Interpretive route of the historic center of Cáceres/MT, for tourism and heritage education purposes

Centro histórico interpretativo ruta Cáceres/MT, educación turismo y patrimonio

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop an interpretative route to the historic center of Cáceres/MT, which can be both a tourism product and an educational resource for activities related to heritage education. The tools used to collect data were document and field research, photography record and collection of geographic coordinates through DGPS. Th data collected in the field were spatialized, and associated with textual information, enabling the creation of products: satellite-map image, themed-map and pocket guide. Three experimental visits, with visitors (tourism event) and students, were carried out in order to validate the route; and at the end of the visit the participants rated the route in terms of itinerary, relevance of historical and cultural information of the twelve stopovers along the way. The comments and suggestions made by the participants were taken into account in the final proposal. The assessment made by the target segments led us to conclude that the product proposed contributes to the development of tourism and heritage education. The key role of Cáceres in the demarcation and protection of border between Portuguese and Spanish colonies, in 1778, is highlighted. The product put forward is part of a wider research project called"Tourism and geographic information system of Cáceres, MT: contributions on planning and local development", funded by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Mato Grosso - FAPEMAT

Keywords:
Historical heritage; Interpretive Trail; Experiences and practices; Cultural Tourism; Cultural Geography