Spatial-Economic Impacts of Tourism on Regional Development: Contemporary Challenges

Abstract

This concluding chapter proposes a conceptual framework for the analysis of some relevant problems observed in contemporary tourism dynamics, by combining the theoretical formulations discussed along this book with the results obtained in a series of studies comprising a large number of European regions. As this sample includes regions with very different characteristics (high and low levels of economic development, different patterns of specialization and tourism dynamics, diverse cultural and natural endowments, or different innovation and technological capabilities), the conclusions and recommendations can be generalized to a broader geographical perspective. This conceptual framework is centered on the concepts of authenticity, significance, the environmental paradox, smart tourism, co-creation of destinations and experiences, the role of information for the segmentation of markets and differentiation of supply, the life cycle of tourism destinations, path dependence processes, and the importance of history, variety, specialization, or integrative diversification of tourism products. As a result, a set of challenges for the future of tourism – to be addressed at the policy and managerial levels – is discussed. These challenges relate to the provision of memorable trips oriented to personalized and significant experiences based on a sustainable use of territorial resources, the promotion of diverse and balanced regional economies by reinforcing the interrelations between the tourism sector and the overall creative economy, and the implementation of effective processes of participatory governance for the definition of sustainable development strategies.