ESTGV - DG - Documentos de congressos (comunicações, posters, actas)
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- Can Rural Tourism Satisfy Portuguese Tourist's Needs? Examining Portuguese Tourist's PreferencesPublication . Antunes, Joaquim; Barroco, Cristina; Amaro, SuzanneTourism is considered one of the fastest growing industries, assuming a central role in the economy of many countries. Over the past years, new tourism products have been launched and existent ones have been adapted, such as rural tourism. The motivations for the demand of these services are aimed at revitalizing physical and psychic balance, under stress caused by modern lifestyles. The importance of rural tourism has been stressed in several studies. For instance, according to Dong, Wang, Morais and Brooks (2013) rural tourism has been frequently mentioned as an alternative form of economic development in rural areas. Other studies have emphasized that it significantly contributes to the gross national product, wealth creation, employment generation (Choong-Ki, Var & Blaine, 1996; Borooah, 1999) and to regional development (Dredge, 1999). In a more recent study, rural tourism is considered as a diversification strategy that serves as a catalyst for economic growth in remote communities (Rid, Ezeuduji & Pröbst-Haider, 2014). In the Portuguese case, there is a low profitability of rural tourism and, therefore, it is crucial to identify market segments to create appropriate marketing strategies in order to increase the profitability of rural tourism (Kastenholz, 2002). Despite the importance of better understanding what motivates tourists to choose rural tourism, studies focusing on rural tourism in Portugal have been limited (e.g. Kastenholz, Davis & Paul, 1999; Kastenholz, 2005; Almeida, Correia & Pimpão, 2014). Thus, the main aim of this study is to examine Portuguese tourists’ preferences when choosing rural tourism accommodation. The findings are crucial to support marketing strategies and for rural tourism development in Portugal. This study begins with a literature review of earlier studies concerning rural tourism, followed by the research methodology. In the fourth part, the results are discussed and finally, in the conclusions, some strategies are suggested as well as limitations of the study are presented.
- Contributos para um plano estratégico para o turismo do Porto Santo: a importância do geoturismoPublication . Castro, Cristina; Antunes, Joaquim; Barros, SamuelEste trabalho pretende dar um contributo para um plano estratégico para o turismo do Porto Santo e tem como finalidade principal demonstrar o interesse do Geoturismo no mercado turístico desta ilha, designadamente no âmbito do combate à sazonalidade, um dos principais problemas do turismo deste território insular integrado na Região Autónoma da Madeira. Para além de uma breve revisão da literatura sobre os temas envolvidos, a metodologia assenta num trabalho empírico de análise estratégica que inclui a realização de uma série de entrevistas às entidades responsáveis pelo turismo do Porto Santo e a alguns empresários locais. As conclusões apontam no sentido de que Porto Santo tem todas as condições para o desenvolvimento do Geoturismo, devido ao seu património natural, em particular a sua componente geológica, geomorfológica e a sua geodiversidade. São propostos vários produtos e apostas em determinados públicos-alvo que certamente poderão contribuir para um melhor desenvolvimento turístico da ilha.
- Determinantes da relação bancaria e restrições de crédito nas PME PortuguesasPublication . Pinto, António; Augusto, Mário; Gama, PauloEste trabalho tem dois objectivos fundamentais. Por um lado, determinar as características empresariais que condicionam o número de relações bancários e, por outro, analisar os factores que determinam o racionamento de crédito das pequenas e médias empresas. Os resultados sugerem que a dimensão empresarial, a selecção adversa e o sector de actividade, influenciam o número de relações bancárias. Por sua vez, o número de relações bancárias, a dimensão empresarial e a idade estabelecem relações significativas com as restrições de crédito; não sendo relevante a natureza familiar da propriedade e a participação dos accionistas na gestão empresarial.
