Periódico: Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research
Fonte: Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research; Vol 6 No 2 (2023): Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research; 154-174
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Resumo: This study aims to explain the importance of applying mental maps to a community as a research tool that allows the co-creation of cultural tourism experiences. Therefore, this research identifies and evaluates residents' visual/oral perceptions and memories to map and model, through content analysis, the interviews conducted with residents. In its final phase, the project allowed the involvement of the local community, students and cultural agents through a contemporary recreation/interpretation of the space.
Interviews and mental maps were applied to 32 residents of the town of Lamego, of four different age groups, in 4 distinct neighbourhoods. The 64 maps collected allowed the identification of new natural and cultural resources of tangible and intangible heritage, as well as the recognition of several points linked to the singularity and identity of the town and its neighbourhood, which allowed the creation of new itineraries.
It was concluded that the connection of residents to their neighbourhood influences how they perceive the city and its symbolic and representational icons.
Finally, it was possible through a participatory project to co-create heritage tourism products, allowing the construction and renewal of the tourism offer in small historical towns.
