A energia eólica sob a ótica do turismo : um estudo sobre os conjuntos eólicos dos municípios de Àgua Doce (SC) e Osório (RS)

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to acknowledge the existence of effective correspondence between wind power and tourism, identifying the confluence of these two themes and how this relationship could be used for the development of tourism in the areas. The dissertation was conducted by the analysis of the characteristics of two wind farms with different features located in the cities of Água Doce, in Santa Catarina and Osorio, in Rio Grande do Sul, both considered the largest of each State regarding the power generated. The methodology of this study followed a descriptive cross-sectional approach, being set in the context of quantitative and qualitative analysis, for which the research was conducted using verbal structured interviews, aiming to analyze three distinct target audiences – The town’s tourism managers, visitors of the wind farm and the local community - in order to establish a relationship between these understandings and touristic activity. The analysis of the opinions of interviewed actors led to the conclusion that there is correspondence between wind power and tourism; however, it is not effective, considering that this could be more explored, in order to actually contribute to the development of the tourism in the areas surveyed. It is considered that the full development of tourism based on the wind farm depends on reaching some conditions. It is recommended that an appropriate location for the visitor attendance in full time be constructed; carrying out actions that provide more local community involvement with the wind farms and use this resource as a tourist attraction as well as promoting awareness as to preserving the environment.