Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; v. 2, n. 21/22 (2014); 81-93
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Resumo: Islands face growing environmental hazards, partly due to climate change. Their impact is potentially disruptive to tourist activity, which is the main economic sector to most islands. This article examines the attitudes of tourists on a number of topics at the intersection of the themes of natural disasters and climate change. Although the Autonomous Region of Madeira continues to provide high levels of satisfaction in the global touristic experience and has recovered from the losses associated with the events occurred on the 20th of February in 2010, the importance of timely crisis management cannot continue to be postponed or underrated. The results presented were obtained from the analysis of questionnaires distributed to a sample of almost 300 tourists. Although the results show a generally positive evaluation of the destination and high rates of intention to return, the importance and dependence of the “mild climate” factor in the overall experience is quite clear in selecting a destination. It is also evident the effect of unfavorable weather conditions on the overall evaluation of the visit, which adds a probabilistic element to the day-to-day management of the tourist. The results of the study suggest tourist operators should reinforce the highlights of the destination and accommodate tourist expectations through thoughtful management of the visitation periods marked by episodes of less favorable weather.
