Ana Leiras

@cshg.gal

Professor, Food & Beverages Department, Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galicia
Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galicia/ Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

Ana Leiras


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https://researchid.co/analeiras
Ana Leiras is a Professor in the Centro Superior de Hostelería de Galicia at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. She is also an external collaborator of the CICEE at the Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, Portugal, and an active member of the Territorial Studies Group at University of A Coruña. She specializes in Social and Behavioral Sciences, with her research focusing on accessible and sustainable tourism, destination image, and consumer behavior.

EDUCATION

PhD in Social Sciences and Consumer Behaviour (University of A Coruña)
Master in Planning and management of Destinations and Tourist Products (University of A Coruña)
Bachelors degree in Tourism (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia)
Great Diploma in Hotel Management (University of Santiago)
Diploma in Hotel Management (École hôtelière de Lausanne)
Spanish: Native; Galicien: Celga 4; English: C1

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management, Multidisciplinary, Marketing, Business, Management and Accounting
6

Scopus Publications

109

Scholar Citations

6

Scholar h-index

2

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Researching links between pilgrimage tourism and rural development: The emergence of Fisterra as a “new end” of the way
    María José Andrade Suárez, Manuel Docampo García, Ana Leiras
    Journal of Rural Studies, 2025
    This research examines whether promoting tourism along the emerging pilgrimage route to Fisterra-Muxía (Spain) can support rural socio-economic development and address demographic decline. It focuses on the recent increase in pilgrimage flows and concerns about route saturation. A triangulated methodological approach was employed, combining secondary data analysis, pilgrim surveys, and in-depth interviews with local stakeholders. Cluster analysis of survey responses identified four distinct traveler profiles— Traditional , Busgrim , Tourist , and Mystic —reflecting the coexistence of spiritual, recreational, and post-secular motivations. Results indicate a rise in tourism activity in recent years and generally positive perceptions of its impact among visitors and residents. However, this growth has not reversed the population decline in most municipalities along the route. The study provides actionable recommendations for regional planning, calling for integrated, year-round strategies that balance tourism growth with community resilience and ecological thresholds. Theoretically, it frames emerging pilgrimage routes as laboratories for testing sustainable development models in structurally vulnerable rural contexts.
  • Sociological perspectives on urban green infrastructure: Identifying research gaps and advancing future directions
    María José Andrade Suárez, Manuel Docampo García, Ana Leiras
    Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, 2025
    Sociology provides essential insights into the complex interactions between urban green infrastructures (UGIs) and society. However, despite increasing recognition of their social impacts, UGIs still lack a systematic sociological framework to uncover key trends and critical research gaps. This paper seeks to fill this gap by analyzing influential scientific sources at the intersection of sociology and UGIs. The methodology consists of a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of 436 scientific articles published in academic journals between 2001 and 2024. Data were extracted from Scopus and examined using ASReview, a machine-learning Python-based tool, and Bibliometrix, an RStudio-based software. The results reveal that while existing studies have extensively examined governance, policy, and equity-related aspects of UGIs, other areas remain underexplored. These include the religious, spiritual, and cultural uses of UGIs (e.g., festivals, traditional events), their role in specific sectors such as tourism, and the projected and perceived image of UGIs, among others. The findings constitute a fundamental sociological guide for all UGIs’ stakeholders.
  • Accessible tourist destinations: A bifactorial image model of perceived image
    Ana Leiras, Trinidad Domínguez-Vila, José Magano
    Tourism Management Perspectives, 2025
    This study identifies key attributes shaping the perceived image of accessible tourist destinations (ATDs) from the perspectives of various demand segments, including people with disabilities, individuals with health condition and their companions, and tourists without accessibility needs. It also compares these perceived attributes with those projected by destination management organizations (DMOs), as identified in previous research. A survey of 1052 Portuguese participants, employing quota sampling, supported a two-factor model of ATDs' perceived image, with accessibility as a transversal dimension encompassing structural and environmental features. Accessible infrastructure and safety were identified as essential, while price and inclusive messaging were not significant in the confirmatory factor analysis. Attribute prioritization varies across segments, the results revealing substantial gaps between perceived and projected images, pointing to the need for closer alignment in destination branding strategies.
  • A novel framework for the quantitative analysis of the projected image of Accessible Tourist Destinations
    Ana Leiras, Iria Caamaño-Franco, María José Andrade Suárez, Trinidad Domínguez-Vila
    Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2025
    This study addresses a research gap by introducing a pioneering theoretical framework for analyzing the projected image of Accessible Tourist Destinations (ATDs). Building on existing approaches to evaluating destination competitiveness and destination images, this framework was developed systematically codifying relevant literature, semi-structured interviews with people with disabilities, and expert panel consultations. The ATD model was tested by comparing analysis of official tourism websites from Spain and Portugal. The results show that ATDs combine functional attributes, such as technology, with key psychological characteristics, like an inclusive society and a tourism sector committed to accessibility. The findings suggest that a country’s tourism management structure may influence the competitive performance of local destinations. This study advances theories of competitiveness and destination image by incorporating the perspectives of tourists with disabilities. It provides practical insights for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to attract a more diverse market.
  • Search strategies in accessible tourism, barrier-free tourism, disabled tourism and easy access tourism literature
    Ana Leiras, Iria Caamaño-Franco
    Tourism Review, 2024
    Purpose Research concerning the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in tourism activities began long before this field of study was formally named. This has led scholars to use a variety of expressions to refer to what is now known as accessible tourism (AT). Given that this diversity of terms can complicate locating relevant publications, this paper aims to examine the terminology used in the context of AT. Design/methodology/approach This study conducts an exhaustive literature review and a statistical analysis of 613 documents collected from Scopus, published between 1984 and 2022. Findings The results suggest that, despite the widespread use of “Accessible Tourism” in recent literature, most papers published before 2010 cannot be retrieved using this term. Additionally, the longitudinal analysis of scientific production revealed four distinct stages based on the number of annual publications. Research limitations/implications This paper has limitations that could inspire future studies, such as relying solely on Scopus for data collection, including only academic papers, limiting the number of references and narrowing the search to specific terms. Future investigations could compare these findings using a greater amount of data collected from other databases (e.g. Google Scholar), including non-academic writings (e.g. newspapers and Webpages), exploring the efficiency of different search strategies (e.g. silver market) and delving deeper into the evolution of the AT discourse in society. Practical implications Policymakers and tourism stakeholders can leverage the insights of this paper to standardise their vocabulary in communication and operational strategies. Scholars can enhance the efficiency of literature searches and develop new lines of knowledge inspired by terms traditionally used to refer to AT. Social implications This paper encourages continued investigation into AT and underscores the importance of language in developing a more inclusive society. Originality/value This research pioneers the analysis of the evolution of AT synonymy by years, nations and authors. It provides evidence of how linguistic choices reflect changes in the social understanding of disability. This study proposes a framework to distinguish AT from other tourism models, facilitating unified communication among stakeholders. It presents strategies to improve efficiency in locating studies in the AT area and advocates for an inclusive society that uses language respectful to all individuals.
  • Perceived image of accessible tourism destinations: a data mining analysis of Google Maps reviews
    Ana Leiras, Celeste Eusébio
    Current Issues in Tourism, 2024
    While research into tourism and accessibility has significantly advanced over the past decade, the perceived image of Accessible Tourism Destinations (ATDs) has remained largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining the perceived image of Aveiro (Portugal) and A Coruña (Spain) as exemplars of ATDs. In this investigation, we scrutinized 1,051 Online Travellers Reviews (OTRs) posted between 2016 to 2023 in Google Maps. We employed content analysis and text mining techniques using the RapidMiner software. The findings reveal a correlation between accessibility conditions and visitors’ satisfaction. Common concerns among travellers include the availability of parking spaces and adaptations for people with disabilities (PwD). Areas identified for improvement encompass information provision and signage. Further investigation is recommended to understand the factors influencing the increase in positive sentiments in Aveiro during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research presents a strategic framework for Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) to enhance the quality of the tourism offer while showcasing the potential of data mining within this field.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Researching links between pilgrimage tourism and rural development: The emergence of Fisterra as a “new end” of the way
    MJA Suárez, MD García, A Leiras
    Journal of Rural Studies 119, 103721 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Accessible tourist destinations: A bifactorial image model of perceived image
    A Leiras, T Domínguez-Vila, J Magano
