Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 7822/2020 - 07/08/2020
5 ECTS; 3º Ano, 1º Semestre, 28,0 PL + 28,0 TP + 14,0 OT , Cód. 820734.
Lecturer
- José Alberto de Figueiredo Oliveira Rodrigues (1)(2)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
Distinguish and characterise the main typologies of tourist routes, namely tours, itineraries and circuits, recognising their characteristics, purposes and contexts of application.
Analyse the territory as a basis for the design of tourist routes, identifying resources, points of interest, support services, accessibility, flows and relevant constraints for decision-making.
Design and plan coherent tourist routes suited to different target audiences and objectives, integrating the selection and sequencing of stops, time management, means of transport, support services and safety conditions.
Structure the narrative and interpretive content of a tourist route, adapting messages, language and supporting materials to the characteristics of the target audience, the objectives of the route and the intended tourism experience.
Apply principles of sustainability, accessibility and responsibility to the design of tourist routes, identifying limitations and proposing context-appropriate environmental, social and operational improvements.
Analyse and test the spatial, temporal and logistical feasibility of a tourist route by simulating its implementation and identifying critical points, constraints and situations that may compromise the quality of the experience.
Evaluate the quality and performance of a tourist route using criteria related to coherence, suitability for the target audience, attractiveness, feasibility, safety, accessibility, sustainability and visitor experience.
Propose and justify improvements to the design of tourist routes, reformulating, where necessary, the sequence of stops, timing, services, interpretive content and operational solutions according to the problems identified.
Program
1. Typologies of Tourist Routes: Tour, Itinerary and Circuit
1.1. Operational definitions and selection criteria according to target audience, time and objectives
1.2. Comparative examples and appropriate applications in cultural and leisure tourism products
2. Operational Analysis of the Territory and Tourism Landscape
2.1. Identification of tourism resources and support services; flows and critical points
2.2. Carrying capacity in visitor routes; basic risk assessment
3. Route Planning: Objectives, Stops, Timing and Safety
3.1. Planning framework: objectives, sequence of stops and time allocated to each segment
3.2. Basic safety concepts: sensitive points and preventive measures
4. Route Narrative and Mediation: Messages and Materials
4.1. Short messages for each stop; clear language and visitor etiquette
4.2. Supporting materials: A4 information sheet or web text consistent with the route
5. Orientation and Logistics in Urban and Rural Contexts
5.1. Interpretation of signage, pedestrian orientation and rest points
5.2. Good visitor practices and management of small groups
6. Sustainability and Accessibility Applied to Route Design
6.1. Ten-point checklist: access, information, routes, timing and support
6.2. Three feasible and low-impact measures for environmental, social and operational improvement
7. Spatial and Operational Analysis of the Route
7.1. Analysis of sequence and spatial logic: stops, distances, continuity and route organisation
7.2. Temporal analysis: duration, travel time, time at stops, waiting time, breaks and contingency time
7.3. Logistical analysis and identification of critical points: access, parking, catering, toilet facilities, opening hours and reservations
7.4. Route implementation simulation: time management, group management, unforeseen situations and adaptation of solutions
8. Evaluation and Improvement of the Tourist Route
8.1. Evaluation criteria: coherence, suitability for the target audience, attractiveness, feasibility, safety, accessibility, sustainability and quality of the experience
8.2. Identification of problems, weaknesses and critical points along the route
8.3. Proposals for improvement and redesign: sequence, stops, timing, services and experience
8.4. Final evaluation and defence of route design choices
Evaluation Methodology
Assessment by Continuous Assessment
Practical assignment for the design of a tourist route: 40%
Analysis and justification of the design choices: 20%
Exercises and practical activities carried out throughout the course unit: 20%
Presentation and defence of the assignment: 10%
Participation and independent work: 10%
Assessment by Examination
Practical assignment for the design of a tourist route: 40%
Written examination to assess theoretical knowledge: 60%
The grade obtained for the practical assignment for the design of a tourist route, completed as part of the continuous assessment, is carried forward to the examination assessment and accounts for 40% of the final grade.
Bibliography
- Carroll, A. (2025). Maps: Lessons from a Lifetime of Creating Place-Based Narratives. Redlands, California: Esri Press
- Chimenti, S. e Tavares, A. (2020). Roteiro turístico: É assim que se faz. . (pp. 1-240). São Paulo: Editora Senac
- Diaz, B. (2015). Desarrollo y aplicacion de un modelo para el diseno de rutas turisticas personalizadas. (Vol. 1). Madrid: Editorial Sintesis
- Ham, S. (2013). Making a Difference on Purpose. Golden, Colorado: Fulcrum Publishing
- Leitão, J. e Ratten, V. e Braga, V. (2022). Tourism Entrepreneurship in Portugal and Spain: Competitive Landscapes and Innovative Business Models. London: Springer Nature
- Lew, A. (2021). Tourism Spaces: Environments, Locations, and Movements. Oxford: Routledge
- McKercher, B. e Du Cros, H. (2012). Cultural Tourism: The Partnership Between Tourism and Cultural Heritage Management (2nd ed.). London; New York: Routledge
- Mowforth, M. e Munt, I. (2015). Development, Globalisation and New Tourism in the Third World. London; New York: Routledge
- Timothy, D. (2020). Cultural Heritage and Tourism: An Introduction. Bristol, UK: Channel View Publications (Multilingual Matters)
Teaching Method
TP: interactive lectures, case study analysis, and exercises in the design and analysis of tourist routes. PL: planning, simulation and evaluation of tourist routes. OT: individual and group support. Independent work and support through Moodle.
Software used in class
