Nelson Manuel da Silva de Matos

Nelson Manuel da Silva de Matos is an Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve's Faculty of Economics and an integrated researcher at the Center for Research in Tourism, Sustainability, and Wellbeing (CinTurs). He holds dual PhDs in Tourism (2015) and Marketing and Strategy (2022), and currently directs the International Master in Management program while serving on boards for Marketing Management and Tourist Organization Management programs.

His research spans Tourism and Marketing disciplines with particular expertise in Consumer Behavior, Destination Image, Tourism Experience, and Digital Marketing. Professor deMatos investigates how experiential factors shape destination perception, the psychological mechanisms behind memorable tourism experiences, and the evolving digital landscape's impact on consumer decision-making. His work frequently examines the Algarve region as a case study while contributing to broader theoretical frameworks in experience economy and destination marketing.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on experiential dimensions of tourism, with recurring themes of flow states, sensory engagement, and digital transformation. His work bridges theoretical marketing concepts with practical tourism applications, increasingly incorporating sustainability perspectives and digital methodology. The research demonstrates methodological diversity including bibliometric analysis, qualitative studies of tourist experiences, and quantitative investigations of consumer behavior.

• Ment scholarship from University of Minho for highest PhD program performance (2018)
• Best Paper Award at XXXII Luso-Spanish Scientific Management Conference (2023)

Professor deMatos maintains an active supervision portfolio with 6 current PhD students and 11 Master's candidates, reflecting his commitment to academic development. His 16 funded research projects demonstrate strong grant acquisition capability, with recent work focusing on digital transformation in tourism, destination experience measurement, and sustainable development. He has successfully translated academic insights into practical applications through consultancy projects for municipal governments and tourism businesses.

As Director of the International Master in Management and board member for multiple graduate programs, Professor deMatos shapes tourism and marketing education at University of Algarve. His leadership in academic administration complements his research productivity, creating a comprehensive academic profile that bridges theoretical rigor with practical industry relevance.