Desafios do ecoturismo em áreas naturais com visitação consolidada: um estudo de caso de Carrancas, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Tourism has been considered as an important instrument for the socioeconomic development of locations with have natural attractions. However, there are aspects that need to be considered, such as the impacts caused by the activity. This study aimed to analyze the associated ecotourism practices and pro-conservation nature actions, as well as to identify the social actors involved, their perceptions and interventions in the municipality of Carrancas, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. For data collection, we used methodological tools of Participatory Rapid Diagnosis. The analysis had a qualitative and quantitative approach and, to validate the method, public meetings were held with the presentation and discussion of the results found. The results contemplated aspects related to the dissemination of the ecotourism destination, the perception of visitors and the local community. It was concluded that natural areas with tourist visitation practices in Carrancas do not yet fit as ecotourism practices, as the existence of various interests that do not communicate and local tourism sectors contribute to the vague understanding of what ecotourism is, its benefits and ways of planning it, preventing its establishment in fact.