University of Macau / Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities / Department of Government and Public Administration

This thesis explores the interface between community development via tourism and the field of development communication vis-à-vis a case study of the community-owned and privatelyoperated !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The research is informed by Critical Indigenous Qualitative Research that employs interpretive research practices that aim to be ethical, transformative, participatory and committed to dialogue. The study valorises the voices of all lodge stakeholders analysing their expectations and how they negotiate the processes involved in the establishment and operations of the lodge. As a longitudinal study from 2006 until 2011 it focuses on the processes involved in transforming a failed poverty alleviation-built tourism asset into a commercial product with a range of benefits for the community partners. The processes involved are studied and shaped via participatory action research. This thesis generates a generalised public-private-community lodge partnership development communication model based on the findings of the !Xaus Lodge case study. The analysis of !Xaus Lodge is guided by development communication principles and practice such as the Communication for Participatory Development (CFPD) model, as well as the notion of pro-poor tourism (PPT). The applicability of these policies, approaches and models is problematised highlighting the complexity of development on the ground, particularly with indigenous and local communities. This study sets out the importance of cultural relativity in development projects whereby possible differences in the stakeholders‟ history, epistemology and ontology should be taken into consideration if a project is to negotiate both the demands of commercial viability as well as the symbolic and spiritual needs of the community partners. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Este estudo tem como tema central a busca por uma maior e melhor compreensão do Festival Internacional do Folclore (FIF), que se realiza anualmente em Nova Petrópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, colocando-o em diálogo com o turismo, as memórias locais e a etnicidade. Busca-se perceber se o FIF, ao longo das suas 40 edições, teria contribuído para a preservação da memória local, ao mesmo tempo em que incentivaria uma nova memória social do lugar. Para a condução da pesquisa, optou-se pelo viés qualitativo com suporte metodológico na história oral, por se entender que este é o caminho para a interpretação das experiências instauradas e vividas pelos participantes, assim como para o reconhecimento das diversas vozes relacionadas com o Festival. Os dados foram colhidos através de revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e de campo, na forma de entrevistas e observação participante. Buscou-se aproximar a área teórica do turismo e dos eventos, considerando o contexto da história do turismo e do FIF em Nova Petrópolis. Na análise destes temas, afloraram diálogos e (inter) relações que indicam a preservação da memória local, mas se evidencia a construção de novas memórias, especialmente aquelas associadas à germanidade, imaginário que, uma vez criado e projetado na comunidade, estaria contribuindo para a construção de uma identidade e um sentimento de pertencimento e identidade de Nova Petrópolis, a ela associados. / Submitted by Ana Guimarães Pereira (agpereir@ucs.br) on 2015-04-16T16:38:35Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Luciane Roseli Schommer.pdf: 33985768 bytes, checksum: 43ccdd03ab50ab2e57071bf1d5f08f35 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-16T16:38:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Luciane Roseli Schommer.pdf: 33985768 bytes, checksum: 43ccdd03ab50ab2e57071bf1d5f08f35 (MD5) / The main theme of this study is the search for a bigger and better understanding of the International Folklore Festival (FIF – Festival Internacional de Folclore), which takes place annually in Nova Petrópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; connecting it with tourism, local memories and ethnicity. It tries to discover if FIF, during its forty editions, has contributed to the preservation of the local memory and, at the same time, encouraged the creation of a new social memory from the region. To conduct this research, a qualitative method was chosen, supported in the oral history, since this is the way to interpret the experiences lived by its participants, such as the recognition from the several voices related to the Festival. The data were collected through bibliographic revision, document and field research as interviews and participant observation. This study tried to approximate the theory field to tourism and events, considering the historic background from tourism and FIF in Nova Petrópolis. In the analysis of these themes, dialogues and (inter)relations that indicate the local memory preservation stand out, however the construction of new memories are evident, especially those related to germanness, an imaginary that once created and constructed in the community, would be contributing to an identity construction and a belonging and identity feeling from Nova Petrópolis, related to it.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / The study site is the Bo-Kaap area in Cape Town. Negative and positive changes within interrelated physical, social and economic spheres have resulted from gentrification, an urban development phenomenon. These changes need to be managed responsibly. This study problem sought to establish whether the traditional inhabitants of the Bo-Kaap are being replaced by a ‘new generation’ of inhabitants because of gentrification, and how negative and positive changes in the Bo-Kaap could be minimised and maximised respectively, through gentrification, by adopting a sustainable cultural tourism approach. A historical background of the Bo-Kaap reveals the history, culture and religion of this area, and highlights the special customs and traditions within the Bo-Kaap as potential areas of sustainable cultural tourism development to mitigate gentrification. A comprehensive literature review on gentrification and tourism as separate and interrelated development processes is presented. The literature review investigates gentrification and its effects as a phenomenon; the relative forms of gentrification across an international, national and local setting, refined to the Bo-Kaap; tourism and the nature of the industry and its development; and finally, tourism gentrification as an interconnected system.

