Analysis and characterisation of potential visitors to a protected coastal natural area: the case of the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park (Alicante)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.015Keywords:
sustainable tourism, protected natural areas, tourism planning, coastal tourism, visitor managementAbstract
The present research study aims at gauging the level of knowledge and attraction of the Natural Park of the Lagunas de La Mata and Torrevieja (Alicante), as well as to delve into the determining factors for visiting them from within the evolving framework of 3S destinations, and the need to establish new approaches towards diversification and enhanced quality of coastal tourism, by complemtation with undervalued resources that promote sustainable products and services. To this end, this research uses a combined methodology based on a review of the scientific literature relating to protected natural areas and their potential to diversify, differentiate and qualify tourist destinations. In addition, quantitative and qualitative techniques are used, specifically the design of a structured questionnaire aimed at potential visitors to this protected natural area in southeastern Spain, as well as in-depth interviews with agents directly related to the management and promotion of this natural area. As main results, this work underlines the importance of taking into account the tourist motivations and highlights the relevance of taking advantage of the attractiveness of ornithology as a first level tourist resource.
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