Turismo de experiência: crescimento econômico, inclusão social e políticas públicas – Cachoeira/Ba

Abstract

FIRST ARTICLE - This article presents an exposé of experience tourism and analyzes the potentiality for its implementation in Cachoeira, Bahia, targeting economic growth and social inclusion in this municipality. With this aim, the methodological model consists of a qualitative and descriptive study, supplemented by bibliographical references, and working with case studies. Due to its expansive territorial dimensions, the State of Bahia presents diverse geographical and cultural characteristics; and Cachoeira, the municipality under examination in this article, lies 115 kilometers from the state capital, Salvador. Boasting a rich cultural diversity marked by the strong influence of its African and indigenous heritage — expressed through music, dance, cuisine, religious and everyday customs of its inhabitants — Cachoeira attracts an ever growing number of domestic and international tourists. Within this framework (context), this article presents and discusses the potential of experience tourism to promote economic growth and social inclusion in the Municipality of Cachoeira, analyzing its strength in terms of the town‘s particular characteristics and touristic, historical, cultural, social and economic attributes. SECOND ARTICLE - This article presents public sector policies for tourism, such as Municipal Tourism Law for Cachoeira 1.150/2016, and the internal directives and protocols of the Municipal Tourism Council (Comtur), elaborated and formulated during the period of 2015/2016 by the Tourism Coordination department at the Culture and Tourism Secretariat of the Municipality of Cachoeira. The article has as its objective tourism development within the territory of Cachoeira, highlighting its socio-economic importance in terms of structure and appropriate functioning of the municipality as a tourism destination, as well as emphasizing strategies to orientate tourism planning and management. The methodological assessment adopted consists of a qualitative descriptive study, while also using as a resource secondary documented sources, all within a case study model. In the analysed context, this article puts forward a critical discussion identifying the difficulties encountered by the municipality, presenting suggestions for the elaboration and implementation of public sector policies for tourism by means of an integrated policy involving the municipal authorities, the private sector and the communities that represent organized civic group of Cachoeira. This integrated policy will result in the consolidation of the cultural and historical potential of the territory, including its material and immaterial heritage, using concrete formats and mechanisms for territorial transformation and inclusive socio-economic development.