Latin America has as one of its features the landscape diversity that shapes the territory of small communities, these are located in the coastal zone or inside. We refer to the Brazilian and Mexican communities that besides presenting a dynamic landscape have richness sociocultural that singularize them. They possess a richness that sociocultural singularize. They are marked by the traditional lifestyle and the bonds of everyday life. Many of these communities aspire to a better quality of life and seek to excel the exclusion processes which are exposed. Therefore they seek in the tourism, complementing their source of income, or even focus on this activity to maintain their survival. This is the case of the communities studied: villages Crasto/ Santa Luzia do Itanhy, Terra Caída/ Indiaroba Sergipe/ Brazil; Prainha do Canto Verde/Beberibe/Ceará/Brazil e Puerto Morelos/ Benito Juarez county/ Quintana Roo e San Pedro Atlapulco/ Ocoyacac county/ Mexico State México. Feeling the need to reflect on tourism, especially community-based and their impacts on communities cited in geographical science seek the pillar for this reflection. It is envisioned as a factor of socio-spatial transformation, cultural, political and economic. However, for the implementation of this activity, it is relevant to think in host communities, as well and necessity that the territory of social subjects have to receive the tourism. We aim to analyze the socio-spatial relations involving local social subjects, policies to promote tourism and community-based tourism - TBC in Latin American communities already mentioned. It is therefore the analysis of territoriality about that (re) create, (re) signification of the landscape by local social subjects, through the insertion of TBC whose essence the principle of self-management, empowerment of communities and appreciation of the traditional lifestyle. Therefore, we base in the territory and landscape categories to guide the best reflection proposal. We understand that is in the territory where the interaction occurs individual - environment. The method of analysis that substantiates the research is phenomenological. Already the research instruments that were used: literature review; fieldwork consisting of direct observation, survey and photographic record; semi-structured interview technique. Based on the results obtained from the research say that the process of integration of tourism in the communities above mentioned there are several forces acting in the territories of local social subjects. These forces are materialized through the power relations emanating from both communities as agents of the planners of policies encouraging tourism. In the case of political power manifests itself by discourse propagated on local development to achieve sustainability. This really is just a way of alienating maintain control over communities and favor the demands of mass tourism and private actors interested in obtaining foreign currency to invest in tourism. With regard to communities the power comes from the need to defend their territory against external forces which do nothing or very little to contribute to the maintenance of their territoriality. Emanate likewise, the deletion process by which they are submitted, and therefore the search for improvement of their living conditions. / A América Latina tem como uma de suas características a diversidade da paisagem que conforma o território de pequenas comunidades, estejam estas localizadas na zona litorânea ou no interior. Referimo-nos às comunidades brasileiras e mexicanas que além de apresentar uma paisagem dinâmica, possuem, todavia uma riqueza sociocultural que as singularizam. São marcadas pelo modo de vida tradicional e pelos laços do cotidiano. Muitas destas comunidades almejam uma melhor qualidade de vida e buscam se sobressair do processo de exclusão do qual são expostas. Para tanto buscam no turismo, a complementação de sua fonte de renda, ou até mesmo centram nesta atividade a manutenção de sua sobrevivência. É o caso das comunidades estudadas: povoados Crasto/ Santa Luzia do Itanhy, Terra Caída/ Indiaroba Sergipe/ Brasil, Prainha do Canto Verde/Beberibe/Ceará/Brasil e Puerto Morelos/ município de Benito Juarez/ Quintana Roo e San Pedro Atlapulco/ município de Ocoyacac/ Estado de México México. Sentindo a necessidade de refletir sobre o turismo, sobretudo, o turismo de base comunitária e seus impactos nas comunidades citadas, nos amparamos na ciência geográfica como pilar para esta reflexão. Esta atividade é vislumbrada como fator de transformação socioespacial, cultural, política e econômica. Porém, para sua implantação, é relevante pensar na necessidade que o território dos sujeitos sociais locais possui para receber