SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN LAKE AREAS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF DEMAND: a study of visitors to Lagoa da Lúcia, municipality of São Benedito do Rio Preto, Maranhão

Abstract

Interest in tourism practices capable of giving people a feeling of greater contact with nature has grown in recent years, highlighting the need for management and sustainable use of natural heritage in the context of countries, especially in peripheral territories. In the state of Maranhão, the significant supply of lake spaces for leisure and tourism contrasts with the scarcity of studies suggesting ways to make these natural attractions sustainable, from the point of view of demand. In order to partially fill this gap, this article aims to understand the profile, perspectives and positions of visitors to Lagoa da Lúcia in relation to sustainability in local tourism. The research, exploratory-descriptive in nature, was guided by a qualitative approach. Based on a semi-structured script of questions, interviews were conducted with ten visitors on January 1 and 2, 2024. The content of the interviewees' responses was analyzed. It emerged that visitors to Lagoa da Lúcia have positive impressions of sustainable tourism, in line with the literature. They are aware of the importance of investing efforts and resources in local sustainability practices, which include: education, heritage preservation and appreciation, economic growth, fairer and more balanced distribution of wealth and opportunities generated, improvement of the tourist experience, greater connection, involvement, active participation, inclusion and social well-being. The conclusion is that it is essential to take advantage of the demand for sustainable tourism in Lagoa da Lúcia and recognize it as a catalyst for improving practices, promoting awareness and ensuring the continued preservation of this lake space.