This research paper is based on the study of the evolution of pilgrimages on the Santiago Way, highlighting the Portuguese Way to Santiago—Central Portuguese Way and Coastal Portuguese Way—which has experienced massive popularity over the years. The primary objective of this work is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the pilgrims’ motivations to undertake the Santiago Way pilgrimage. A mixed methods approach is adopted based on the simultaneous use of quantitative and qualitative data. So, an analysis of secondary data, provided by the Oficina del Peregrino de la Catedral de Santiago de Compostela and by the Municipal Department of Cultural Heritage Management of Porto is combined with a thematic analysis of seven interviews with stakeholders of the Portuguese Way to Santiago. The findings suggest that there is an increase in cultural and sports motivations, although spiritual and religious motivations continue to have a strong presence. The ecumenical character of the Santiago Way is also proved, given the large number of pilgrims of religions other than the Catholic one, who travel these paths—the vast territories that are traversed—until reaching the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. A new paradigm still needs to be registered, perceptible in the rise of Turigrims, pilgrims who benefit from support services that mitigate the hardships of the way.

Rural depopulation as a demographic and territorial phenomenon entails demographic, economic and territorial imbalances, and serious social problems. Thus, rural depopulation has been the origin of the crisis in the fields, which has led to the steady decline in the weight of agriculture in the economy, and the low income derived from it. In this chapter, we will approach the problem of rural depopulation in Spain and Portugal from a quantitative perspective through the exploitation of secondary data obtained from various official sources, alluding to the problems derived from such depopulation. In addition, we deepen our analysis by making an intra-regional comparison between the two countries of the contiguous and similar rural slope regions at a geographical and historical level. Demographic hardship brought a need to reconvert the rural space. In this regard, we will mention how public authorities have turned rural areas into “multifunctional” and sometimes “consumption” spaces, seeking to correspond to a demand for leisure and tourism in urban populations.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant due to the need to decide on planned management of land use and natural resources as well as sustainable development in the context of cities. This study aims to identify indicators for measuring the sustainable development of districts/countries in Bulgaria. Using the Multivariate Analysis (MVA) method, where we examine multiple variables in several dimensions, the results show that in the environmental pillar, the management of natural resources, including water and soil, was under pressure due to industrial and urban activities. Air quality and waste management were also critical issues in some urban areas. The promotion of sustainable building practices and the adoption of renewable energies could be areas of focus for improving environmental sustainability in Bulgarian cities. This study is innovative becouse it underscores the imperative need for urban sustainability to integrate the foundational pillars of sustainability harmoniously. Central to this integration is the cultivation of economic growth that upholds environmental integrity and fosters social equity and opportunity. More theorectical and managerial contributios are also presented.

This research aims to give an account of the process of inventorying tourist resources of the municipality of Vieira do Minho, located in the district of Braga, in the northwest of Portugal. Specifically, the natural, gastronomic, folkloric, handicraft resources, as well as events were analysed. The justification underlying this study lies in the absence perceived in the municipality, with regard to a complete and detailed cataloguing of all tourist resources. This entailed the creation of an inventory, where it was possible to make a “radiograph” of the existing tourist resources. Thus, some research questions guide our study: (1) How attractive are the tourist resources in Vieira do Minho? (2) What singularity do these resources present? (3) How can we classify Vieira do Minho’s tourist resources according to their notoriety? The potential of a tourist destination is defined by the importance and characteristics of the tourist resources, so its identification is essential for its development process. Each tourist resource examined in this inventory was evaluated, ensuring the most truthful and authentic assessment possible, so that, in this way, some gaps in terms of conservation and preservation of these resources can be filled. This inventory is a tool to make it possible to design and outline plans to boost tourism in the municipality of Vieira do Minho. The survey of resources was based on bibliographical research and empirical research, embodied in the stocktaking of all possible resources according to the following classification: attractiveness (international, national, regional, local and null), uniqueness (good, average and common), notoriety (high, average and low), as well as the quality of accessibility. The results presented in this work allow both the visitor and the Municipality of Vieira do Minho to enjoy detailed information and knowledge of the various tourist resources available in this destination. The present study, by carrying out an inventory and classification of tourist resources in Vieira do Minho, will contribute to transforming the local tourist heritage into resources and products likely to meet the needs of the market segments that choose Vieira do Minho as a destination for their holidays.