Laurentina Vareiro (p), Paula Remoaldo, José Cadima Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Silva

Catalina Llaneza Hesse

In response to the growing global concern about the indiscriminate use of natural resources and its profound environmental implications, our study explores the domain of sustainability within the tourism sector, specifically focusing on hotels and restaurants. The research, conducted through bibliometric and content analysis, scrutinizes publications spanning from 2001 to 2023 in Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, being the first time such a long period is analyzed concerning this thematic. Motivated by the growing concern on the diminishing quality and quantity of available resources, our research aims to shed light on the evolution of investigation conducted and debate kept regarding sustainability in the tourism sector. We claim that sustainability in the context of hotels and restaurants extends beyond mere ecological considerations, incorporating culturally acceptable and economically fair practices that advocate for the rational utilization of resources. This research not only provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on the issue but also serves as a critical resource for stakeholders of the hospitality industry seeking to understand and implement sustainable practices. By addressing the complex relationship between environmental concerns, cultural acceptability, and economic viability, our study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainability, offering valuable insights for the sustainable evolution of hotels and restaurants in the years to come.

Catalina Llaneza Hesse (p), Josep Maria Raya Vilchez

Laurentina Vareiro (withdrawn)

In the current era of heightened environmental consciousness and burgeoning tourism, understanding the intricate relationship between tourism, pollution, and noise emerges as a crucial area of research. The primary objective of this study is to discern the influence of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation demand on pollution and noise levels—a novel exploration in the field. Leveraging innovative datasets, our analysis integrates data from satellite imagery (Sentinel-5P and Copernicus missions) to track atmospheric trace gases and municipal noise pollution data sourced from Madrid and Barcelona. Employing advanced geospatial techniques like kriging, we establish correlations between P2P occupancy and noise levels.
We explore the difference in outcomes in areas with high presence of P2P demand compared to those with low presence of P2P density, comparing effects between both cities, Barcelona and Madrid, and across different time periods: during the Covid-19 pandemic and before/after it. Another complexity is added by differentiating the P2P density of short-term and medium-term stays. Initial findings reveal no significant impact of P2P density on overall pollution levels, although nuanced variations across neighborhoods and pollutant types are identified. Conversely, a positive association between P2P density and noise pollution emerges, revealing seasonal and spatial differences.
Further analysis employs regression models and difference-in-differences approaches, considering factors such as listing types, pricing dynamics, and pandemic-related disruptions.

Laurentina Vareiro (p), Eva Miranda, Raquel Mendes, Soraia Gonçalves

Francisco Lima Fortes

Our research explores the intricate landscape of Municipal Tourist Tax Regulations within Portuguese municipalities that currently impose a tourist tax on overnight stays. The first experience of a tourist tax in Portugal took place Aveiro (2013). However, its application and collection did not have the expected impact, so it was “discontinued”. There are now fourteen Portuguese municipalities that charge the tourist tax, including prominent destinations such as Porto, Lisbon, and Faro, that offer a unique opportunity to assess the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications on local economies.
This study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the successes and challenges faced by municipalities in designing and implementing tourist taxes. By scrutinizing the regulatory frameworks and collection mechanisms, we aim to recognize the factors contributing to the effectiveness of these policies and their impact on tourism sustainability. Insights from this study will not only contribute to the scholarly understanding of municipal tourist tax dynamics but also offer practical implications for policymakers, local authorities, and the broader tourism industry in Portugal.