Avaliação da influência do património cultural na atractividade do município de Inhambane como destino turístico

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of cultural heritage on the attractiveness of the Municipality of Inhambane as a tourist destination. The research was based on a mixed approach, that is, qualitative and quantitative. Qualitatively, the study analyzes and explains the influence of cultural heritage on the choice of the Municipality of Inhambane as a tourist destination: it examines the perception of tourists who visit the Municipality of Inhambane in relation to the cultural tourism offer. The study also explains how the cultural heritage of the Municipality of Inhambane influences tourist demand, detailing its historical and cultural value. Quantitatively, the research clarifies, through statistical data, the results of data collected through questionnaires. The research was conducted based on questionnaires administered to 100 tourists, interviews with employees of public institutions and neighborhood secretaries, allowing an understanding of the perception of different actors regarding the influence of the municipality's cultural heritage on local tourism. Bibliographic research, documentary research, and observation were also used. The results demonstrate that Inhambane's cultural heritage is widely recognized as an important factor in attracting tourists, highlighting elements such as the colonial architecture of the built heritage. However, the research also revealed problems of conservation, degradation of monuments, ineffective institutional communication, and weak coordination and integration between the culture and tourism sectors, which limits the full exploitation of this heritage as a sustainable resource. Although public institutions claim the existence of policies and strategies for cultural preservation and promotion, most tourists are unaware of such actions, which highlights shortcomings in the dissemination and implementation of cultural and tourism policies. The research hypotheses confirmed that cultural heritage has a significant influence on destination choice, but its poor conservation constitutes a threat to the attractiveness and loyalty of visitors. Therefore, culture is a strategic asset for the tourism and socio-economic development of Inhambane. However, to transform this potential into concrete results, it is necessary to invest in the preservation of cultural heritage, improve communication, and effectively integrate culture into the municipal tourism strategy, promoting authentic experiences that unite past and present, tradition and innovation.(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)