Birdwatcher profile in the Ria Formosa Natural Park

Authors

  • Andreia Costa Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve
  • Pedro Pintassilgo University of the Algarve, Faculty of Economics
  • António Matias Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, University of Algarve
  • Patrícia Pinto Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, University of Algarve
  • Maria Helena Guimarães Landscape Dynamics and Social Processes Group, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora

Keywords:

Birdwatching, birdwatcher profile, Environmental awareness, Ria Formosa, Algarve

Abstract

In the Algarve the potential for birdwatching tourism is widely recognized, especially in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (RFNP). This study aims to describe birdwatchers’ profile in the RFNP. For this purpose a survey was applied. The results show that the most frequent nationalities of birdwatchers are: British (39%), Dutch (17%) and Portuguese (17%). The majority of birdwatchers are male (55%) and married (57%). The average age is 50 years old. They are highly educated (74% have an academic degree). Concerning profession, the most frequent answer was retired (41%). Respondents are committed to the activity as the majority possess special equipment and practice birdwatching in vacations. This study also tests if nationality is related to other characteristics of the birdwatchers, by using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Chi-square tests. Overall, the results of this study highlight that regional management organizations should invest in developing birdwatching in the RFNP. 

Author Biographies

  • Andreia Costa, Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve
    MSc in Tourism Economics and Regional Development
  • Pedro Pintassilgo, University of the Algarve, Faculty of Economics
    PhD, Assistant Professor
  • António Matias, Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, University of Algarve
    PhD, Assistant Professor
  • Patrícia Pinto, Faculty of Economics and Research Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics, University of Algarve
    PhD, Associate Professor
  • Maria Helena Guimarães, Landscape Dynamics and Social Processes Group, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais Mediterrânicas (ICAAM), University of Évora
    PhD

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Published

31.01.2018

Issue

Section

Tourism/Hospitality: Research Papers

How to Cite

Birdwatcher profile in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. (2018). Tourism & Management Studies, 14(1), 69-78. https://www.tmstudies.net/index.php/ectms/article/view/1066