83. Hiking tourism and rural development: The case of the Mondego Walkways, Portugal

Silva, L., Freire, F., Azevedo, A., & Matos, R. (2025). Hiking tourism and rural development: The case of the Mondego Walkways, Portugal. PASOS Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural, 23(3), 831–841. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2025.23.052The article examines how hiking tourism contributes to rural development through a case study of the Pasarelas do Mondego in Portugal’s Serra da Estrela region. The study combines a survey of 299 visitors with 16 interviews conducted with local residents and stakeholders. Visitors were mostly Portuguese, relatively young, and highly educated; about half did not stay overnight, and for many the walkways were the main reason for their trip.Findings indicate notable positive economic impacts, including increased tourist attractiveness, growth in local restaurants and accommodation, and new investments in rural lodging. Municipal data also show a rise in guest numbers and overnight stays after the walkway’s opening. However, several negative effects emerged, such as increased litter, higher prices, and growing dependence on tourism.Perceptions diverged regarding depopulation: visitors tended to believe the walkways could help counter rural decline, while residents largely disagreed, seeing demographic trends as irreversible. The study also highlights seasonal limitations for visiting and emphasizes the need for strategies that enhance benefits while mitigating adverse impacts.