Revista Turismo & Cidades

Maranhão's Brand Transformation: Insights into a Tourist Destination Rebranding

Luciana Brandão Ferreira, Eriberto do Nascimento Sousa — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This article aimed to examine the rebranding experience of the official tourism brand in a developing destination. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with both the state tourism manager and the professional responsible for the new brand developing. Additionally, extensive documentary analysis was conducted. Data analysis was performed using a content analysis technique, following a mixed-grid thematic framework. Initially, a priori category "brand creation", were established, Additional categories were developed a posteriori, emerging directly from the data. The results indicate that the creation process, even within a rebranding context, is significantly influenced by federal and local political directives. Key challenges identified in this process include a lack of financial resources and resistance from the technical tourism management team. Primary actions focus on fostering a sense of connection with market players, such as tour operators and agencies, with less emphasis on the final consumer.

Demanda Turística em Santana do Maranhão: uma análise do perfil dos visitantes

Paulo Reis, Iara Amorim, Junia Borges — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Este artigo analisa a demanda turística em Santana do Maranhão, na região imediata Tutóia - Araioses, parte baixa da bacia do Rio Parnaíba na porção maranhense. O objetivo foi compreender o perfil dos visitantes, suas motivações e percepções sobre a experiência turística no local. A pesquisa se justifica pela necessidade de subsidiar o planejamento turístico municipal, considerando seus recursos naturais, manifestações culturais e desafios estruturais. Como metodologia, foi aplicado questionário aos visitantes dos balneários locais, cujos dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Os resultados indicam que a demanda turística em Santana do Maranhão é majoritariamente regional, e com valorização da hospitalidade local, tranquilidade, mas com fragilidades em infraestrutura, serviços e divulgação. A pesquisa contribui para o campo do turismo ao fornecer dados sobre Santana do Maranhão. Sugere-se que Santana do Maranhão invista em ações colaborativas e sustentáveis para transformar seu potencial em oportunidade real de desenvolvimento do turismo.

Epistemology of Tourism

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

The present study aims to characterize the scientific production on Epistemology in the field of Tourism. The adopted methodology consists of a literature review conducted on national journals edited in the field of Tourism. Articles were located through consultation of the Scientific Electronic Library Online - SciELO collection and searching on the Google Scholar platform. This strategy allowed for the construction of a comprehensive view of this production, namely, who the authors are, to which academic institutions they belong, and where the results of studies on Tourism epistemology in Brazil between 2000 and 2023 are being published. The results indicate a still incipient scientific production on the epistemology of Tourism, stimulated primarily by Brazilian universities offering postgraduate courses in Tourism in the Northeast, Southeast, and South regions

Insertion of Environmental Education by tour guides and conductors in Barreirinhas

Amália Thaynar Serêjo Morais, Karlla Fabianna Lima Santos — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

This study analyzes the relationship between tour guides and conductors in Barreirinhas (MA) and how they incorporate Environmental Education into their professional practices. Using a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, the research was divided into two stages: a literature review and document analysis on Environmental Education, sustainable tourism, and related case studies; and field research involving semi-structured interviews with seven conductors and three tour guides working in the region. The analysis of the responses revealed that these professionals show awareness of the importance of Environmental Education and ecotourism, striving to promote environmental appreciation among tourists. However, they reported challenges in achieving truly ecological tourism, such as lack of enforcement and low environmental awareness among business owners, residents, and public administrators. The study emphasizes that environmental preservation is essential to ensure the continuity of tourism activities, which represent the main source of income for the municipality.

Tecnologia e turismo religioso: o caso do memorial de Nazaré em Belém/PA

GUTEMBERG CARDOSO DA SILVA, DANIEL AGUIRRE CAMPOS — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Este estudo analisa o uso de tecnologias no turismo religioso em um atrativo de Belém-PA, com foco nas práticas atuais, desafios e oportunidades de inovação. A pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória, combina revisão bibliográfica e entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais do setor. Identificaram-se tecnologias já implementadas, como a realidade aumentada, que ampliam a acessibilidade e o engajamento dos visitantes. No entanto, obstáculos como a resistência cultural, a falta de infraestrutura e de capacitação limitam uma adoção mais ampla. Apesar de ainda em estágio inicial, o uso de tecnologias demonstra potencial para enriquecer a experiência turística e contribuir para a preservação digital do patrimônio religioso. Os resultados oferecem insights práticos para gestores e profissionais do setor, ao mostrar caminhos para integrar inovações tecnológicas de forma respeitosa ao contexto religioso. Teoricamente, a pesquisa amplia o debate sobre o turismo religioso e aponta para futuras investigações sobre os impactos dessas tecnologias na experiência dos visitantes e nas políticas públicas.

Tourism and Psychological Distance: A Systematic Review

Ravel Paixao, Ricardo Noboru Shimosakai — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0300

Psychological distance influences tourist behavior, affecting attractiveness and travel decision-making. Distant destinations may seem more exotic, but they also create cultural or logistical barriers. Marketing strategies, such as images and travel stories, and technologies (virtual/augmented reality) seek to reduce this distance by creating emotional connections. However, these approaches can oversimplify local cultures and intensify the negative impacts of mass tourism. This study systematically reviews the literature on the topic, analyzing how psychological distance shapes tourist choices, which strategies are effective, and their cultural and environmental effects. Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, the research offers insights to balance commercial appeal with sustainability.