Based on the scientific literature, this paper emphasises the destination brand experience (DBE) (multidimensional construct and second-order factor) in order to analyse the implications it plays regarding visitors’ satisfaction, their intentions to revisit and their intentions to recommend it. In terms of methodology, a confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the model and the research hypotheses. The sample was composed of 507 tourists who visited the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Northern Portugal. Results showed an acceptable fit. The items of each construct were very strong. Positive significant results were found for all the considered hypotheses, particularly regarding the association of sensory DBE and behavioural DBE (subdimensions of the DBE scale) with satisfaction. The sensory DBE and affective DBE subdimensions of the DBE scale were meaningfully associated with visitors’ intentions to recommend. Satisfaction was a strong mediator for sensory DBE impact on their intention to revisit and to recommend, and a less strong effect was found for satisfaction as a mediator for behavioural DBE impact on intentions to revisit and to recommend. The theoretical contribution of this study aimed to deepen the analysis of the DBE construct in its multidimensional aspect and its relationship with other constructs. The results are discussed in relation to their theoretical and practical relevance.

Brand experience and place attachment are key issues of a destination as it is increasingly important that visitors develop attachment and positive attitudes towards the natural environment, which is generally related with a high level of satisfaction. The current research explores the relationship between destination brand experience (DBE) and place attachment, their implications in relation to pro-environmental behaviours, behavioural intentions (revisit or recommend), and tourists’ satisfaction in the context of natural protected areas. A survey was conducted at Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. A total of 507 valid questionnaires were analyzed using structural equations modelling. The findings show the relevance of DBE in relation to the other constructs. It was in the relationship between DBE and satisfaction that the highest path coefficient was verified. The association between place attachment and satisfaction was not confirmed inducing the idea that satisfaction is not enough for tourists to create attachment bonds. However, DBE can lead to the creation of emotional and affective ties to a particular destination. As practical implication, the management entities should invest in strategies that can get visitors more identify with this natural area, to increase the level of experience and the degree of satisfaction.

A prática de andar a pé em trilhos sinalizados, ou pedestrianismo, é uma actividade com elevadas perspectivas de crescimento. Para facilitar a sua prática foram criados percursos pedestres sinalizados que têm por finalidade conduzir os praticantes que os percorrem. O crescente número de praticantes elevou a prática de um lazer informal a uma verdadeira acção turística. Em Portugal existem quase 3500 quilómetros de percursos pedestres homologados e também existe um relevante conjunto de operadores (nacionais e estrangeiros) especializados na oferta de produtos de turismo de passeio pedestre. A distribuição espacial dos percursos pedestres homologados existentes em Portugal mostra a relevância das áreas de montanha e das áreas de grande interesse natural para o desenvolvimento deste tipo de infra-estrutura. Os programas de turismo de passeio pedestre oferecidos pelas empresas que operam em Portugal mostram também a importância destas áreas, o que se considera constituir uma oportunidade para a revitalização de alguns territórios deprimidos.

A articulação entre o planeamento e o desenvolvimento turístico (ou do turismo) sustentável, tendo em vista satisfazer as necessidades económicas, sociais e estéticas sem colocar em causa a continuidade dos recursos turísticos (designadamente culturais e ecológicos), remete para a relevância do processo de planeamento. O planeamento do turismo configura uma ferramenta estruturante da política de desenvolvimento sustentável e, por isso, ocupa um lugar decisivo no processo de concepção e implementação de estratégias de desenvolvimento. O presente artigo pretende contribuir para aprofundar a análise teórica e conceptual em torno da trilogia “turismo/planeamento/desenvolvimento sustentável”, utilizando como suporte metodológico uma revisão da bibliografia mais relevante neste domínio.

Rural reality in Europe in general and Portugal in particular is complex and heterogeneous. If, on the one hand, the reduction and ageing of the resident and active population in rural spaces, alongside the lower relevance of agriculture in economy, is a sign of deruralization, on the other hand, there are evidences of some positive dynamics that can mitigate or even counteract (in some cases) the mentioned devitalization process, indicating a new generation of policies and instruments of development.Thus, this reflection sets out to explain the dynamics that have operated in recent decades in Portuguese rural spaces that have affected agriculture and farmers, as well as the new activities and organizational arrangements of the actors. The latter result from an integrated and territorial view of development that aims to exploit places and landscapes as