Given the fact that sustainability in the world and in particular in Portugal is an unavoidable path and assumed with increasing awareness by agents operating in the economic and social areas, culture, sport, tourist entertainment and active tourism (active tourism understood as a brand), it implies decision-making in line with evolved ecological consciences regarding the conservation of scarce resources, ensuring that the legacy is left to future generations.
Sustainable tourism must make adequate use of environmental resources, respect the socio-cultural authenticity of communities and ensure that economic activities are viable in the long term. It also requires the informed participation of stakeholders, the constant monitoring of their impacts, maintaining a high level of tourist satisfaction (adapted from the concept of Sustainable Tourism of the World Tourism Organization – UNWTO, 2005).
In this sense, in 2015, the United Nations approved the 2030 Agenda, consisting of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sport and Tourism have contributed directly and indirectly to all the SDGs, having been included mainly in Goals 8 (sustainable economic growth), 12 (sustainable consumption and production) and 14 (sustainable use of oceans and marine resources).
On the other hand, the District of Setúbal, as a whole, has an extraordinary inventory of tourist attraction centers conceived with and without the intention of attracting visitors, with exuberant nature, captivating corners, calm and peaceful environments, in addition to a significant history, gastronomy and cultural traditions preserved over centuries. Clearly identifiable strengths for the promotion of Active, Nature, Adventure and Rural Tourism, which represent very significant competitive advantages and opportunities, due to the territory’s peaceful and pleasant climate throughout the year and its proximity to Lisbon.
Currently, there is an emerging demand for new tourism trends focused on the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, the defense of the natural environment and the responsible and sustainable economic development of tourist destinations.
Active Tourism, of nature and rurality for different tourist destinations, can be an extraordinary and effective strategy for the conservation and preservation of the environment, by uniting in an economically responsible and sustainable way the virtuous triangle between nature and its preservation, development economic and social equity, in addition to favoring the continuity of supply and demand throughout the year and reconciling the effects caused by Covid-19, which is a major challenge in the 21st century.
Sport and tourism evolved through adaptive and transformational processes resulting from the improvement of the quality of life and the increase in the free time of the populations to which the Industrial Revolution and the consequent emergence of the leisure and consumption society contributed. Its practices foster human development, sharing cultural goals and healthy lifestyles, as well as promoting peace between nations and the quality of life of populations, a source of inspiration to turn dreams into reality.
The social practices resulting from the relationship between sport and tourism assume in contemporary society, high cultural, social and economic importance. Those who operate in their markets are aware that behind the performance of results in tourism, in sports, in recreational practice and in leisure and recreation, there are highly competent organizations, infrastructures and human resources, which provide services whose acceptance social is unequivocal.
Accordingly, given the emergence of new paradigms in the aforementioned areas, which sustain and differentiate tourist destinations, products and markets of high economic importance, we consider it pertinent to continue investing in the holding of an international congress that contributes to the debate of topics related to tourism. and sport.
In this context, the Higher School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal with the Faculties of Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport and Economics, Business and Tourism of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as with the Municipality of Almada, will carry out on November 10, 11 and 12, 2022, in Almada, the 2nd Edition of the “International Congress on Active Tourism, Sport, Nature and Sustainability – What Future Perspectives”.
Thematic areas for submission of abstracts and full papers:
Environment, Sustainable Development and Active Tourism
Benchmarking in sport and tourism
Culture, Heritage, Sport and Leisure
Organizational Development in Active Tourism and Sport Contexts
Sport and Tourism for Special Populations
Tourist Destinations and Tourist Attractiveness
Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainability
Risk Management and Safety in Active Tourism and Sport
New trends in Active Tourism
Opportunities for Portugal and Horizon 2030
Events Policy and Territorial Development
Provision of Excellence in Hospitality and Restaurant Services
Products and Services in Active Tourism
Accessible Tourism in Portugal: Strengths and Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
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