Rural Tourism in Petrópolis (RJ, Brazil): analysis of the Ecorural Circuits

Abstract

The Rural Tourism has been showing itself as a very important section, not only in Brazil, but also to the cities that develop through the creation of new income sources, activities and social works. It’s good to highlight the comprehension’s difficulties between the amount of terms used in this section, as well as the consolidated data of this activity in Brazil. This work seeks to show the Rural Tourism in Petrópolis, a city located in the mountainous area of Rio de Janeiro’s State (Brazil), through the analysis of the eco-rurais circuits applied and yet to be implemented there. This section has been, not only a source of extra incomes, but also an important development factor of new activities linked to the rural tourism in the location. The city was chosen due to its great tourist potential, as a destination that carries a vast historical record, consolidated through the cultural and historical scripts that can be offered to its visitors every day, who come to the region to experience the exuberant nature and authentic experiences. In short, the general objective of this present work was to analyze the eco-rurais circuits of Petropolis, seeking to understand the relevance of these sectors and scripts to the city. Bibliographical research to collect the data and analysis was the chosen methodology, through the SWOT array, that allowed the identification of different situations across the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It was verified the evident potential of Rural Tourism in Petrópolis, as well as the need for a better relationship between the public and private actions. The defaulting and outdated information make it difficult for the tourists that seek to visit and know some of these scripts to understand exactly what it is. As a genuine promotional highlight, historical and cultural destination through the Cidade Imperial brand, in general, the circuits still need effective and consolidated strategies, to improve the entire potential that it offers. The conclusions reveal the importance of a strengthening and alignment, as well as the disclosure of this activity in Petrópolis.