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Tourism Development in Rural Border Territories: A “ Phronetic ” Approach to Threats and Opportunities

Author

Listed:
  • Rafael Robina-Ramírez

    (Business Management and Sociology Department, University of Extremadura, 10071 Cáceres, Spain)

  • Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez

    (Economy Department, University of Extremadura, 10071 Cáceres, Spain)

  • Paulo Ferreira

    (VALORIZA-Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portugal
    Department of Economic and Organisational Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portugal)

  • Luís Loures

    (VALORIZA-Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization, 7300-555 Portalegre, Portugal
    Department of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, 7350-092 Elvas, Portugal)

Abstract

This study emphasises the crucial role of practical wisdom (“ phronesis ”) in the hotel industry, highlighting its impact on ethical behavior, operational reliability, and guest trust. The database was provided by the regional government in Extremadura and the national government in Portugal. Qualitative data from interviews and quantitative data managing from SEM-PLS were provided. In total, 175 rural hotels in Extremadura and Portugal have participated in this study. This study emphasises the significance of integrating ethical leadership with operational excellence to ensure sustainable tourism in rural border territories. It highlights the importance of practical wisdom (“ phronesis ”) in addressing complex ethical dilemmas while balancing cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. Key managerial practices include fostering safe spaces for ethical reflection and integrating technology with cultural sensitivity. These practices help build trust within communities and ensure long-term operational success while respecting local traditions and ecological concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Robina-Ramírez & Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez & Paulo Ferreira & Luís Loures, 2025. "Tourism Development in Rural Border Territories: A “ Phronetic ” Approach to Threats and Opportunities," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:5:p:524-:d:1602169
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ikujiro Nonaka & Ryoko Toyama, 2007. "Strategic management as distributed practical wisdom (phronesis)," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 16(3), pages 371-394, June.
    2. Marcelo Sánchez-Oro Sánchez & José Castro-Serrano & Rafael Robina-Ramírez, 2021. "Stakeholders’ Participation in Sustainable Tourism Planning for a Rural Region: Extremadura Case Study (Spain)," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-19, May.
    3. Rafael Robina-Ramírez & Marcelo Sánchez-Oro & Mª Teresa Cabezas-Hernández & Margarita Calleja-Aldana, 2020. "Host and Guest Social Exchange in Developing Tourist Sites: The Case of the International Tagus Natural Park," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-18, September.
    4. M. Isabel Sánchez-Hernández & Živilė Stankevičiūtė & Rafael Robina-Ramirez & Carlos Díaz-Caro, 2020. "Responsible Job Design Based on the Internal Social Responsibility of Local Governments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-16, June.
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    6. Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez & Rafael Robina Ramírez & Ana Nieto Masot, 2023. "Tourism Development in the Framework of Endogenous Rural Development Programmes—Comparison of the Case Studies of the Regions of La Vera and Tajo-Salor (Extremadura, Spain)," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-28, March.
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