their sustainable development. The second goal is the identification and definition of variables and indicators which allow the observation, measurement and monitoring of tourism activity sustainability, which should take into account tourism relationships with other relevant areas such as competitiveness, innovation and well-being of all stakeholders, in particular residents and tourists.
Activity 2 – Identification of primary and secondary information sources and collection of primary data using surveys
This activity aims at identifying and collecting data required by the indicators defined in the activity 1. The results of this activity will provide the regional stakeholders with specific and detailed knowledge about the region, which will support the definition of their strategies and support tourism development and competitiveness, ensuring preservation and enhancement of local identity, heritage and values, as strategic assets. This activity is in line with the objectives of studying and monitoring the 2027 Tourism Strategy, in terms of sustainability. In addition, the results will be made available to all regional stakeholders, both public and private, providing information to support the decision-making process, and constitute a relevant contribution to increase the population’s knowledge about the tourism activity in the region.
Activity 3 – Design and development of an online Decision Support System (DSS)
The aims of this activity are twofold: to design an architecture for the DSS and to develop an online technological solution for the system. This activity delivers the MONITUR DSS, which will be an online tool for supporting decision-making.
Activity 4 – Promotion and transfer of knowledge to ensure continuity of the project
This activity aims to bring research results closer to business dynamics, collecting inputs and primary data, and influencing strategies for a sustainable development of the Algarve, through the promotion of innovation and knowledge transfer. Effectively, the proposed tasks aim to provide stakeholders with new knowledge about the region, assist in their decision-making, boost innovation in public and private entities, and reinforce the tourist experience in a sustainable tourist destination. In this sense, strengthening the connection between science and the business sector allows to ensure a systematic update of data and the DSS where they are blended. This activity also aims to disseminate knowledge to the scientific community.