o turismo. Isto posto, temos como objetivo a análise das relações socioespaciais envolvendo sujeitos sociais locais, políticas de fomento ao turismo e o turismo de base comunitária - TBC nas comunidades latino-americanas já citadas. Trata-se, portanto, da análise acerca de territorialidades que se (re) criam, da (re) significação da paisagem pelos sujeitos sociais locais, por meio da inserção do TBC que tem como essência o princípio da autogestão, do empoderamento das comunidades e valorização do modo de vida tradicional. Para tanto, nos pautamos nas categorias paisagem e território como balizadoras da reflexão proposta. O método de análise que consubstancia a pesquisa é o fenomenológico. Já os instrumentos de investigação utilizados foram: revisão bibliográfica; pesquisa de campo composta de observação direta, levantamento e registro fotográficos; técnica de entrevista semiestruturada. Com base nos resultados obtidos com a pesquisa afirmamos que no processo de inserção do turismo nas comunidades citadas existem várias forças que atuam nos territórios dos sujeitos sociais locais. Estas forças se materializam por meio das relações de poder que emanam tanto das comunidades quanto dos agentes planejadores das políticas de fomento ao turismo e agentes privados. No caso das políticas, o poder se manifesta pelo conteúdo e discurso propagado acerca do desenvolvimento local para o alcance da sustentabilidade. Este, na verdade é apenas uma forma alienadora de manter o controle sobre as comunidades e favorecer as demandas do turismo de massa e agentes privados interessados em obter divisas ao investir no turismo. No que diz respeito às comunidades o poder advém da necessidade de defender os seus territórios contra forças externas que em nada ou muito pouco contribuem para a manutenção das suas territorialidades. Emana, outrossim, do processo de exclusão pelo qual as mesmas são submetidas e, consequentemente pela busca da melhoria de suas condições de vida.

Cultural and heritage tourism, one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry, is becoming a major pillar in the tourism strategy of many countries. Like elsewhere in the world, museums play a significant role in heritage tourism. South Africa has a rich history of intangible cultural heritage which manifests itself in oral history, traditional music and dance, social practices and indigenous knowledge systems. It is becoming more important for museum managers to identify the variables that will enhance the attraction and retention of museum visitors. The aim of the study was to determine tourists’ satisfaction with their visit to Port Elizabeth’s heritage museums by comparing their expectations and experiences. This could help museum marketers to better understand their customers, and design experiences that match their expectations. The literature review presented a brief overview of heritage tourism, the museum experience, and visitors’ satisfaction. Concepts of heritage tourism, functions of museums and the different museum attributes that might impact customer satisfaction were discussed. Literature on visitors’ satisfaction included descriptions of the expectations and approaches to measuring customer satisfaction. A museum satisfaction conceptual model resulted from these reviews. ii The proposed model was modified in the empirical study. The data were collected by means of a survey, using self-administered questionnaires distributed to visitors at three heritage museums in Port Elizabeth. Two hundred and twelve useable questionnaires were received. The empirical findings did not fully support the conceptual model. By conducting a factor analysis, the data was reduced to eight factors, namely, human interaction, physical evidence, facilities, facility quality, exhibition, edutainment, escape and aestheticism. It was found that the satisfaction mean scores were consistently higher than the expectation mean scores. This implies that museum visitors were satisfied with their experience of the three heritage museums in Port Elizabeth. Finally, the results of the paired sample t-test and regression analyses tested and explained formulated hypotheses. The principal recommendations emanating from this study are summarised in two groups, namely: • recommendations pertaining to the strategic implications of the findings in terms of service, facilities and experience. For example, the museum administration could establish more facilities for the disabled and the elderly, consider discounting and promotion programmes, and increase the use of technology in their displays. • recommendations for future research. For example, future studies could be applied to investigate visitors’ satisfaction with other heritage museums in South Africa.