- A eficácia da comunicação organizacional: estudo aplicado à associação empresarial AIRVPublication . Pinto, Ana; Antunes, Joaquim; Barros, SamuelAssiste-se, atualmente, a uma grande competitividade empresarial, obrigando os empresários a adaptarem-se a uma nova realidade, de modo a assegurar a sua permanência no mercado. Mudanças comportamentais dos empresários e modernas formas de gestão tornaram-se indispensáveis para a garantia de um futuro próspero para os seus negócios. As associações empresariais, à semelhança de outras organizações, precisam de ser ágeis, conforme exige o mercado, tornando-se entidades articuladoras e prestadoras de serviços para os seus associados, preocupando-se, cada vez mais, com a comunicação. Esta assume um papel de extrema importância, funcionando como elo de ligação entre a associação empresarial e o seu target - os seus associados. Com este estudo pretende-se perceber a forma como a comunicação organizacional é encarada e tratada nas associações empresariais, mais em pormenor, na Associação Empresarial da Região de Viseu – AIRV. Nesse sentido, foi efetuada uma pesquisa bibliográfica, complementada com um estudo empírico, realizado através de entrevista e inquérito aos associados da AIRV. Em termos de resultados, os associados consideram que a AIRV representa corretamente os seus interesses, sendo que a comunicação entre ambos é eficaz. Conclui-se que a relação entre as empresas e a AIRV é, de um modo geral, positiva e de proximidade entre ambas, que convém fortificar.
- Enhancing students’ digital learning experiences across culturesPublication . Martins, Maria de LurdesThe challenges of multiculturalism and multimodal forms of communication have brought to the fore the need to (re)examine the way English as Foreign Language (EFL) is taught and learned. This no longer seen as the sole responsibility of educational institutions but as a life-long process arising from learning through personal and professional experience and through various channels. This paper reports on a telecollaboration project - European Dialogue Project (EDP) - and examines mutual contributions of Web 2.0 technologies and EFL to each other, and the challenges in designing and implementing collaboration projects across cultures. In order to become competent communicators in collaborative technology mediated projects, students need not only to develop some technical skills, allowing them to know how to use the different tools, but also be familiar with a range of social practices and behaviours associated with collaborating online. The challenge is, undoubtedly, to promote these skills and attitudes in parallel with teaching EFL. In the EDP, students, working in international teams, had to discuss and compare the values shared by young people in Italy, Portugal, Germany and France, being in charge of designing and carrying out a collaborative survey to assess students’ views on specific topics The aim of the project was encouraging autonomous communication in English, also sensitising them towards digital global communication practices in real-life scenarios.
- EQUASS Assurance Certification: The View of Pioneer AdoptersPublication . Melão, Nuno; Amorim, Marlene; Marimon, Frederic; Alegre, InésPurpose – The paper examines from a practitioner’s perspective the European Quality in Social Services (EQUASS) Assurance standard, a certification programme for European social service organisations to implement a sector-specific Quality Management System. In particular, it analyses the adoption motives, the internalisation of the standard, the impacts, the satisfaction and the renew intentions. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey methodology. From the 381 organisations emailed, 196 responses coming from eight different European countries were considered valid (51.4%). Data from closed-ended questions were analysed using simple descriptive statistical techniques. Content analysis was employed to analyse practitioner’s comments to open-ended questions. Findings – It shows that social service providers typically implement the certification for internal reasons, and internalise EQUASS principles and practices in daily usage. EQUASS Assurance produces benefits mainly at the operational and customer levels, whereas its main pitfalls include increased workload and bureaucracy. The majority of respondents (85.2%) are very satisfied or satisfied with the certification, suggesting that it meets their expectations. Certification renewal intentions are also high but some respondents report that the final decision depends on several factors. The insights gained through the qualitative data are also described. Practical implications – It can be helpful to managers, consultants and Local License Holders working (or planning to work) with this standard. It can inform the work of the EQUASS Technical Working Group in the forthcoming revision of the standard. Originality/value – This is the largest survey conducted so far about EQUASS Assurance in terms of number of respondents, participating countries and topics covered.
