Sustainable tourism micro-clusters: the case of Alentejo protected areas

Abstract

Local Tourist Systems (LTS) can be analyzed according to a research structure that derives from industrial economics on industrial districts, local productive systems or learning regions. LTS concept is a useful analytical tool that can seize the resorts diversity and organization. Resorts can be conceived both as clusters or industrial districts, either with a perfect agreement between productive sphere and local community or a mere industrial juxtaposition without any economic or social connection. This paper purposes to discuss  how  to  promote  the  creation of clusters grounded on sustainable tourism. The Alentejo Protected Areas - Estuário do Sado; Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha; Vale do Guadiana; Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina; Serra de S. Mamede - are analyzed under the principle of how specific microstructures can allow for a sustainable tourist development. The issues of “resources and competences” and “governance” are also explored.