Residents’ perceptions about tourism development : a comparative analysis of selected locations in the North of Portugal

Residents' perceptions of tourism's impacts (either negative or positive) are of utmost importance as, ultimately, they will influence their support for the industry. This paper aims to present the results of a study focusing on tourism development and its impacts based on residents' perceptions and how tourism affects their lives and places of living, applied to specified areas within the northern region of Portugal. A comparative analysis of the historic centre of Porto, the historical centre of Guimarães, and two parishes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park is presented. Tourism is a relevant economic activity with significant volume despite the perceived range of intensity levels and related impacts. Notwithstanding the acknowledged benefits, these areas are associated, to some extent, with tourism pressures, potentially generated among the historic centre of Porto, the historical centre of Guimarães, and two parishes of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. These regions presented negative impacts that provoke antagonistic feelings from residents. Thus, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among people living in these areas. The results reveal that residents generally recognise the benefits of tourism, despite some concerns about its negative impacts on the local culture and infrastructure, particularly the overcrowding effect in smaller historic town centres and natural areas.