Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 16 (2011); 85-95
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Resumo: The natural characteristics of a destination are a major element of its tourism attractiveness and a major factor when selecting a holiday destination. In this scope, it is fundamental to investigate the potential impact of forest fires in these elements and consequently on tourist demand under a climate change scenario. Territories included in the national network of protected areas have natural, landscape and cultural values of great relevance and this leads to an increase in the tourist demand for these areas. This work focused on the potential impact of climate change on future forest fire risk and its consequences on tourist demand in the Natural Park of Serras de Aires e Candeeiros (PNSAC). The analysis highlighted that, under a climate change scenario, this region will experience an increase in the fire weather index, meaning that there may be more fires and with more devastating effects leading to a degradation of landscapes and natural ecosystems which will clearly influence the tourism demand of this region mainly in the segment of nature tourism.
