Tourism and attractiveness in Monsaraz: the effects of the Alqueva dam

Abstract

This article examines the effects of a large dam on tourism and attractiveness at a pre-existing destination through a longitudinal study. Based on qualitative and quantitative data collected over the past 15 years, the study shows that the Great Lake created by the construction of the Alqueva dam added attractiveness to Monsaraz and stimulated the growth of tourism in the village and its surrounding area. This has boosted the local economy, but also brought about concerns on the lack of security in the village and heightened the obstacles to the self-reproduction of its community.