VOUCHER'S PATH AS A MECHANISM OF TOURISM GOVERNANCE IN LENÇÓIS MARANHENSES NATIONAL PARK

Abstract:

The voucher is a governance system, initially developed in Bonito (MS) and subsequently replicated in several Brazilian destinations, to ensure the quality of the tourist experience, business profitability and environmental conservation. This study aimed to understand the functioning of the digital voucher (DV) in Barreirinhas (MA) - the main access destination to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (PNLM) - based on the changes implemented after its experience with the single voucher. In addition, possible improvements for the DV were proposed. Methodologically, this is a qualitative, exploratory and cross-sectional research with nine tourism social actors linked to public and private powers, and/or class associations. A semi-structured script was used for data collection, which guided the in-depth interviews conducted between August 2020 and February 2021. Subsequently, the Content Analysis technique was used. The results indicate that, in the operation of the DV, visitors have autonomy in choosing the agencies that offer the tours. The agencies are responsible for issuing the DV and collecting customer data, a fact that requires investment in technology and manpower. The municipality, through the DV, ensures the collection and is responsible for access control to the PNLM, and for the management/cost of the DV. To increase the DV, it is suggested to implement new functionalities and promote changes in local governance. It is concluded that the DV, although presenting problems that require solutions, contributes effectively to tourism governance by generating data that help in the planning/management of the destination, by stimulating the formalization of businesses, and by giving back the leading role to the agencies in the management of trips to the PNLM.

Keywords:
Governance; Tourism; Unique Voucher; Digital Voucher; Lençóis Maranhenses National Park