O comércio de tapioca na orla marítima de Maceió: uma análise sob a ótica do desenvolvimento turístico local

Abstract

This study examines the tapioca trade along the beaches of Maceió on the basis of the local sustainable tourism development concept. The socioeconomic situation of the tapioca Sellers (tapioqueiras) is looked at prior to and after their involvement with the activity. Also, there is an investigation on the socioeconomic changes and impacts on the tapioqueiras’s quality of life. In addition, there is an analysis as to when, why and how the tapioqueiras changed the tapioca into a commercial product. The study literature review focuses on the historic and theoretical aspects of tourism, including a review about the concept of cultural heritage, the importance of gastronomy, the concepts of local sustainable tourism development as well as the notion of place. This case study used the following methodological procedures: (1) literature review; (2) photographic survey of the study area; (3) semi-structured interview and questionnaire; and (4) qualitative analysis. The tapioca trade along the beaches of Maceió has led to a two-fold contribution to the Maceió destination. First, this trade helps create ocupation and improve income for residents in addition to providing support for the conservation of the local cultural heritage as the result of the insertion of an item of local gastronomy into the tourist product. Second, the tapioca trade creates an eating focal point that improves the tourist potential of the Maceió’s seaside leading to an intense flow of tourists in the area to taste the tapioca product. Data give evidence of important socioeconomic improvements in the quality of life of the tapioqueiras as a result of their having got involved with the tapioca trade. The following positive impacts were identified: acquisition of consumption assets; improved family income; better schooling levels of the tapioqueiras and family members, in addition to the creation of jobs. Such socioeconomic improvements are related to the premises of the notion of local sustainable tourism development.