Análise do potencial turístico das lagoas costeiras de Osório, Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The lakes located in Rio Grande do Sul – RS, like other lacustrine environments in the world, have the potential to become important tourist attractions. In the present study, the focused area comprises the city of Osório – RS, which counts with one of the largest lake complex in Brazil, covering 23 lakes. In order to determine the tourism potential of these lakes it was selected six ones, which are: Lagoa dos Barros, Lagoa do Marcelino, Lagoa do Peixoto, Lagoa do Caconde, Lagoa da Pinguela and Lagoa do Horácio. In order to evaluate the tourist potential of these lakes it was analyzed both internal and external determinant factors for tourist development. Among the external factors related to Osório, it was observed the accessibility to the municipality; tourist infrastructure; tourist attractions and events, and the promotion of tourism in the city. The following internal factors related to the lakes were analyzed: accessibility; water quality; tourist services; public infrastructure in support of tourism; preservation of natural resource; environmental awareness; touristification process and the importance of lakes. The data were collected through in loco observation and with interviews with municipal managers and users of the lakes. For the in loco observation, along with photographic record, we used an instrument containing the criteria for analysis of the selected factors. The determining internal factors of the tourist potential related to lakes have been assessed and quantified according to the preset score evaluation. The data showed that Osório’s costal lakes presented potential for tourism development. However, they require a strategic planning and specific improvements ranging from infrastructure implementation to the recovery of water quality.