Water Resources and Tourism Development in Estrela Geopark Territory: Meaning and Contributions of Fluvial Beaches to Valorise the Destination

Abstract

Rural areas and in particular mountain territories have been experiencing an increasing appreciation of natural and heritage resources and their use for recreational and leisure activities, boosting tourism development and generating renewed functions with economic and social impact. Inland waters are becoming increasingly important for leisure and tourism, with many activities associated and many users seeking for them. Fluvial beaches represent leisure facilities for rural communities, allowing people and visitors access to aquatic spaces for leisure, sport and entertainment, creating conditions for enjoying nature and water resources, particularly during the summer period. The supply of surface water resources – rivers, lakes and canals – in the territory of the Estrela Geopark in Portugal, represent a tourist potential for this mountain region. They qualify the offer and constitute recreational attractions appreciated by the community and tourists, generating social well-being and fostering new services. There is a growing demand for these spaces, allowing the upgrading of fluvial areas, generating new features and enhancing the image of the destination Serra da estrela. The greater part of this equipment is operated by public entities linked to local administration, thus benefiting from public investment and support. There is a strong perception of its importance in attracting tourists, in improving the quality of life of the local population and in the opportunity to expand trade and service activities. Also in the image of the community, and their self-esteem is perceived, the importance of river beaches and consequently the disclosure that they associate, in terms of environmental quality, heritage value, and space of tranquillity.

Zoonotic Threats: The (Re)emergence of Cercarial Dermatitis, Its Dynamics, and Impact in Europe

“…The emergence of diseases in Europe has been increasingly discussed due to their public health and economic impact [ 82 ], many of which are zoonotic [ 83 ]. With significantly higher tourist influx, notably to freshwater beaches, there has been a recent increase in CD case notifications in some European countries, with the majority occurring in the summer ( Figure 2 ) [ 3 , 42 , 84 , 85 ]. Considering climate change and schistosomatid trematode developmental characteristics, European countries face a potential risk for CD increase [ 86 ].…”

Non-Uniform Distribution of Geoheritage Resources in Geoparks—Problems, Challenges and Opportunities

“…Thus, in the Estrela UGGp, action is being undertaken aimed "at distributing visitors and economic outcomes from plateaus to the piedmonts" [13]. Opportunities for tourism include, apart from the cultural and culinary tourism mentioned above, spa tourism based on four localities with thermal waters, multi-day trekking, mountain biking and relaxing at fluvial beaches [61]. The development of app platforms to show the resources of a territory without explicitly differentiating them as more and less valuable may be particularly helpful.…”

Strengthening the Resilience and Perseverance of Rural Accommodation Enterprises in the Iberian Depopulated Areas through Enterprise Architecture

“…Agrotourism includes various activities such as producing local products, guest involvement, local cuisine, and environmental education [42]. The valorization of natural offers [43], such as river areas, can attract investments and improve the tourist offer [45].…”

“…Seasonal variations play an important role, with occupancy rates exceeding 50% during summer and on certain holidays [51]. While seasonality provides opportunities for economic expansion and tourism development [45], the mismatch between accommodation capacity and demand results in persistently low occupancy rates [50], leading to economic vulnerability and a high debt burden for small and medium enterprises in the sector [52]. Short-term measures reflect a need for long-term strategies and sustainability indicators [3].…”