Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; v. 3, n. 17/18 (2012); 1357-1369
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Resumo: Tourism in rural areas is presented as a practice in the context of multi-activity that develops in rural areas, introducing the service sector to the rural property. In this context, the rural community tourism arises as an option for development in rural communities that maintain ethnic and cultural characteristics solidified, whose interest visitation is motivated by culture. This study sought to investigate the development of rural tourism from the perception of the population of Catu, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The studied area is a rural community, whose river of the same name separates geographically the community in two districts, has an economic base on family agriculture. It’s considered a remainder of the indigenous culture of Eleotérios in Rio Grande do Norte. The local tourist potential is significant, considering the existing natural and cultural attractions. The research was designed as exploratory and qualitative approach. The research strategy used was the case study, in which the universe was determined by an intentional non-probabilistic sampling and data collection was done through interviews and participant observations. It was found that few are those who understand the true meaning of rural tourism, in spite of being able to list the attractions of the place. For the residents the tourism is welcome, will encourage changes and will help in keeping the ethnic and cultural characteristics.
