Demand Study for Community-based Tourism: challenges to promoting encounters between communities and travelers

Abstract

In this work we investigated the peculiarities, limitations and challenges inherent to tourism demand research focused on travelers interested in experiencing community-based tourism. Our study was inspired by the lessons learned in a tourism demand research carried out in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, under the Community Tourism Project "Vale das Conquistas”. Our methodological framework included a literature review on community-based tourism, market segmentation and tourism demand, as well as an analysis of previous researches. This framework allowed us to establish parameters that supported the development of a questionnaire used to conduct potential demand surveys in tourist areas within the project area. The results originated important debates about the challenges in conducting potential demand survey for this public. At the same time, indicated that the process of structuring and marketing community-based tourism proposals should prioritize strategies for dissemination in regional markets, conducting periodic demand surveys and investment in providing quality information to visitors.