Abstract
This text aims to discuss the motivations of housing tourism (TH) guests and the strategies used by hosts to meet their specific needs. The methodology used in data collection and analysis was classic grounded theory (CGT). The data were collected through 53 interviews undertaken with owners of HT units in Portugal. This chapter argues that HT customers are divided mainly into two types: ‘sensitive' and ‘insensitive' guests. The sensitive guest has cultural concerns, favours the role of the host in valuing the accommodation, and identifies with the values conveyed by the house. Likewise, he is aware of the differentiation of this category in relation to mass accommodation when he books it. The guest who is insensitive to the hospitality exploration modality (HEM) requires the formalisation of the accommodation option, prefers autonomy over customisation, and demands facilities typical of mass tourism (as they are incompatible with the functionality of the house).
TopArcadism And Nostalgia Of The Past
Rural areas have several “pull motivations” related to their capacity to attract tourist demand (Martínez-Roget, Tavares Moutela & Estévez Núñez, 2015, p. 72). According to Fakeye and Crompton quoted by Almeida, Silva and Amoêdo (2019), pull factors are those that influence opinion regarding destination and are the attributes of a destination. These motivations influence when, where and how we travel and act as
Key Terms in this Chapter
Psychocentric: This type of tourist was studied by the North-American researcher Stanley Plog. The term stems from psyche and self-centered, and refers to those who focus their thoughts and worries on life’s trivialities – these people follow conservative habits and patterns when travelling, favoring safety and protection of the tourist destinations they choose and visit them again and again.
Urbanisation: Process concerning the city’s expansion due to the economical transformations that took place in society, and it is particularly clear in the rural population’s exodus to the cities; as a result, the number of city inhabitants increases, as opposed to the population rate of rural areas.
Allocentric: The root of the word is “alo”, which means ‘varied in form’. It is about a person that only or nearly only cares about other people’s matters, or even still a person who acts according to others. The adaptation of this psychology concept to a certain kind of tourist was developed by the North American researcher Stanley Plog. In his opinion, these travellers are adventurous and willing to discover new destinations, so they rarely return to the same destination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tourism Area Life Cycle: This concept was developed by the researcher R. W. Butler, and he based his studies on the life cycle of a product. The same happens to any destination, that goes through six progressive stages: exploration, involvement, development, consolidation, stagnation and after stagnation (stabilization, rejuvenation, or decay).
Pull Motivations: These concern the pulling factors of a destination, whose features and qualities attract or seduce someone to go there. As such, if someone is looking for moments of relaxation, s/he can enjoy the beautiful landscape of a rural destination.