Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 20 (2013); 51-67
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Resumo: In this article we discuss the existence and nature of the territories of tourism in a geographical perspective. We begin by reflecting on the concepts of tourism and territories and their crossing with the concept of territories of tourism. Then, we support these theoretical considerations in the analysis of the origin and dynamics of socio spatial illustrative territories of tourism that are familiar to us, as geographer and as tourist: Amalfi coast, coastal region in crisis refunctionalized by tourism since the mid-nineteenth century; Campos do Jordão, resort created by health tourism (curing tuberculosis in altitude, the same as Davos) and converted, especially from the middle of the past century, in mountain vacation destination in a tropical climate, polarizing the upper and middle classes of high-major regional cities something near and accessible (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte); small townships strongly transformed by the beach tourism of the elites and upper classes since the early nineteenth century, dethroned by the evolution of practices and transport (warm waters, Mediterranean and tropical; southern regions and other continents) but maintaining a strong regional attractiveness as second and weekend homes, by the sea and the beach, built heritage, sports equipment, the urbanity of the place, the local quality of life, as in the case of Trouville; places created from the root in empty and not appropriate coastal areas, by investors bold initiative, with clear definition of market segments to conquer and, at the same time, urbanization plans, infrastructure, multiple equipment, including recreational (casino, racetrack, bathing establishments, promenades, large hotels and prestigious villas), turning back to the beach practices, less elitist, as in Deauville; territories of tourism bit dense, something fuzzy green coastal areas, or old port places evolving to spas destinations, which have gained prestige by the presence of distinguished and famous visitors or were promoted simply by the presence and appropriation of others with much money and ostentatious behavior, as Tamariz, Saint-Tropez and Cap d’Antibes; after, we reflect on the territories of rural vilegiatura, past and present. F inally, we conclude: tourism occurs in places not inhabited by tourists, dispute the territory of others, can generate conflicts but also solidarity, complementarity and opportunities; but tourism also creates specific territories in empty human spaces, which induce the settling of non-tourists outsiders, at service of the tourist activities, that share the uses of space, professionally or as living space; tourism dispute rural areas, mountain areas, coastal areas, urban areas, valorizing spaces and heritage, generating consumption, inducing offers, attracting promoters, supporting dynamics, which means that not all territories marked by tourism are sustainable over time, given the evolution and complexity of tourist practices and attractiveness dynamics of the own territories of tourism.
