The Potential of Nautical Tourism as a Strategic Product for Regional Tourism Development: The Case of Alto Minho and Esposende, Northwest Portugal

Abstract

Nautical tourism has seen exponential growth on the European coast, and its importance as a strategy for local development and the diversification of the tourist offer widely acknowledged. However, there is still no effective knowledge of the phenomenon in all its dimensions, aspects and characteristics. This study aims to contribute to fill this gap by analyzing the potential of nautical tourism as a strategic product in Alto Minho and Esposende, in Northern Portugal, and get to know the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of nautical practitioners. The methodology used is based on a mixed methods approach, including secondary data and primary data through a questionnaire survey to practitioners of nautical activities, and semi-structured interviews to private agents who provide nautical-related activities and services. The results of the study allow us to conclude that nautical tourism represents an opportunity for regional development, based on the tourist’s behaviors and average level of expenses. In addition, it can be considered a differentiation factor in terms of tourism, responding to the growing demand for more active experiences. The creation of new businesses and the improvement of the results of existing ones, are also some of the benefits associated to Nautical Tourism. As a strategic tourism product, it contributes to the decrease of seasonality and the valorization of environmental and natural resources, and as such, to regional development.