The Douro Region, a heritage to develop and innovate while preserving

Abstract

Given the great territorial diversity in Portugal, both potentialities and issues multiply, particularly in more peripheral, inland rural areas, where the Demarcated Douro Region (DDR) is located. This region is a paradigmatic space partially classified as a World Heritage Site, where high-quality wines are produced, particularly Port. Given the importance of local dynamics in preserving and revitalizing the territory, this paper addresses Cambres, a parish located in the DDR facing pressing problems, but also set within a privileged scenario with emphasis on Tourism in Rural Areas (TRA) as well as innovative projects in 'charming' and even luxury tourism, such as the Douro River Hotel and Aquapura Douro Valley. Based on surveys and interviews, as well as extensive fieldwork, it was possible to characterize the region's territorial dynamics, since not only were endogenous potentialities boosted, but competitiveness and sustainability also grew. However, which other strategies should be implemented?