Abstract
This chapter attempts to explain the main strategies adopted by the hosts of manor houses when they engage in lodging activities. The present research draws on 53 non-structured interviews made to owners/hosts of housing tourism facilities (HT). The methodological approach used is classic grounded theory (CGT). CGT encompasses a set of strict research procedures leading to concepts which explain what is going on in the HT substantive area. Within this context, the authors reveal a theoretical code, designated as ‘amplifying casual looping', which the authors believe has the merit of effectively conceptualizing the substantive codes generated by us. This causal model broadens in both directions: positive (virtuous circle) and negative (vicious circle).
TopIntroduction
Housing tourism (HT), as a type of accommodation, was implemented as a pilot project in 1978, and put into practice in four territories: Ponte de Lima, Vouzela, Castelo de Vide and Vila Viçosa (Pereiro, 2018). Its creation was aimed at fighting regional asymmetries in the national territory and offering differentiated hotel capacity in areas where it was scarce. In 1982, through Order No. 102/82, the HT program started (Silva, 2009).
In compliance with the Portuguese legislation currently in force (Decree-Law no. 80/2017, 30th June), ‘housing tourism enterprises are establishments of a family nature installed in old private properties that, due to their architectural, historical or artistic value, are representative of a particular epoch, namely palaces and manors, which can be located in rural or urban spaces’ (CENTER, 2020a).
In fact, HT has been contributing to restore countless houses of erudite heritage, gaining recognition and consideration by the populations of the places in which it operates, also contributing to the 'return to the origins' of countless families once installed in urban areas and for the emergence of new types of tourism in rural areas (Braga, 2016). In addition, together with the rural tourism (RT), HT contributed, definitely, to the diversification of the tourist offer; the reduction of seasonality; cooperation between local actors; the boost of tourism animation projects and the provision of services that support tourism activities, which led to an awareness of entities and institutions regarding their social, economic and environmental impacts (Silva, 2010).
HT is performed in manor houses – some of them dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries – which requires a big effort from the owners to preserve their original character. Hence, this chapter intends to explain the main strategies used by owners to solve the problems they face in this activity. Our research shows that when owners put a lot of effort in being competent hosts, they are more able to preserve their house. By contrast, if they do not engage to the full extent with HT, they will struggle to keep the house repaired.
According to CGT principles, the research process here deployed enables us to understand what is happening in HT lodging facilities. This chapter highlights a theoretical code (an ‘amplified casual looping’ model) that emerged during the analysis stage of our doctoral dissertation (Braga, 2016) and which helps to understand the main concern of the hosts: the transmission of the property (the manor house) to the next generation in the best possible condition.
This chapter will make a brief foray into the history of HT in Portugal, from its origins to the present. Then, it will be analysed the specificities of this type of tourism; the methodology used for the collection and analysis of empirical data; the results achieved and, by way of conclusion, the discussion, and other final considerations.
Key Terms in this Chapter
TURIHAB – Housing Tourism Association: Cooperative organization that aims to recover and preserve the heritage associated with family tradition and the identity of the manor and rustic houses that have been converted into tourist developments.
Manor House: Noble family home, usually of large dimensions and erudite architecture, which, in Portugal, can date back to the 17 th and 18 th centuries.
Classical Grounded Theory: Also known as Glaserian, an inductive method originated by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss, which, following a methodological division between the two, was developed exclusively by the first North American sociologist. This research strategy aims at the systematic generation of theory through an interactive investigation process that leads to the emergence of conceptual categories.
Housing Tourism: Modality of accommodation in manor houses and palaces of architectural, historical, and artistic value and refined interiors, which, in Portugal, takes the designation of Turismo de Habitação . In this accommodation, which can be in rural or urban areas, the owner is typically present during the guests' stay and offers a personalized service.
Ponte de Lima: One of the oldest villages in Portugal, founded even before the formation of the Portuguese State (1143), which is located in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, namely in the district of Viana do Castelo. It constituted one of the 4 pilot zones for Housing Tourism. The Housing Tourism Association (TURIHAB) is based in this municipality.
Rural Tourism: Type of alternative tourism, different from mass tourism that allows the guest to enjoy customs, values, cultural and gastronomic practices, characteristics of rural communities. This type of tourism includes a set of complementary activities and services for tourist entertainment and is distinguished by providing a personalized welcome.
Pousadas de Portugal: Chain of hotel establishments, created in 1941 on the initiative of António Ferro, director of the National Propaganda Secretariat, during the dictatorial period of the New State. The Inns are historical monuments, castles, convents, and monasteries owned mainly by the Portuguese State that are recovered and adapted to the function of tourist accommodations.
Agritourism: Modality of tourism integrated in Rural Tourism carried out in private houses inserted in agricultural holdings, which allow the monitoring and knowledge of agricultural activities or participation in the work carried out there.