Creative tourism in rural areas

proposal for the territory of Terras de Sicó

Abstract

Creative tourism is a relatively recent tourism segment, recognized for exploring the link between visitors, territory and local community through creativity in a sustainable way. Considering the predominance of a karst landscape and the preservation of a very rich rural identity in the area of Sicó (Centre of Portugal), this territory has differentiating elements for the development of creative tourism. Based on a literature review on creative tourism and, more specifically, on its application in rural areas, this paper presents (i) a theoretical model proposal of the creative tourist experience and (ii) a preliminary proposal for the development of creative tourism in Sicó. Five themes for the exploitation of the segment in Sicó were identified – cycles of production and labour; handicraft; karst landscape; historical legacies; and social expressions – and several measures are presented for four strategic axes: local population’s awareness and training of human resources; support structures for the private sector; collaborative approaches and networks; and promotion of the destination and attraction of tourists.