Este estudo tem como tema central a busca por uma maior e melhor compreensão do Festival Internacional do Folclore (FIF), que se realiza anualmente em Nova Petrópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, colocando-o em diálogo com o turismo, as memórias locais e a etnicidade. Busca-se perceber se o FIF, ao longo das suas 40 edições, teria contribuído para a preservação da memória local, ao mesmo tempo em que incentivaria uma nova memória social do lugar. Para a condução da pesquisa, optou-se pelo viés qualitativo com suporte metodológico na história oral, por se entender que este é o caminho para a interpretação das experiências instauradas e vividas pelos participantes, assim como para o reconhecimento das diversas vozes relacionadas com o Festival. Os dados foram colhidos através de revisão bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e de campo, na forma de entrevistas e observação participante. Buscou-se aproximar a área teórica do turismo e dos eventos, considerando o contexto da história do turismo e do FIF em Nova Petrópolis. Na análise destes temas, afloraram diálogos e (inter) relações que indicam a preservação da memória local, mas se evidencia a construção de novas memórias, especialmente aquelas associadas à germanidade, imaginário que, uma vez criado e projetado na comunidade, estaria contribuindo para a construção de uma identidade e um sentimento de pertencimento e identidade de Nova Petrópolis, a ela associados. / The main theme of this study is the search for a bigger and better understanding of the International Folklore Festival (FIF – Festival Internacional de Folclore), which takes place annually in Nova Petrópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; connecting it with tourism, local memories and ethnicity. It tries to discover if FIF, during its forty editions, has contributed to the preservation of the local memory and, at the same time, encouraged the creation of a new social memory from the region. To conduct this research, a qualitative method was chosen, supported in the oral history, since this is the way to interpret the experiences lived by its participants, such as the recognition from the several voices related to the Festival. The data were collected through bibliographic revision, document and field research as interviews and participant observation. This study tried to approximate the theory field to tourism and events, considering the historic background from tourism and FIF in Nova Petrópolis. In the analysis of these themes, dialogues and (inter)relations that indicate the local memory preservation stand out, however the construction of new memories are evident, especially those related to germanness, an imaginary that once created and constructed in the community, would be contributing to an identity construction and a belonging and identity feeling from Nova Petrópolis, related to it.

Cultural tourism is a fast-growing sector in many countries. In South Africa, it is a key growth segment of local economic development (LED). South Africa is home to many cultural institutions such as museums, art galleries, theatres, monuments and festivals that – thanks to a growing number of international and local interests – encourage entrepreneurship and help generate local business growth and employment opportunities. South Africa’s Limpopo Province is predominately known for its wildlife and hunting tourism. However, it is endowed with many cultural institutions that are contributing significantly to the regional economy – specifically in the metropole of Greater Polokwane. As yet, no study has researched the size and impact of this cultural contribution on the local economy vis a vis more well-known tourism activities. This study sketches the size and nature of the cultural tourism industry in Greater Polokwane. In the first phase of the study, a database of formal cultural institutions in Greater Polokwane was created. In the study’s second phase, interviews with staff members of these institutions using both quantitative and qualitative methods, were conducted. The data revealed that most employees, including senior managerial staff, are local Black Africans. None of these cultural institutions are state funded; they all operate privately, but some are located on state-owned land. Thus, government support for cultural tourism in this region is minimal. Insufficient funds and resources inhibit the growth of this sector. Some employees expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions and remuneration. Nonetheless, these cultural institutions generate local economic growth and employment opportunities. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management

