Third International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

Several areas of international geological relevance use tourism as a tool for the conservation and the socioeconomic development of local communities, through dynamic initiatives such as geoparks programs and projects of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Within the South American context, many areas aim to be incorporated into this important network. This paper highlights the Marcahuasi Stone Forest in the central Andes of Peru and the Vila Velha State Park in the eastern part of the Paraná Basin in Brazi. Both are characterized by the singularity of their geological heritage, the scenic landscape aesthetics, and the rich source of research. This work explores the management models applied in these two South American natural spaces of high geological value regarding tourist use. A considerable flow of visitors is received there each year, however the tourist activity has been developed differently. The objective of this research is to find out whether the tourism management models applied in each area promote the socioeconomic development of the local population and the conservation of the geological heritage. In this study, different models have been analyzed, based on their management structure, public actions, and the relations between the actors, using data collection techniques such as bibliographical search, litterature review, semi-structured interviews, and simple observations. The results of each management model have been compiled and analyzed comparing both models, to discuss the influence of the management of the tourism in local socioeconomic development and geoconservation in these two areas with geotourism potential.