The Tourism, Heritage and Space research group (TERRITUR) develops applied and critical research on tourism, especially regarding its relationship with societal changes, natural and cultural heritage, and as a factor of transformation of space, places and landscapes. Researchers from several Portuguese universities join this RG at the Centre for Geographical Studies (ULisboa’s Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning). Our research activity is fully aligned with the socioecological concerns and commitments of sustainable development and it is our mission to define solutions that contribute to more environmentally and socially responsible forms and types of tourism.
Our research is organized in four clusters:
1
Tourism sustainability and ecological and digital transitions
the aim of this research line is to investigate and support green, creative, and digital innovations throughout the tourism value chain. We delve into topics such as decarbonization, big data in tourism, the role of technological innovations (such as robotics and virtual reality) in service provision and market expansion (e.g. digital nomads), and the impact of digital mediation on heritage interpretation and visitor experiences. We also explore innovative approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism, namely overtourism.
2
Experimental collaborative forms of tourism governance and destination management
This research strand seeks to explore novel participatory methodologies involving tourism stakeholders and local communities in tourism planning and destination management. In short, in this line of research we study tourism governance and attempt to forge and test innovative relationships between tourism, planning, cocreation and community participation.
3
Inclusive and decent tourism work in marginalized areas:
Based on the recognition of marginalized geographical areas’ pivotal role in maintaining the continuum of tradition and local heritage, this strategic line examines how creative tourism can be applied to these areas and advocates for research design that promotes inclusive, gender-equal tourism policies, promoting decent tourism work.
4
Tourism-Climate Change nexus
We are committed to examining and anticipating the effects of climate change on tourism while contributing to the development of adaptive measures for creating more climate-resilient destinations.
The TERRITUR research group is affiliated to the ATLAS (Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research) and it supports the IGOT-ULisboa Doctoral Program in Tourism and the Master's degree in Tourism and Communication. TERRITUR researchers are part of networks such as Acción Estratégica Turismo Post-covid, PriMob-IMISCOE, and Plataforma Nacional de Turismo.
