Co-learning through participatory evaluation: an example using Theory of Change in a large-scale EU-funded tourism intervention

Montano, L. J., Font, X., Elsenbroich, C. and Ribeiro, M. A. (2023) Co-learning through participatory evaluation: an example using Theory of Change in a large-scale EU-funded tourism intervention. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, (doi: 10.1080/09669582.2023.2227781)

Abstract

Tourism interventions, as tools for social change and preservation of natural and cultural assets are inherently complex. This study presents an improved method for the evaluation of complex tourism interventions. We argue that participatory methods can promote a culture of evaluation that supports partners throughout evidencing project impacts, eliminating negative attitudes to evaluation resulting from fear of being judged on performance. We demonstrate that Theory of Change (ToC) is an effective tool that allows organisations to actively co-create and own an evaluation strategy to ensure the delivery of project outcomes. We show how ToC can be applied as a useful process and impact evaluation tool. This paper represents a novel methodological application of ToC based on participatory approaches to evaluation to disseminate knowledge and to improve decision-making in the field of tourism interventions and tourism policy making.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was funded by EU funds provided by FCE – French Channel England- Interreg ‘Experience’ project. This work is also partially financed by Portuguese Funds provided by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal – through project UIDB/04020/2020.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Elsenbroich, Dr Corinna
• Authors: Montano, L. J., Font, X., Elsenbroich, C., and Ribeiro, M. A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of Sustainable Tourism
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0966-9582
• ISSN (Online): 1747-7646
• Published Online: 24 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Journal of Sustainable Tourism 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license