Urban Tourism, Viral Society, and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The book analyzes the tourism crisis caused by Coronavirus in Portugal in 2020 and proposes practical solutions for local solidarity and business models. It includes suggestions for social actors to enhance their social solidarity, inclusive practices, citizenship education, and lifelong learning opportunities. The book also aims to revitalize cultural tourism industries and services by promoting knowledge transfer among universities, industries, and tourism agencies. It is ideal for researchers, teachers, students, and social agents in scientific communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: IGI Global

In 2020, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) brought about a severe crisis in Portugal's tourism sector, severely impacting the country's economy and communities. This book seeks to analyze the situation and propose practical solutions to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. It offers insights and recommendations for local solidarity and business models to disseminate information and knowledge about the causes and impact of Covid-19. The suggestions provided aim to enhance social cohesion, promote inclusive practices, enhance citizenship education, and foster lifelong learning opportunities within safe, resilient, and sustainable cities. Furthermore, these recommendations are intended to inspire other socioeconomic stakeholders, including medium/small corporations, non-governmental organizations (ONGs), associations, and local communities, to develop and diffuse similar instruments.

The book's primary objective is to revitalize cultural tourism industries and services during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to achieve this by facilitating the creation of job opportunities in the areas of restoration, leisure, and culture through the enhancement of knowledge transfer among universities, innovative industries, tourism agencies, museums, and other relevant stakeholders. This book is particularly valuable for researchers, teachers, students, and other social agents within scientific communities, as it aligns with their scientific purposes and addresses technological and social needs.

The book is organized into several chapters, each addressing a specific aspect of the tourism crisis and the proposed solutions. The first chapter provides an overview of the pandemic's impact on Portugal's tourism sector, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that emerged. The second chapter explores the role of local solidarity and business models in combating the pandemic's effects. It suggests strategies for information and knowledge dissemination, including the use of digital platforms and community engagement initiatives. The third chapter focuses on the development of practical solutions for tourism recovery, including measures to promote sustainable tourism practices, enhance visitor safety, and support local businesses. The fourth chapter examines the role of citizenship education and lifelong learning in fostering resilience and adaptability among individuals and communities. It offers suggestions for educational programs and initiatives that can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the changing landscape of tourism. The fifth chapter explores the potential of technology in supporting tourism recovery and innovation. It discusses the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other digital tools to enhance visitor experiences, promote tourism destinations, and facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders. The final chapter summarizes the key findings and recommendations of the book, and calls for action to implement the proposed solutions.

Overall, this book offers a comprehensive and practical approach to addressing the tourism crisis caused by Covid-19 in Portugal. It provides valuable insights and recommendations for local solidarity, business models, information dissemination, tourism recovery, citizenship education, and lifelong learning. By leveraging the expertise and resources of various stakeholders, the book aims to contribute to the revitalization of the country's tourism sector and the promotion of a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

ISBN-13: 9781668433690