EXPLORING THE CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS AFFECTING VISITATION IN STATE PROTECTED AREAS IN MINAS GERAIS

Abstract:

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of biophysical, social and management variables on tourist visitation in protected areas in the state of Minas Gerais, Brasil, between 2015 and 2019, looking for possible correlations between those that most influenced the number of visitors. The results showed that reputation was the only variable that showed a significant relationship, indicating the importance of this intangible attribute in the choice of ecotourism destinations by tourists. Based on this finding, we suggest that protected areas adopt strategies to strengthen their reputation based on more efficient communication and understanding of the tourist market. This approach can increase the attractiveness of protected areas for ecotourists and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. In this way, the research contributes to a better understanding of the factors that influence tourist visitation in protected areas in the state of Minas Gerais, providing valuable subsidies for the management of ecotourism in these areas.

Keywords:
Protected areas; tourism; tourist market; competitiveness