Articulation of social network in the process of tourism development: the case in Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil

Abstract:

Contemporary relations between tourism and development have focused on the structured approach in social networks, which has also been stimulated by public policies that, through various representative actors, can manage the actions of the local community. In this way, this article aims to analyze the level of relationship of a tourism network in the perspective of local development, using network theory (Rovere, 1999) and local development theory (Barquero, 2001; Boisier, 1996; Sen, 2000). The understanding of the research was based on the relationship and interaction of participants in the decision-making process of the state tourism policy network of Rio Grande do Norte, which comprises the State Tourism Council (CONETUR). To do so, the study included bibliographical data collection, document based on the minutes and Board creation regiment and interviews with the members, using a qualitative approach. The results were analyzed by means of content analysis of the thematic type. The main results of the research show that the network of governance is configured with the low level of relationship not recognizing it as a partner, characterized by the numerous divergences and inconsistencies formed in the territory, making local development actions difficult. Limitations and suggestions of the research are also pointed out.

Keywords:
Public Policy Network; Local development; Articulation in network