- Equestrian tourism: an opportunity for portuguesePublication . Magalhães, Nuno; Barroco, Cristina; Antunes, JoaquimPortugal provides a large number of factors that boost the development of the national equestrian tourism. It represents an opportunity for the qualification and differentiation of the national tourism, to stimulate rural economies, to combat seasonality and asymmetries.This study want to understand the importance, for the equestrian tourist, of the critical success factors such as the Lusitano horse, the national equestrian culture, the landscape diversity, among others. Also, how they can contribute to the differentiation of the national equestrian tourism for international destinations that are already deployed in the market.For this study is crucial to know the perspective of those involved in the various equestrian tourism activities. In this sense, a group of companies were selected and exploratory interviews were conducted that contributed to important outputs in the construction of the questionnaire.The research was attended by 110 individuals, with different profiles, motivations and types of involvement. From the analysis, it is concluded that the critical success factors are significant in motivating equestrian tourists, namely the quality of equestrian infrastructures, the Lusitano horse, the hospitality, among others. It is also possible to analyze that the equestrian tourist demonstrates a strong commitment: they are knowledgeable, read a lot about riding and belong to equestrian clubs.Finally, the factor analysis highlight the agreement between participants and a significant number of statements made in the questionnaire related to motivation and involvement. It is possible to conclude that equestrian tourists look for relaxing moments and opportunities to expand their equestrian knowledge.
- Examining the information provided on websites: an application to the thermal spas from the Central Region of PortugalPublication . Barroco, Cristina; Antunes, Joaquim; Amaro, SuzanneWellness and Spa Tourism represents a leading role in the tourism industry. According to a study conducted by the Global Wellness Institute (2013) this niche tourism is growing faster than the overall tourism industry. In Portugal, health and wellness tourism has also had a significant growth and is considered one of the ten strategic products of the country. According to information available from Turismo de Portugal (2015), there are 41 spas in Portugal, 19 of them located in the Central Region. The aim of this paper is to analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies, more specifically, websites, as an essential tool for advertising the health and wellness offer of the Spas in the Central Region. Thus, the quality of these Spa’s Websites were analyzed using various indicators. The information obtained is a basis for the implementation of strategies to make the Spas more competitive.
- Exploring collaborative Web 2.0 mediated EFL learning across culturesPublication . Maria, Maria de LurdesThe challenges of multiculturalism and multimodal forms of communication have brought to the fore the need to (re)examine the way English as Foreign Language (EFL) is taught and learned. This no longer seen as the sole responsibility of educational institutions but as a life-long process arising from learning through personal and professional experience and through various channels. This article reports on a telecollaboration project - European Dialogue Project (EDP) - and examines mutual contributions of Web 2.0 technologies and EFL to each other, and the challenges in designing and implementing collaboration projects across cultures. In order to become competent communicators in collaborative technology mediated projects, students need not only to develop some technical skills, allowing them to know how to use the different tools, but also be familiar with a range of social practices and behaviours associated with collaborating online. The challenge is, undoubtedly, to promote these skills and attitudes in parallel with teaching EFL. In the EDP, students, working in international teams, had to discuss and compare the values shared by young people in Italy, Portugal, Germany and France, being in charge of designing and carrying out a collaborative survey to assess students’ views on specific topics The aim of the project was encouraging autonomous communication in English, also sensitising them towards digital global communication practices in real-life scenarios. Data analysis highlights learner-centeredness, and the fact that the learning environment encouraged students to negotiate meaning, collaborate, solve problems or improve understanding of intercultural communication, thus playing a role as active stakeholders in today’s globalised world.
- Factors affecting Foreign Direct Investment in the Accommodation SectorPublication . Barroco, Cristina; Castro, Eduardo Anselmo; Costa, CarlosDespite the many theories that suggest an explanation for international trade and why certain countries attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) more than others, researchers are unanimous in affirming that FDI is influenced by pull factors (specific characteristics of the host country) and by push factors (specific characteristics of companies and of their home country). This study aims to identify the key factors influencing FDI in the Portuguese tourism sector. With this purpose, a theoretical model was developed which was validated through semi-structured exploratory interviews and questionnaire surveys applied to foreign investors exploiting accommodation units in mainland Portugal. Fifty three questionnaires were considered valid, representing 63.9% of the universe of foreign investors in Portugal (accommodation sector). The results obtained indicate that Portugal’s geographical location, its image/brand as a tourist destination and the Portuguese tourism offer are considered the key factors influencing FDI. This study also identifies that the main barriers to FDI are bureaucracy, tax burden and Portugal’s current economic situation.