Perception of geotourism by Park managers

Abstract

The search for resources generates human pressure on natural areas, which are essential for the balance of the geo-ecosystem. Such as parks which, from the categories of nature protected areas, are the most sought after by tourists, as the Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó, the Parque Estadual do Itacolomi, and the Parque Estadual da Serra do Rola-Moça, in Minas Gerais - Brazil and their main eco-geotourism attractions, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and peak respectively. In turn, this pressure reflects on the importance of the management of nature protected areas for both conservation and tourist access. Thus, the aim of the present work was to identify the perception of geotourism by the managers of three parks in Minas Gerais. For this, the methodological procedures considered were literature review, elaboration of a data collection instrument, interviews with the park managers, tabulation, analysis of the data discourse and discussion. Managers know geotourism, but they conceptualize it without the interpretative aspect; the parks have geological attractions, partly motivating visitors; the geological heritage is related to the landscape, and it is important to preserve it. The association between geotourism and ecotourism, already present in the parks, was also observed, as a strategy for the conservation of geodiversity and biodiversity. We expect that this research serves to the review of the management plans and to the management itself of the parks, enabling geoconservation strategies.