The olive grove as an opportunity for tourism in the International Tagus Nature Reserve

Abstract

Although the olive grove is contemplated in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO with the intent to preserve and develop it, there are territories where the olive landscapes show some signs of ageing and abandonment, especially in remote areas. However, the “trilogy” that brings together nature, heritage and culture seem to provide olive groves with an unexpected framework to encourage the new land uses, namely through the valorisation of touristic dynamics that rely on the enjoyment of gastronomy and landscape elements. And it is in this symbiosis that olive oil tourism can be anchored in agritourism, ecotourism or olive oil tourism, modalities that value agriculture and nature, which include the environmental, economic, and social development of rural communities as well. The present study evaluates the olive grove as a tourist potential in the International Tagus Natural Park (PNTI), where stone wall terraces are maintained and preserved to sustain the traditional olive trees. Data on touristic products, resources and activities were listed, and some indicators were evaluated, specifically: scientific, educative and tourist values of the olive grove. The results concluded that the olive grove at PNTI can be used as a tourist resource to attract tourists to this cross-border destination, especially based on a sustainable tourism strategy.