Sense of belonging and the appropriation of a touristic city by local students (Brazil)

ABSTRACT

Campos do Jordão City is located in the inlands of São Paulo State, Brazil. The herein adopted theoretical references address the harmonious relationship between tourists and residents, and the places where they meet. Such a harmonious relationship is an essential factor for accomplishing a successful touristic development. This statement justifies this case study, which aims to recognize places occupied by local citizens in a city known for its intense touristic activity. These places are understood as “places of hospitality”. This research is based on the basic premises of phenomenology and its methodology follows a qualitative design. The sample encompassed 34 participants who were involved with pedagogical activities promoted by the Events and Production Management Course. Data were collected between 2016 and 2017. Results have shown cluster formations; moreover, residents seem uncomfortable about going to places mostly visited by tourists.

KEYWORDS:

• Touristic city
• hospitality
• appropriation
• sense of belonging
• educational process

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Association of Hotels and Gastronomy of Campos do Jordão (lodging services are not associated with this organization). http://www.asstur.org.br/.