Industrial Tourism in Vila Nova de Famalicão. A case study

Abstract

Industrial Tourism has been consolidated in Portugal. There are already some successful examples, such as Vila Nova de Famalicão (VNF). This region was involved in the creation of an industrial tourism network within the brand of “Famalicão Cidade Têxtil”, to promote industry and industrial heritage. In this piece of research, we seek to assess the perceptions of the local entities involved in this network project in VNF. Methodologically, after carrying out a questionnaire survey, it is possible to identify that, in most of the partners, the dissemination of information about the company and the product was the main reason for their integration, also highlighting the increase in local tourism and the desire to open doors to the public. It is concluded that the project was a bid by the municipality to allow for valorisation of industries, whether they are in operation or not, attracting more and more visitors.