[ES] Esta tesis lleva a cabo una investigación exhaustiva e interdisciplinaria sobre la compleja interrelación entre el turismo patrimonial y el desarrollo sostenible, centrada en el estudio del patrimonio de la Ruta de la Seda en Bujará, Uzbekistán. Utilizando métodos de investigación cualitativos y cuantitativos, incluyendo el análisis de estudios empíricos, entrevistas con interesados, encuestas y estudios de campo en sitios patrimoniales, la investigación proporciona una comprensión enriquecida de los problemas y oportunidades asociados con el aprovechamiento del patrimonio histórico para iniciativas de turismo sostenible. Este trabajo, centrado en cinco preguntas de investigación esenciales, examina los desafíos existentes en el camino del turismo sostenible de Bujará, tales como la insuficiencia de infraestructura, la falta de colaboración efectiva entre proveedores de turismo y el gobierno, y las perspectivas futuras de los interesados. Además, se presta especial atención a los principales agentes involucrados, incluyendo a los gerentes de instalaciones de alojamiento, operadores turísticos y dueños de restaurantes, el papel que desempeñan las asociaciones público-privadas a nivel de gobernanza regional, y su entendimiento conceptual de "Ruta de la Seda" y "Turismo sostenible". Uno de los componentes significativos de esta investigación es el diagnóstico y evaluación del patrimonio cultural de la ciudad de Bujará asi como de los proveedores e infraestructuras vinculadas con el destino turístico. Este diagnóstico y evaluaciónó concluye con la aplicación de un Índice de Aptitud Turística, un Índice de Potencial Turístico para Bujará y, basado en estos, un Modelo de Turismo. Este modelo está diseñado no solo para mejorar la confianza del cliente y el flujo de turistas, sino también para integrarse de manera fluida con las estructuras económicas y sociales del destino. Asimismo, se proponen estrategias prácticas para la conservación del patrimonio, vías para mejorar y promover la colaboración de interesados y facilitar el crecimiento económico sostenible. Se reconoce como un modelo que puede servir como base para otros sitios patrimoniales similares en Asia Central. La investigación ofrece reflexiones críticas sobre los resultados de sus hallazgos y aboga por una mayor colaboración entre el sector público y privado y la participación comunitaria, enfatizando la necesidad de un enfoque multidimensional en la implementación de la gobernanza. Asimismo, este estudio reitera la importancia de programas de educación y fortalecimiento de capacidades destinados a mejorar la comprensión de prácticas de turismo sostenible entre proveedores de servicios. En definitiva, esta investigación sirve como una contribución significativa a los campos del turismo patrimonial y el desarrollo sostenible aplicado al caso de estudio del sitio patrimonial de la ciudad de Bujará. El estudio demuestra que si el patrimonio histórico de la Ruta de la Seda en Bujará es gestionado aplicando prácticas estables e inclusivas contribuirá significativamente a la prosperidad económica y social del destino. Además, este modelo puede servir para ser extrapolado a otros sitios patrimoniales similares. / [CA] Aquesta tesi duu a terme una investigació exhaustiva i interdisciplinària sobre la complexa interrelació entre el turisme patrimonial i el desenvolupament sostenible, centrada en l'estudi del patrimoni de la Ruta de la Seda en Bujará, Uzbekistan. Utilitzant mètodes d'investigació qualitatius i quantitatius, incloent-hi l'anàlisi d'estudis empírics, entrevistes amb interessats, enquestes i estudis de camp en llocs patrimonials, la investigació proporciona una comprensió enriquida dels problemes i oportunitats associats amb l'aprofitament del patrimoni històric per a iniciatives de turisme sostenible. Aquest treball, centrat en cinc preguntes d'investigació essencials, examina els desafiaments existents en el camí del turisme sostenible de Bujará, com ara la insuficiència d'infraestructura, la falta de col·laboració efectiva entre proveïdors de turisme i el govern, i les perspectives futures dels interessats. A més, es presta especial atenció als principals agents involucrats, incloent-hi els gerents d'instal·lacions d'allotjament, operadors turístics i restaurants, el paper que exerceixen les associacions públic-privades a nivell de governança regional, i el seu enteniment conceptual de la "Ruta de la Seda" i el "Turisme sostenible". Un dels components significatius d'aquesta investigació és el diagnòstic i avaluació del patrimoni cultural de la ciutat de Bujará asi com dels proveïdors i infraestructures vinculades al desti