Success Indicators of Rural Tourism in Serra da Estrela

Abstract

Will the natural resources and their respective protection statuses be sufficient conditions to ensure the success of Rural Tourism (RT) in Serra da Estrela? To verify this, three perspectives of success were defined: (A) one that considers the success determined by the market; (B) another in which it is determined by the satisfaction of the manager; (C) and another for the satisfaction of the tourist. It is concluded that the success of the RT can be measured in different ways, depending on the perspective and the criteria adopted. The combined use of different perspectives, in a multidimensional analysis, makes it possible to better understand the success factors in RT lodgings. The location within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (SENP) is not, by itself, a success factor for this type of enterprise. Others relevant factors include the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and management practices that are sensitive to the needs of tourists.