Summary: | The expression dwelling tourism designates the set of lodgings situated in rural areas, orientated for the exploitation of theirs natural and cultural resources. This article presents qualitative and quantitative data about the production, consumption, and the local impacts of the activity in Portugal. The accommodation provided recreates either the homes considered typical of not too poor peasants or those reminiscent of provincial elites. The owners may be classified in four groups: provincial elites, farmers, undifferentiated, and prevaricators. Hosts are middle-class urbanites motivated by a pastoralist ideational framework, complemented by an attraction for History when accommodation is sought in manor-houses or villas. The sector does not produce significant effects in the social and economical dynamics of the areas where it is implemented, but has important symbolic values.
|