turístic. Aquest diagnòstic i la evaluacion conclou amb l'aplicació d'un Índex d'Aptitud Turística, un Índex de Potencial Turístic per a Bujará i, basat en aquests, un Model de Turisme. Aquest model està dissenyat no sols per a millorar la confiança del client i el flux de turistes, sinó també per a integrar-se de manera fluida amb les estructures econòmiques i socials del destí. Així mateix, es proposen estratègies pràctiques per a la conservació del patrimoni, vies per a millorar i promoure la col·laboració d'interessats i facilitar el creixement econòmic sostenible. Es reconeix com un model que pot servir com a base per a altres llocs patrimonials similars a Àsia Central. La investigació ofereix reflexions crítiques sobre els resultats obtinguts i advoca per una major col·laboració entre el sector públic i privat i la participació comunitària, emfatitzant la necessitat d'un enfocament multidimensional en la implementació de la governança. Així mateix, aquest estudi reitera la importància de programes d'educació i enfortiment de capacitats destinats a millorar la comprensió de pràctiques de turisme sostenible entre proveïdors de serveis. En definitiva, aquesta investigació serveix com una contribució significativa als camps del turisme patrimonial i el desenvolupament sostenible aplicat al cas d'estudi del lloc patrimonial de la ciutat de Bujará. L'estudi demostra que si el patrimoni històric de la Ruta de la Seda en Bujará és gestionat aplicant pràctiques estables i inclusives contribuirà significativament a la prosperitat econòmica i social del destí. A més, aquest model pot servir per a ser extrapolat a altres llocs patrimonials similars. / [EN] This thesis conducts a comprehensive, interdisciplinary investigation into the complex interrelationship between heritage tourism and sustainable development, with a focus on the Silk Road heritage in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Employing qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the analysis of empirical studies, interviews with stakeholders, surveys, and field studies at heritage sites, the research provides an enriched understanding of the issues and opportunities associated with leveraging historical heritage for sustainable tourism initiatives. Centered around five core research questions, the study scrutinizes existing challenges in Bukhara's sustainable tourism pathway, such as the inadequacy of infrastructure, lack of effective collaboration between tourism providers and the government, and future prospects of stakeholders. Furthermore, particular attention is paid to the key stakeholders involved, including managers of accommodation facilities, tour operators, and restaurant owners, their role in public-private partnerships at the regional governance level, and their conceptual understanding of "Silk Road" and "Sustainable Tourism". One of the significant components of the research the diagnosis and evaluation of the cultural heritage of the city of Bukhara as well as of the suppliers and infrastructure linked to the tourist destination. This diagnosis and evaluation conclude with the application of a Tourism Aptitude of the Heritages, a Tourism Potential Index for Bukhara and, based on these, a Tourism Model. This model is designed not only to enhance customer trust and the flow of tourists but also to integrate seamlessly with Bukhara's economic and social structures. It proposes practical strategies for heritage conservation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable economic growth, serving as a blueprint for similar heritage sites across Central Asia. The research offers critical reflections on the results of its findings and advocates for greater public-private sector collaboration and community participation, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach to governance implementation. Furthermore, this study reiterates the importance of education and capacity building programs aimed at improving understanding of sustainable tourism practices among service providers. Ultimately, this research serves as a significant contribution to the fields of heritage tourism and sustainable development applied to the case study of the Bukhara city heritage site. The study demonstrates that if the historical heritage of the Silk Road in Bukhara is managed by applying stable and inclusive practices it will contribute significantly to the economic and social prosperity of the destination. Furthermore, this model can be extrapolated to other similar heritage sites. / Kilichov, M. (2023). The Silk Road Heritage Enhancement for Local Sustainable Tourism Development in Bukhara (Uzbekistan). Analysis and Diagnosis about the Current Situation [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/201551

