Leisure, tourism, and the importance of proximity to water: Insights from the resident population of Portugal

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between proximity to water and human activity, focusing on how leisure opportunities influence both residential preferences and the choice of tourist destinations. The central hypothesis is that areas offering a high quality of life, including access to water and leisure, are more attractive to residents and visitors alike. To explore this, an online questionnaire was conducted among residents in Portugal. The results reveal that water plays a significant role in residential decision-making, alongside other factors such as landscape appeal, leisure availability, well-being conditions, and environmental tranquillity. Most respondents reported visiting water-related tourist destinations within the previous 12 months. These findings suggest that proximity to water contributes to tourism appeal and residents' quality of life, offering valuable insights for policymakers and territorial planners aiming to enhance well-being and attract visitors.