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Madeira Tourists Profile A Positive Psychology Approach

Soraia Garcês (University of Madeira, Portugal)

Margarida Pocinho (University of Madeira, Portugal)

Saúl Neves de Jesus (University of Algarve, Portugal)

Managing Destinations

ISBN: 978-1-83797-177-0, eISBN: 978-1-83797-176-3

Publication date: 4 March 2024

Abstract

Today's tourists seek authenticity and high-quality experiences. This chapter presents exploratory results from a tourist well-being project conducted in Madeira Island, Portugal. Using a tourism well-being scale, onsite and online data were collected in 2019. The study suggests that tourists with higher well-being are younger, have lower qualifications, are retired and/or students, first timers, and mainly Portuguese (mainland). Participants identify gastronomy, walk in nature, and landscape as the three most enjoyed activities/experiences. Results showed that tourists in Madeira want to have fun, experience something unique, and develop positive relationships. This study opens doors to offer customized experiences considering tourists psychological profile and their well-being.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments

The initial research for this chapter was financially supported by ARDITI (Regional Agency for Development of Research, Technology and Innovation of Madeira, Project M1420-09-5369-FSE-000001, Madeira 14–20 Program) through a postdoctoral research grant of the first author. This paper is financed by National Funds provided by FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology through project UIDB/04020/2020). The authors would also like to thank the City Hall of Funchal for the authorization conceded to data collection and the group of volunteers who collaborated with the project team.

Citation

Garcês, S., Pocinho, M. and de Jesus, S.N. (2024), "Madeira Tourists Profile A Positive Psychology Approach", Scott, N., Guerreiro, M. and Pinto, P. (Ed.) Managing Destinations (Bridging Tourism Theory and Practice, Vol. 14), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 69-83. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2042-144320240000014006

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited