Assessing an eco-destination management structure: A case study

Abstract

Ecotourism is very important in contributing to the development of a healthier way to do tourism and, at the same time, to the wealth of a territory. This study aims to assess a relevant case study – Peneda-Gerês National Park (PGNP), in Portugal, applying a new model approach to managing eco-destinations. The results show that all aspects predicted by the ATOS (Aims, Tools, Operational domains, and Stakeholders) model are present in PGNP management except for one: promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This empirical substantiation of the proposed model analysis opens the possibility of influencing ecotourism management practice, helping to perform private and public audits of eco-destinations in any part of the world. Moreover, it contributes to framing the development of new sustainable eco-activities and eco-destinations.