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STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON TOURISM: A STUDY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SÃO SEBASTIÃO, SP

ABSTRACT:

Dealing with stakeholders is a complex issue, but mapping and building a sustainable partnership between them is fundamental for the development of tourism. This paper analyzes the perceptions of stakeholders (residents, tourists, entrepreneurs and public officials), and the differences between these groups, on tourist activities in the municipality of São Sebastião - São Paulo, Brazil. A survey was performed that considered the spheres of economy, environment and social welfare. There were differences in perceptions between these groups in four out of eight aspects: 1) happiness with the way tourism is being developed in the municipality; 2) increased tourism improves the local economy; 3) the development of tourism increases the quality of life; and 4) the local economy is more important than its environmental concerns. The perspectives of the entrepreneurs and other stakeholders differed in relation to economic aspects. They also differed in relation to the development of tourism in the municipality. The entrepreneurs looked at tourism more favorably. The results of this study had some contextual influence, and other studies reported different perceptual profiles. This paper contributes to knowledge: a) by showing a method for mapping stakeholders’ perceptions; b) by alerting government officials and private managers that intervene in tourism to the importance of these agents and this information.

KEYWORDS:
Stakeholders; Perceptions; Tourism

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