CYCLOTOURISM AS A PROMOTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS: POSSIBILITIES IN THE BAIXO PARNAÍBA MARANHENSE REGION

ABSTRACT:

One of the modalities in the field of tourism in rural areas is cycling, a segment that gives visitors a more narrow and particular way of experiencing the space, while combining recreation, leisure and environmental education, generating practices of hospitality along the cycling routes. This article focuses on cycling as an element of the rural tourism offer in the Baixo Parnaíba Maranhense region. The specific objectives of this research are to understand the dynamics of rural tourism, to identify the senses and meanings of cycling tourism, and to examine how cycling occurs in the Baixo Parnaiba and the factors that favor or limit this practice, in order to question the viability of this practice as a potential tourist product. This study uses qualitative research, having an exploratory and descriptive character. In the construction of the theoretical framework, reference was made to the authors Tulik (2003), Rodrigues (2001) and Kageyama (2008) in relation to the dynamics of rural tourism; the studies of Han et al. (2017), Cavallari (2012) Lima (2015), Carvalho et al. (2013) on the analyses of cycling tourism; the studies of Buarque (2002), Vázquez Barquero (2001) and Duarte (2008) on the relationship between cycling and local development. In the field research, the technique of direct and systematic observation was used (Cervo, 2007). This involved monitoring groups of cyclists on the local cycling tours. The were signs of hospitality and practices of welcoming, and the opening of small food businesses along the developed routes, signaling community entrepreneurship. However, the research points to some weaknesses, such as the absence of systematic public policies, that hinder the organization and structuring of the offer of rural tourism in the region, according to the community’s expectations and demands.

KEYWORDS:
Rural Tourism; Cycling tourism; Local Development; Territory of Baixo Parnaíba Maranhense