Investigates the environmental scanning activities of hotel chains operating in Portugal. Attitudes towards environmental scanning by companies where strategy was formalised through a formal written strategic plan (Intenders) and those companies where strategy was informally developed through a...

Reviews the concept of environmental scanning, presents definitions of the main concepts in the area and discusses the importance of systematic external analysis to organizations. Also seeks to provide an informed and practical overview of the environmental scanning process.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the importance of a sound and participatory strategic planning process for the management of tourism at national and regional levels and its contribution to the sustainable development of destinations. Design/methodology/approach – The...