Comparative Assessment of Sea Recreational Activities in the West Region of Portugal: A Global Perspective

It is imperative for tourism managers to possess the skills necessary to innovate and differentiate destinations, thereby enhancing the appeal of tourist regions. Tourist recreation plays a significant role in contributing to this enrichment, with effective communication strategies serving as fundamental tools for promoting destinations and ensuring their success. This study aims to achieve two main objectives: first, to explore the array of sea recreational activities available in the West region of Portugal by analyzing online platforms of both official and unofficial entities that promote local tourist attractions; and second, to comprehend the diversity of sea recreational activities present in other regions worldwide. The research methodology applied is qualitative, involving the collection and analysis of data from Maritime Tour Operators registered in the National Register of Tourist Recreation Agents (RNAAT), examination of companies listed on the websites of City Councils, and an assessment of activities and entities available on the TripAdvisor platform within the West region, as well as in other regions of Portugal and around the world. The findings reveal gaps in the communication of sea recreational activities, highlighting disparities between official and unofficial entities. Furthermore, the study identifies the presence of other sea recreational activities being developed in coastal regions, both nationally and internationally, which could be implemented in the West Region of Portugal. This research contributes to the enhancement and standardization of the communication of sea recreational activities in the West, providing valuable insights for tourism managers to develop new and innovative sea recreational experiences in the region.