Áreas protegidas, turismo e percursos pedestres. O perfil do pedestrianista na Serra da Lousã (Portugal)

Abstract

The management models of protected areas have sought to promote an integrated management of the various uses directed at conservation and maintenance of crucial environmental functions for their eco‑ systems and habitats. Among the most prominent trends, especially over the last few decades, tourism and leisure activities in protected and / or classified areas have placed “new” demands on these areas, especially for low‑carbon, low‑intensity activities such as nature and active tourism, where the tourists tend to be more environmentally‑friendly and aware. Considering that hiking trails and the practice of hiking are among the most popular and important activities in protected areas worldwide, the present research is aimed at identi‑ fying the typical profile of hikers visiting the PR1 GOI trail (Serra da Lousã, Portugal) and comparing it with the results obtained in other studies carried out within the framework of international scientific literature. The data obtained through a questionnaire survey applied by Cordeiro (2017) to hikers, allowed us to con‑ clude that the identified profile is in line with those described in other studies, with a homogeneous distribu‑ tion by gender, with ages between 18 and 35 and complete higher education, presenting contact with nature as the main reason for carrying out the trail, and carrying out the activity, predominantly, in groups. In sum‑ mary, the importance of knowing the profiles, practices and motivations of hikers is crucial for development agents (public and private) to adapt their strategies for action and planning of tourist activity accordingly.