The Design of Tourism Policies Adjusted to High Potential Destinations: A Methodology for the Creation of a Green Paper Inspired by the Cávado and the Ave (Portugal)

Abstract

Public policies regarding the development of sustainable tourism continue to evolve within the European Union. With the changes in tourist trends post-COVID-19, some destinations have initiated certain processes of tourism expansion. These processes must be accompanied by tourism policies tailored to their specific territories. This necessitates a more territorial vision that is aligned with the needs of the local population and in harmony with the four dimensions of sustainability (economic, social, environmental, and institutional). The present research is inspired by the increase in tourist arrivals, observed in the promising destination of the Northern Region of Portugal since 2015, to present a theoretical proposal that has the participation of the local population of tourist destinations, through a literature review, on-site observations and interviews with local agents. The objective is to propose and develop a methodology based on the technique of a Green Paper, a tool for collective intelligence and a preliminary step for the analysis and creation of tourism policies. It is expected to increase confidence in the institutions that manage tourism activity, sustainable reactivation of the economy, resident satisfaction, empowerment and stronger links between local actors and the administration of the destinations. Keywords: green paper, tourism policies, governance, local participation, sustainable tourism, fourth dimension of sustainability, high potential destinations