Tourism and third sector organisations: synergies for responsible tourism development?

The main aim of this paper is the analysis third sector arts, culture and local development organisations (TSO) participation in context tourism planning to understand characteristics its connections region Algarve. methodological strategy anchored a mix-methods approach applying qualitative techniques such as semistructured interviews (n=40), document analysis, non-participant observation, adopting triangulation approach. There have been few empirical studies that analyse theme, thus, identifying forms can adopt their constitutes one contributions research towards reinforcing conceptual framework responsible development. results revealed display set position them active agents tourist processes by operating on areas promotion cultural expression, inventory natural resources, raising awareness those resources also actively participating supply structuring services.