MA students in “Leadership in Tourism” program go on a field trip to Portugal to explore the diversity of Culture & Culinary Tourism.
During the trip the students had the opportunity to get to know the different facets of tourism in Portugal.
The route: 12 places, 3 hotels and 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Starting in Lisbon many other tourist sites and attractions followed. Sintra as a day-trip destination with more than 4 million visitors annually gave much food for thought on tourist use of cultural heritage. Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe was visited. Afterwards, the students were given a tour of the innovative family hotel Martinhal. Fatima, the number one pilgrimage destination in Portugal with several million visitors every year, was an interesting stopover. In addition to many other destinations, such as Aveiro, Coimbra and Porto, the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest protected wine-growing region, was explored with a train ride, hotel visit and wine tasting.
In addition to interesting expert talks with tourism managers from marketing, hotels and restaurants, the students also had the opportunity to gain insight into the culinary arts of the country.
Take home: Even though some weaknesses in destination and resource management were identified, Portugal’s authentic hospitality and a multitude of tourism resources such as culture, nature and culinary art make it a worthy destination.