Turismo sustentável como vetor de desenvolvimento local: um estudo no município de Céu Azul – PR

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the potential and challenges of sustainable tourism in the municipality of Céu Azul, Paraná, in accordance with the guidelines of Brazil’s National Tourism Plan 2024–2027. Situated in a strategic location within the surroundings of Iguaçu National Park, the municipality encompasses notable natural and cultural resources that remain underexplored, yet hold significant capacity to foster economic, social, and environmental development. This applied research adopts a mixed-methods approach, predominantly qualitative, with an exploratory-descriptive design. The methodological procedures included a literature review, documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews with local public managers and entrepreneurs, community surveys, and participatory diagnostic activities. The triangulation of methods enabled comprehensive mapping of local attractions, assessment of tourism impacts, analysis of public policies, and identification of social perceptions regarding tourism development. The findings demonstrate substantial constraints on the advancement of sustainable tourism in Céu Azul, including limited infrastructure, absence of strategic planning, insufficient professional training, and weaknesses in local governance structures. Nonetheless, the results also reveal significant opportunities related to biodiversity conservation, cultural identity enhancement, and regional tourism integration. Theoretically, this study deepens the understanding of sustainable tourism development in small municipalities a topic still underrepresented in the literature and proposes a conceptual model that integrates strategic planning, public governance, and environmental sustainability. Practically, it presents applicable strategies aligned with the axes of the National Tourism Plan regulation, qualification, and promotion including the establishment of a Municipal Sustainable Tourism Plan, institutional strengthening, capacity building for managers and entrepreneurs, and participatory governance mechanisms. These strategies outline a replicable management framework for municipalities with similar characteristics. It is concluded that sustainable tourism can serve as an effective driver of local development in Céu Azul, provided that it is supported by integrated public policies, community participation, and continuous strategic planning. This research therefore contributes both to theoretical advancement in the field and to practical improvements in public tourism governance.