A study about knowledge and learning in small-scale tourism in rural and peripheral areas

Abstract

This study investigates small-scale tourism in rural and peripheral areas from a knowledge perspective. It aims to contribute to reflections on relevant theoretical concepts, the identification of critical factors and the development of conceptual tools for tourism development and management practice. This study is organized into four more delimited studies. The first study discusses Wenger’s theory of Communities of Practice as a possible theoretical framework for understanding the knowledge-related processes within and between small tourism operators. The second study concerns the social media and their role in knowledge acquisition and sharing by and among small tourism actors. The third and fourth studies concern wildlife and food tourism, and look into the factors critical to their development and management. This study concludes by identifying as particularly relevant learning arenas the spontaneous and informal groups that share an interest in a specific territory and the practice of tourism. Critical factors for the creation and functioning of such groups are identified, and a knowledge-based model for mapping the knowledge-based resources of a specific area is developed. Implications are also presented as regards the type of management to be adopted at the different levels.