Manifestations of the tourism sector in Praia Grande (SC) at the beginning of the 21st century

Abstract

On the Eastern part of the border between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, there is an important complex of canyons that attracts mainly visitors interested in ecotourism and adventure tourism. In Santa Catarina, Praia Grande is a practically obligatory way towards the canyons area, and this fact seems to mean that the tourism sector is present in this município. This study addresses this subject trying both to portray Praia Grande as a touristic destination  and to explore some hints concerning social and economic outcomes. It is indicated that Praia Grande receives tourists from different parts of Brazil and other countries, and that its offer of touristic services grew rapidly since the mid-2000s. In institutional terms, some measures for tourism promotion and planning have been witnessed, but they appear to be timid and far from representing a real involvement with tourism development.