Contributo do património histórico-cultural na atracção turística no município de Inhambane

Abstract

The historical and cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in attracting tourists to the Municipality of Inhambane (MI), recognized as a destination of excellence for the variety of its attractions. The city stands out for its colonial architecture, Arab influences, local traditions and natural beauty, offering visitors an experience that combines history, culture and nature. This diversity transforms Inhambane into a unique destination for those seeking leisure combined with an understanding of the past and Mozambican cultural traditions. The analysis was based on bibliographic, documentary and virtual research, and fieldwork carried out through interviews and questionnaires applied to tour guides, tourists, the local community, DPCTI and MUREI technicians. The selection of participants used non-probabilistic and probabilistic sampling, with a special focus on tour guides and DPCTI technicians, as they possess detailed information about the historical and cultural heritage and are responsible for its interpretation and promotion. Accessibility sampling was also used to understand the population's level of knowledge about heritage and its contribution to tourism attraction. The results indicate that the historical and cultural heritage of the Municipality of Inhambane constitutes an essential element for tourism attraction, reinforcing local identity and valuing collective memory. The tangible and intangible assets of the municipality also assume an educational function, allowing visitors to learn about the European, Arab, and African influences that shaped the city. In this process, tour guides play a central role in interpreting and contextualizing these elements, promoting cultural and environmental education and enriching the tourist experience. The historical and cultural heritage is a strategic resource for the tourism development of the Municipality of Inhambane, contributing significantly to the economic, social, and cultural progress of the region. (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)