ORGANIZATION OF LOCAL TOURIST ITINERARIES IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF CURITIBA, PARANA, BRAZIL

Abstract

The present article is about three different touristic itineraries in cities nearby Curitiba, specifically in the Região Metropolitana de Curitiba - RMC, in the State of Paraná in Brazil. The main purpose of this study is to analyze how these itineraries were organized. The research methodology chosen was a literature review of the subject presented in a qualitative approach analysis based on the authors own theoretical-practical experience, from 1999 to 2008, in studies and actual participation in numerous activities related to planning and management of tourism in the researched region. The results have shown that the existing itineraries were structured following different processes of planning and management, mostly originally from public administration. Since the dynamics of touristic itineraries should involve family culture, ethnic identity and simple country life style, the importance of firm active community participation must be encouraged and emphasized in the process of community tourism management.