    Tourism Management Perspectives 58 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Sociological perspectives on urban green infrastructure: Identifying research gaps and advancing future directions
    MJA Suárez, MD García, A Leiras
    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 111, 128873 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 7
  • Sociological perspectives on urban green infrastructure: Identifying research gaps and advancing future directions
    M Andrade, M García Docampo, A Leiras
    Elsevier , 2025
    2025
  • Accessible Tourism in the Smart Destination Era: A Dual Analysis of Disabled Tourists’ Experiences and Behaviors From the DMO Perspective
    TD Vila, A Leiras, AC Rucci
    Elsevier , 2025
    2025
  • Redefining Accessible Tourism: A Novel Stakeholder-Based Approach
    A Leiras, J Magano, I Caamaño-Franco
    El Periplo Sustentable, 28-55 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • A novel framework for the quantitative analysis of the projected image of Accessible Tourist Destinations
    A Leiras, I Caamaño-Franco, MJ Andrade Suárez, T Domínguez Vila
    Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1-37 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Perceived image of accessible tourism destinations: a data mining analysis of Google Maps reviews
    A Leiras, C Eusébio
    Current Issues in Tourism 27 (16), 2584-2602 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 47
  • Search strategies in accessible tourism, barrier-free tourism, disabled tourism and easy access tourism literature
    A Leiras, I Caamaño-Franco
    Tourism Review 79 (4), 981-999 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 28
  • Desafíos y estrategias para el desarrollo de destinos turísticos accesibles: estudio de caso en A Coruña desde la perspectiva de los stakeholders
    A Leiras
    Universidade da Coruña, Servizo de Publicacións , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos accesibles en la era digital
    A Gómez Leiras
    Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos … , 2024
    2024
  • Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos accesibles en la era digital
    A Leiras
    2024
  • Estudo demoscópico sobre a demanda turística no Camiño Inglés
    C Pérez-García, A., Caamaño Franco, I., Lezcano González, M.E., Rodríguez Carro
    2022
  • Destinos turísticos accesibles: problemas y soluciones
    A Leiras
    Universidade da Coruña , 2022
    2022
  • Estudio demoscópico sobre la demanda turística en el Camino Inglés
    EM Carlos Rodríguez Carro, Antonia Pérez-García, Íria Caamaño-Franco
    2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Perceived image of accessible tourism destinations: a data mining analysis of Google Maps reviews
    A Leiras, C Eusébio
    Current Issues in Tourism 27 (16), 2584-2602 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 47
  • Search strategies in accessible tourism, barrier-free tourism, disabled tourism and easy access tourism literature
    A Leiras, I Caamaño-Franco
    Tourism Review 79 (4), 981-999 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 28
  • Sociological perspectives on urban green infrastructure: Identifying research gaps and advancing future directions
    MJA Suárez, MD García, A Leiras
    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 111, 128873 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 7
  • A novel framework for the quantitative analysis of the projected image of Accessible Tourist Destinations
    A Leiras, I Caamaño-Franco, MJ Andrade Suárez, T Domínguez Vila
    Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 1-37 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 7
  • Researching links between pilgrimage tourism and rural development: The emergence of Fisterra as a “new end” of the way
    MJA Suárez, MD García, A Leiras
    Journal of Rural Studies 119, 103721 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Accessible tourist destinations: A bifactorial image model of perceived image
    A Leiras, T Domínguez-Vila, J Magano
    Tourism Management Perspectives 58 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 6
  • Redefining Accessible Tourism: A Novel Stakeholder-Based Approach
    A Leiras, J Magano, I Caamaño-Franco
    El Periplo Sustentable, 28-55 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 4
  • Desafíos y estrategias para el desarrollo de destinos turísticos accesibles: estudio de caso en A Coruña desde la perspectiva de los stakeholders
    A Leiras
    Universidade da Coruña, Servizo de Publicacións , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 4
  • Sociological perspectives on urban green infrastructure: Identifying research gaps and advancing future directions
    M Andrade, M García Docampo, A Leiras
    Elsevier , 2025
    2025
  • Accessible Tourism in the Smart Destination Era: A Dual Analysis of Disabled Tourists’ Experiences and Behaviors From the DMO Perspective
    TD Vila, A Leiras, AC Rucci
    Elsevier , 2025
    2025
  • Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos accesibles en la era digital
    A Gómez Leiras
    Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos … , 2024
    2024
  • Análisis de la imagen proyectada y percibida de los destinos turísticos accesibles en la era digital
    A Leiras
    2024
  • Estudo demoscópico sobre a demanda turística no Camiño Inglés
    C Pérez-García, A., Caamaño Franco, I., Lezcano González, M.E., Rodríguez Carro
    2022
  • Destinos turísticos accesibles: problemas y soluciones
    A Leiras
    Universidade da Coruña , 2022
    2022
  • Estudio demoscópico sobre la demanda turística en el Camino Inglés
    EM Carlos Rodríguez Carro, Antonia Pérez-García, Íria Caamaño-Franco
    2021