As representações sociais sobre o patrimônio histórico-cultural e a folheteria turística de Rio Pardo (RS): um estudo exploratório

Abstract

Tourism is a complex environmental, social, cultural and economic fact. Heritage issues are relevant in planning and developing tourism since official agencies have social responsibility in promoting as heritage those expressions which are also considered heritage by locals. This is a qualitative exploratory research aimed to analyze the relation between social representations about heritage and the contents of tourism folders issued by municipal government. It begins with considerations on social representations theory, and heritage and tourism concepts. Field work was held with 16 inhabitants, who were interviewed with open questions. The conclusion is that social representations about heritage match the official discourse printed in tourism folders and that official discourse is anchored and objectified by those locals who were interviewed. They also accept that development through tourism will benefit local economy and all of them understand tourism is an alternative both for city development and for the conservation of heritage.