Turismo Sustentável: Uma Aplicação ao Caso Madeirense

Abstract

Given the increasing concerns about the environment, the concept of sustainable development has become one of the most pressing issues on the academic research on tourism  .  The  purpose  of  this  paper is to evaluate the  degree  of  tourism  sustainability in Madeira, where this sector plays a role of the utmost importance. For that purpose, data  on several indicators related to the different dimensions of sustainable tourism was collected, which has allowed us to calculate a global sustainability index, in accordance with BTS’s sustainability barometer. According to this index, Madeira is very near of reaching its potential sustainability. Applying the AMOEBA model to Madeira’s tourism sector allowed us to assess which aspects should the region improve its performance, in ways that allows it to boost its appeal as a tourism destination.