Tourisme et communautés rurales au Venezuela : vers une application des principes du Développement durable

Abstract

The recent evolution of international tourism in Venezuela is particularly interesting. Even if tourism activity remains heavily concentrated on the Caribbean coast, in particular on the island of Margarita, it is nevertheless diversifying gradually to make way for new areas of interest in the country’s interior. The display of new political will on the regional and international scene, under the leadership of President Chavez, has disrupted the national tourism market which was dominated by North American customers. Venezuela now appears in the eyes of the United States as a country that is at risk,and therefore unstable. It is in this context that the “Programa Andes Tropicales" [PAT] was developed to promote rural development in national parks; This program is based on the participation and involvement of local populations in the development of appropriate policies for conserving natural resources and cultural sources of income. Financial support is also provided for family and community micro projects to help alleviate poverty in these regions.

Keywords

• tourism
• community
• local development
• microcredit