A construção da identidade de marca de Gramado-RS como "destino turístico modelo"

Abstract

Gramado-RS has the image of "tourist destination model" between the Ministry of Tourism and other institutions in the area, other Brazilian and international destinations, and tourists. From this statement and considering the brand image as a concept related to the receiver, while brand identity as a concept associated with the issuer, this research has the problem question: How the Gramado’s brand identity is built to generate the "tourist destination model" image? In the theoretical reference are studies found about overall brand identity and tourist destinations brand identity. Among the theoretical models covered in these studies, the Hankinson’s model (2004) was selected, entitled "The relational network brand", to reach the goal of this research: to characterize the Gramado’s brand identity built to instill the image of "tourist destination model". Organizational and analytical procedures of discursive data is guided by assumptions and techniques of content analysis. The research universe was integrated by subjects of the government, the private sector, workers and the local community of Gramado, a total of 21 respondents. In addition to interviews, being a case study, were also consulted books about the history of tourism in Gramado; dissertations of Tourism and Hospitality Master in UCS that this destination is the study scenario; and reports connected with the research. Among the results is that the attributes with the highest occurrence in the answers of respondents were symbolic and functional attributes, especially "tourist attraction/events" as what differentiates Gramado from your competitors. The relationship between the brand and tourists is based more in this destination be considered conducive to leisure, attractive, innovative and it has credibility. Also, it was evidenced a lack of strategic planning with the active participation of internal stakeholders. As for relationships with other stakeholders, it was found that practically does not use paid advertising.