Gestão do Parque Estadual de Ibitipoca: oportunidades e expectativas versus satisfação do turista

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the opportunities and challenges in the management of the State Park of Ibitipoca for its preservation and satisfaction of tourists. The study addressed in bibliographic review, concepts, laws and modalities of ecotourism, so that it was possible to create a theoretical basis and understanding on the subject. This work was structured methodologically in a qualitative and descriptive design, using semi-structured interviews and dialogical interactions with among them: park staff, natives, entrepreneurs and tourists with the purpose of the vision of these different social actors, effective management actions of the park in environmental preservation, the importance of the protected areas to the local population, as well as the behavior of tourists and the level of satisfaction of these. During the analysis of the responses, it was verified the importance of the park for the development of the region, as well as, effective actions carried out by the management of the park and the attendance to the satisfaction of the tourists. However, faults were also identified in the infrastructure of the village in which the Park is inserted, which, if remedied, could increase the level of satisfaction of tourists and residents. However, some challenges are beyond the control of the park's management, and it is up to the public power to make changes in the region.