The regional governance in tourism: reality? A case study of the Estrada Real Program's destination

Abstract

During the last two decades the concept of regional governance has been spread all around the world as a democratic and innovative model of managing. Meanwhile, in the field of tourism the use of this concept is still embedded in myths and incongruence. This study aims at analyzing the effectiveness of the governance models applied in the development of the tourism in Brazil based on a case study of the Estrada Real Program. A survey with the professionals enrolled with the tourist sector of the southeast macro-region of the country, where this Program is implemented, supported the research. The conclusion point to problems related to the planning, implementation and follow-up of the Program, showing a low degree of understanding among the professionals of the concept of regional governance and their operational obstacles and possibilities of strengthening.