The inter-community competition as a factor for sustainability and differentiation of tourism product

The case of National Park of Peneda Gerês

Abstract

The inter-community competition through its local traditions may emerge as a decisive factor to pave the way for the forthcoming of sustainable touristic opportunities, involving communities and contributing decisively to its economic development. The Assumption of the Identity Power (Castells, 1999) by the local communities emerges as a key factor to strengthen their identity. The isolation of certain communities, usually regarded as negative, strongly favours their involvement around their values, encouraging and promoting the emergence of rivalries and consequent inter-community competitions.