Title: Tourism information platform for low-density territories: the Douro region

Authors: Isabel Vieira; Ricardo Gama; Didiana Fernandes; Isabel Oliveira; Miguel Mota

Addresses: Higher Education School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Lamego, 5100-074, Portugal ' Higher Education School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Lamego, 5100-074, Portugal ' Higher Education School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Lamego, 5100-074, Portugal ' Higher Education School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Lamego, 5100-074, Portugal ' Higher Education School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Lamego, 5100-074, Portugal

Abstract: Dispersion of touristic information is a recognised problem in low-density territories, limiting its potential for tourism development. Thus, a tourist information system (TIS) is proposed as well as a methodological model for touristic information management, to interconnect various tourism agents. The model was applied to the Portuguese Douro region as technological solutions are crucial for the promotion, and sustainable management of this territorial typology. The methodology consists of three phases. First, a survey was conducted on tourism resources focusing on the Douro municipalities, and different categories of points of interest (POI) were identified. Second, data was standardised and validated before inserting it on a purpose-built TIS. Third, a set of web services were made available to promote the development of third-party applications. This work is the foundation for establishing new dynamics to promote the emergence of new technological solutions that represent an instrument to manage, and disseminate information.

Keywords: tourism information; promotion; low-density territories; tourism information platform; Douro region.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2022.122237

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2022 Vol.12 No.2, pp.223 - 241

Received: 27 Jan 2021
Accepted: 06 Nov 2021
Published online: 13 Apr 2022 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article