REGIONALIZATION OF TOURISM IN RIO GRANDE DO SUL AND ITS CONTRIBUTION AS A REFERENCE FOR BRAZILIAN TOURISM MANAGEMENT IN REGIONAL BASIS

Abstract

The scope of the article is to analyze tourism regionalization processes in Rio Grande do Sul State (Brazil) and the characteristics leading to determination of regional tourist spaces considering concepts of space, territory, regionalism and centrality. Exploratory and qualitative methodologies were applied. Informations collected at the Official Tourism Department of Rio Grande do Sul State were organized regarding historic periods and showed the steps of public policies in regionalization processes, according to the different governs. The analysis identified that political decisions had priority in the definition of regional territories aiming at external investments. The definition of each region characteristics for regional tourism organization did not have the direct participation of local communities. Nevertheless Rio Grande do Sul State is pioneer and referential in implementing models of regional public management tourism in Brazil.

Keywords

• Turismo. Regionalização. Espaço. Território. Rio Grande do Sul. Brasil.