Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; v. 1, n. 21/22 (2014); 181-190
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Resumo: This paper aims to compare the interpretation of the built heritage of São Luís (Maranhão) by the tourism industry, through the dissemination of printed material, with its interpretation by the local people. The purpose of this research is to support the promotion of this destination. From the questions: (i) what are the built heritage sites promoted by the tourist trade of São Luis; and (ii) what is the local peoples’ interpretation of their historical centre listed by UNESCO.The theory of Vicente Del Rio is the main theoretical and methodological support. A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory approach was used to analyse the destination’s promotional materials, during the celebrations of the 400 years of foundation of São Luís by the French (2010-2012). Primary data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires with residents in São Luís who frequently go to the historic centre and are who are involved in the tourism sector. The research was carried out between December 2013 and January 2014. The results shows that the landscapes elected by São Luís residents do not always coincide with those elected by the trade to promote the destination.
