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Purpose – This paper aims to introduce the articles in this issue and explain the pertinence of the strategic question. Design/methodology/approach – A brief context for the strategic question is provided, as well as the issue alignment and a content analysis of the articles selected. Findings – A contextualization for the economic crisis affecting Portugal is presented and its impact on the Tourism Industry discussed. The articles range from a series of research studies on Portuguese Tourism, demonstrating its evolution over the past three years (2011-2013), and various viewpoint/position papers reflecting the perspectives of the main stakeholders of this industry and how they analyze the context of crisis that is affecting the country since 2010. Research limitations/implications – The articles selected for this issue contribute to shed light on an important phase of Portugal’s history, allowing for an understanding of the impacts of the financial crisis on domestic tourism and sectors such as restaurants and hotels, as well as the government’s perspective on the evolution of the industry over past three years. The information presented and analysed reveals some interesting lessons, namely, that a financial crisis may not affect directly the growth and development of the tourism industry. Originality/value – The present theme issue analysis the context of financial crisis that Portugal is facing and brings together, for the first time in a single publication, the views of major stakeholders of the Portuguese Tourism Industry.

Purpose This paper aims to characterize the profile of non-resident female tourists visiting Porto and North of Portugal (PNP) and highlights the importance and evolution of the women travel market and its segmentation. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents and discusses trends and segmentation in women travel market and the results of a survey on the profile of international female tourists to PNP. Findings This study identifies the key differences of male and female travelers to PNP and confirms that segments that have been highlighted as emerging markets in the literature such as businesswomen, solo travelling and girlfriend getaway are all present in this market. It also presents and discusses the profile of female tourists to PNP. Practical implications This study provides knowledge about the women travel market to PNP, thus enabling decision makers to better tailor their marketing strategies to this segment. Originality/value This paper seeks to illustrate the importance of the female travel market and characterize the profile of non-resident women tourists visiting PNP.

A SWOT analysis is used to perform a content analysis on the proceedings of The Portuguese Hotels Association Conferences (1993‐1999). The analysis undertaken aimed to identify the main trends and key issues in the Portuguese tourism and hospitality sectors. From the analysis it is identified that there is an absence of a clear and enduring strategy on issues like differentiation and positioning of its products and services, marketing research and product portfolio management. The analysis of the sector’s main strengths against the key trends indicates that tourism and hospitality depend too much on the environmental changes. Some of the main constraints that lead to the incapacity to capitalise on the key trends are the excess of governmental control, difficulties in reaching new markets, and over‐dependence on EU funds for investments.

Purpose This paper aims to critically review the contributions made by the authors of the papers selected for this global trends issue and to present the main lessons for tourist organizations and destinations. Design/methodology/approach A content analysis of the papers presented in this global trends issue was performed so as to identify the most relevant contributions made by authors. Findings Despite the questions and uncertainties about the future of this industry, one thing is certain: if the present world context does not change radically, it will continue to grow. Originality/value A summary of the key ideas in the articles comprising this global trends issue is presented, allowing for the identification of good practices by organizations and destinations.