Tourism Entrepreneurship in Portugal and Spain: Competitive Landscapes and Innovative Business Models

This contributed volume introduces innovative landscapes and business models used in tourism entrepreneurship initiatives in Portugal and Spain, providing benchmarks and guidelines for future strategic actions in rural and sustainable development in alternative tourism destinations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive volume presents a groundbreaking exploration of the innovative landscapes and entrepreneurial business models employed in tourism entrepreneurship initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It serves as a valuable benchmark for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to venture into various sectors of the tourism industry, including tourism services, place-branded tourism, social networks, spiritual tourism, cross-border tourism initiatives, and tourism in low-density regions. Furthermore, the book offers insightful guidelines for future strategic endeavors aimed at promoting rural and sustainable development in alternative tourism destinations, drawing inspiration from the successful experiences of the Iberian region.

Introduction:
The tourism industry has witnessed a remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for diverse and memorable travel experiences. In this context, Portugal and Spain have emerged as prominent players in the global tourism landscape, offering a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant urban centers. Recognizing the potential of tourism to drive economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, these countries have taken proactive steps to promote tourism entrepreneurship and foster innovation in the sector.

Innovative Landscapes:
This contributed volume delves into the innovative landscapes and business models employed in tourism entrepreneurship initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It provides a comprehensive overview of the various sectors and sub-sectors within the tourism industry, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, and cultural experiences. By examining the successes and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in these regions, the book offers valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed to create sustainable and competitive tourism businesses.

Benchmarks for Entrepreneurial Initiatives:
One of the key strengths of this volume is its provision of benchmarks for entrepreneurial initiatives in tourism. The book offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating and assessing the potential of tourism-related projects, covering key aspects such as market analysis, business planning, marketing, and customer service. These benchmarks serve as valuable tools for aspiring entrepreneurs, allowing them to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of their ideas and make informed decisions about their entrepreneurial journey.

Coverage of Tourism Services:
The book provides in-depth coverage of various tourism services, including hotel management, tour operator services, travel agency services, and transportation services. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with each service sector, highlighting the strategies employed by successful entrepreneurs to differentiate their offerings and attract customers. By examining the different business models and pricing strategies used in these sectors, the book offers valuable insights into the dynamics of the tourism industry and the factors that contribute to its growth and sustainability.

Place-Branded Tourism:
Place-branded tourism is a growing trend in the tourism industry, where destinations are marketed and promoted based on their unique characteristics and attractions. This contributed volume explores the innovative approaches and strategies employed in place-branded tourism initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It examines the role development process, branding strategies, and marketing campaigns that have contributed to the success of place-branded tourism projects, and provides insights into the factors that influence tourist behavior and decision-making.

Social Networks:
In today's digital age, social networks have become an integral part of the tourism industry, providing platforms for travelers to connect, share experiences, and recommend destinations. This contributed volume examines the role of social networks in tourism entrepreneurship, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with their use. It explores the strategies employed by entrepreneurs to leverage social networks to promote their businesses, engage with customers, and build brand awareness.

Spiritual Tourism:
Spiritual tourism is a growing segment of the tourism industry, attracting travelers seeking to explore and connect with their spiritual roots and beliefs. This contributed volume explores the innovative approaches and strategies employed in spiritual tourism initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It examines the cultural and religious significance of the destinations, the practices and rituals associated with spiritual tourism, and the ways in which entrepreneurs are adapting their offerings to meet the needs of spiritual tourists.

Cross-Border Tourism Initiatives:
Cross-border tourism initiatives involve collaboration and cooperation between countries to promote and enhance tourism between regions. This contributed volume examines the innovative approaches and strategies employed in cross-border tourism initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It explores the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border tourism, highlighting the ways in which entrepreneurs are leveraging their expertise and networks to create sustainable and competitive tourism products.

Tourism in Low-Density Regions:
Tourism in low-density regions refers to the promotion and development of tourism in areas with limited infrastructure and resources. This contributed volume explores the innovative approaches and strategies employed in tourism entrepreneurship initiatives in low-density regions across Portugal and Spain. It examines the challenges and opportunities associated with tourism in these regions, highlighting the ways in which entrepreneurs are adapting their offerings to meet the needs of local communities and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Guidelines for Future Strategic Actions:
In conclusion, this comprehensive volume presents a groundbreaking exploration of the innovative landscapes and entrepreneurial business models employed in tourism entrepreneurship initiatives across Portugal and Spain. It serves as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding the dynamics of the tourism industry and the factors that contribute to its growth and sustainability. By drawing inspiration from the successful experiences of the Iberian region, the book offers insightful guidelines for future strategic actions to foster rural and sustainable development in alternative tourism destinations.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 159 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030892319
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022