[EN] This work has been developed within the framework of the Tourism Research Group of the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia. The main objective is to provide a model for a systematic analysis of the key elements that intervene in the process of determination of the Recreational Carrying Capacity for public use zones in Protected Areas. The proposed tool was deployed in the following cases study: Font Roja Natural Park (Ibi and Alcoi, in Alicante), Columbretes Islands Natural Reserve (in Castellón) and Albufera Natural Park (in Valencia). Considering the high volume of variables that take place in the determination and further management of the Recreational Carrying Capacity, it becomes highly difficult to elaborate a world-wide methodology. Nevertheless, this Thesis brings a general pattern applicable to practically every case with the necessary adaptations. On the other hand, this thesis arises the importance of considering the social aspects in the determination of the Recreational Carrying Capacity. In this sense, new concepts as psychological comfort of the users and visitors satisfaction are incorporated into the analysis with equal consideration as the ecological ones. It is also suggested that Recreational Carrying Capacity must be taken into account on the drawing up of the Protected Area Master Plans as a preventive tool for avoiding tourist impacts and guarantee users’ satisfaction. / [ES] Teniendo como marco de trabajo el desarrollado en el seno del Grupo de Investigación Aplicada al Turismo de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, la presente Tesis Doctoral tiene como objetivo principal aportar una sistemática orientada al análisis de los factores clave que intervienen en el proceso de determinación de la capacidad de carga recreativa para las áreas de uso público de los espacios protegidos. La herramienta de trabajo propuesta, se probó en tres casos de estudio: Parque Natural de la Font Roja (Ibi y Alcoi, Alicante), la Reserva Natural de las Islas Columbretes (Castellón) y el Parque Natural de l’Albufera de Valencia (Valencia). Considerando el volumen elevado de variables que intervienen en la determinación y posterior gestión de la capacidad de carga, es difícil elaborar una metodología de aplicación universal. En el presente trabajo se plantea, sin embargo, un esquema aplicable a todos los casos con las consiguientes adaptaciones que cada uno requiera. Por otro lado, se plantea la importancia de considerar los aspectos sociales en la determinación de la capacidad de carga de un sistema, sugiriéndose su incorporación, junto con los aspectos ecológicos tradicionalmente contemplados para el estudio de espacios protegidos y el diseño posterior de los correspondientes planes de gestión. En este sentido, se incorporan conceptos nuevos relacionados con la herramienta planteada como es el caso del confort psicológico de los usuarios y la satisfacción de los visitantes. / [CA] Tenint com a marc de treball el desenvolupat el sinus del Grup d’Investigació Aplicada al Turisme de la Universitat Politècnica de València, la present Tesi Doctoral té com objectiu principal aportar una sistemàtica orientada a l’anàlisi dels factors clau que intervenen al procés de determinació de la capacitat de càrrega recreativa per a les àrees d’ús públic dels espais protegits. L’eina de treball proposada, es va assajar amb tres casos d’estudi: Parc Natural de la Font Roja (Ibi i Alcoi, Alacant), la Reserva Natural de les Illes Columbretes (Castelló) i el Parc Natural de l’Albufera de València (València). Considerant l’elevat volum de variables que intervenen a la determinació i posterior gestió de la capacitat de càrrega, és difícil elaborar una metodologia d’aplicació universal. Al present treball es planteja un esquema aplicable a tots els casos amb les escaients adaptacions que cadascun requereix. D’altra banda, el planteja la importància de considerar els aspectes socials a la determinació de la capacitat de càrrega d’un sistema, suggerint-se la seva incorporació, junt amb aspectes ecològics tradicionalment considerats per a l’estudi d’espais protegits i el disseny posterior dels corresponents plans de gestió. En aquest sentit, s’incorporen nous conceptes relacionats amb l’eina plantejada com és el cas del confort psicològic dels usuaris i la satisfacció dels visitants. / Morant González, M. (2007). Desarrollo de un modelo para la determinación de la capacidad de carga recreativa y su aplicación a espacios naturales protegidos de la Comunidad Valenciana [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/131738