Tourism and local development in the Northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul from the perspective of the 2030 agenda

Abstract

Recent research on rural tourism in Brazil points to a growing demand for tourist destinations, with emphasis on the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. The northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul, with its family farming economy, has potential for the development of tourism as a sustainable economic alternative. This article examines how rural tourism can contribute to local development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Three dimensions were analyzed: environmental sustainability (SDG 15); social inclusion and reduction of inequalities (SDG 10); and economic and sustainable development (SDG 8). The study was conducted in Boa Vista do Cadeado and Pejuçara, including visits, submission of electronic forms to municipal secretariats; bibliographical survey and analysis of historical documents. Regarding tourism potential, Boa Vista do Cadeado stands out for its rural and cultural tourism, strategic location and rich cultural heritage. Pejuçara, in turn, has demonstrated a more coordinated approach in relation to tourism potential, focusing on Italian cultural heritage, and being included in the Recantos da Colônia route. It is necessary to consider that, although tourism brings positive economic, social and cultural impacts to communities, it must prioritize the needs of resident communities, avoiding touristification that prioritizes profit to the detriment of cultural preservation and the well-being of the population.