A experiência sensorial como estratégia de acessibilidade ao património arqueológico: a perspetiva dos stakeholders

Idalina Caldas; Elisa Alén-González; Hugo Aluai Sampaio

doi:10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.050

Authors

Idalina Caldas Universidad de Vigo
Elisa Alén-González Universidad de Vigo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6304-7805
Hugo Aluai Sampaio Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave-LAb2PT-CITUR https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9272-0720

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.050

Keywords:

accessible tourism, cultural heritage, inclusion, sensory experiences, archaeological heritage, stakeholders, Braga

Abstract

This article analyses the perceptions of stakeholders involved in tourism, culture, heritage, and inclusion in the city of Braga regarding accessibility and the role of sensory experiences in urban archaeological heritage. The qualitative research was based on twenty semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary stakeholders from the fields of tourism, culture, heritage, and inclusion, analysed through thematic coding using MAXQDA software. The results reveal the coexistence of physical, communicational, and attitudinal barriers alongside a growing recognition of the value of multisensory experiences in promoting inclusive tourism. Participants highlighted the importance of resources such as tactile replicas, braille materials, Portuguese Sign Language, and auditory and olfactory mediations, as well as the need for stronger inter-institutional cooperation and specialised staff training. The sensory dimension emerges as a driver of active participation and emotional connection with heritage, despite the absence of structured strategies. This study reinforces the role of stakeholders in building innovative and inclusive practices and contributes to the debate on accessibility in heritage tourism, offering recommendations applicable to similar contexts.

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Editor & editorial board: profiles
Academic society: PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural
Publisher: Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo. Universidad de La Laguna (España) - Instituto Universitario da Maia ISMAI (Portugal)

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