Affiliation:
1. University of Aveiro, Portugal
Abstract
The economic, social, and political significance of the tourism sector is unquestionable. Its expression and ability to induce economic development, are increasingly important. However, the tourism sector faces a number of structural problems to be solved. Cases of excessive spatial concentration in certain areas of the territory present different dynamics of tourism growth and development. This chapter analyzes how the investment dynamics of small and micro-sized enterprises in the tourism sector contribute to the qualification, diversification, and improvement of destinations, and reduce the spatial concentration of the investment in major tourist destinations. It is not enough for the tourism sector to create wealth in terms of investment, income, and employment. It is also crucial the sector plays a central role in qualifying, diversifying, and improving the quality of supply.