In this paper, we introduce the themes and approaches that are covered in this special issue on tourism, governance and sustainable development. Firstly, we present a discussion of the themes and topics that have informed the creation of this special issue and, secondly, we provide an overview of the content of each paper that is included within it. This editorial piece provides a useful introduction to the relationship between tourism, governance and sustainable development that can be used by researchers as a starting point for their own research. The special issue itself helps to address the relative lack of research in this area in the context of developing countries and emerging economies.

Resumo O Litoral Norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no Brasil, é uma região que tem presenciado diversas transformações em suas formas de ocupação e expansão urbana, ao longo da história. Desde as primeiras ocupações por estâncias e fazendas até as modalidades atuais, predominantemente turísticas, os municípios desta região passaram por uma série de modificações de usos e de formas, ao longo do tempo. Este artigo tem como objetivo principal apresentar os períodos de ocupação do Litoral Norte do Rio Grande do Sul e sua relação com o turismo de segunda residência, delimitados através da identificação dos usos, da análise das formas de crescimento urbano, do traçado e das tipologias das edificações, verificados na região. Na pesquisa realizada, foi possível identificar, delimitar e analisar quatro períodos no processo de ocupação da região: estâncias e fazendas (até 1888), turismo de saúde (1888-1940), loteamentos balneários (1940-1995) e condomínios horizontais (1995-2016).

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to measure the image of surf tourism destination, Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to examine the complex relationship between destination image components and surfers’ behavior in relation to surfing itself and to the trips made to take part in surfing activities, in a surf spot. Design/methodology/approach From the tourist population in Praia do Rosa surf spot, in Brazil, a sample of 200 surfers was taken. Data analysis included the following multivariate techniques: exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling as a procedure for the development and reliability of the measurement models of destination image of surf tourism in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using PASW-SPSS 24 and Mplus 7. Findings Through EFA and CFA, it was possible to identify the attributes that make up the image of a surf destination and their relationship with the behavior profile of surfers. The results highlight the role of the different factors that make up the overall image of the destination, through the analysis of cognitive, affective and conative components. Research limitations/implications The results confirm and provide theoretical and empirical support for the research, showing that the set of observable variables and the specified latent dimensions are reliable. However, it is necessary to expand the sample studied so that the measurement model has better fit indices and show convergent and discriminant validity. Practical implications This study is relevant as it provides information that can be used by destination managers, especially regarding surf tourism. In the face of strong growth, the sector could benefit from the identification of destination image attributes which can be used in marketing campaigns put forward by both the public and private sector. Social implications The results of the current study provide both public and private tourism managers with insights into surf tourism demand useful in developing effective marketing and positioning strategies. Originality/value This study explored and tested the image perception in a surf destination. The results contribute theoretically and empirically to discussions about the components of destination image. Also, the findings add to the understanding of surfing behavior, one of the most popular sports in the world, with surfers willing to travel long distances in search of ideal surf conditions.

Objective: The development of tourism is one the main objectives of managers seeking a greater competitive advantage for destinations. To achieve this objective, the political-institutional structure related to public and private organizations involved in the Brazilian scenario of tourism activities deliberately operate in the format of Regional Tourism Organizations—RTOs, which started in 2004. In this context, the aim of this study arose, which is to analyze the power relations of Regional Tourism Organizations of tourist regions. Design/Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach, with data collection through documents, laws, reports and information about the RTOs and questionnaires in forms applied to 27 representatives of the public sector, 14 representatives of private sector and six representatives of the third sector, from a total population of 89 active members of the Regional Tourism Organizations: Costa Verde e Mar (state of Santa Catarina), Hortênsias (state of Rio Grande do Sul), and Costa das Dunas (state of Rio Grande do Norte). During the application of the forms, interviews were carried out, totaling 47 interviews with members of the RTOs. Quantitative analyses were generated by mean, mode, absolute and relative frequencies, multiple responses and dispersion graph, with the use of descriptive analyses. The qualitative analyses involving documents were descriptive, and those involving oral information were carried out using analysis of content of Bardin (1977). The different methods that were used in an interrelated manner and helped in the analysis of the data coming from the application of forms (quantitative), official documents (laws/decrees, regulations and statutes), and interviews with actors of the regional tourism organizations (qualitative), enabled the measurement of the effectiveness of the process of management of RTOs in relation to the dimension Power Relationship and the variables analyzed Representativeness, Harmony, Trust and Decision-Making Power. Results: As a result, it was seen that the regional tourism organizations of the tourist regions operate in an effective manner in the public or private sectors and that they involve the management of shared practices by the regional tourism organizations in the destinations studied in terms of representativeness, harmony, trust and decision-making power. Novelty/Value: This research theoretically deepened for the academy the theme of regional governance and power relationship between public and private actors in tourism who are important for the competitive performance of a tourist destination. It also analyzes how the management and governance of regional tourism organizations behaves in terms of power relationships.

Participação popular no processo de planejamento urbano: a universidade como "decodifi cadora" de um sistema de muitos códigos Popular participation in the process of urban planning: the university as "decoder" of a system of many codes [a] Arquiteta e Urbanista, doutora em Geogra ia pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), professora do Curso ResumoO objetivo deste artigo foi re letir sobre a participação da população no processo de revisão do Plano Diretor do município de Camboriú, em Santa Catarina. A análise leva em consideração a experiência vivenciada por alunos e professores do curso de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (Univali) durante a realização do projeto de extensão e ilantropia intitulado "Assessoria aos Gestores Públicos no Processo de Revisão do Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Territorial de Camboriú/SC", nos anos de 2011 e 2012. As téc-nicas utilizadas para o desenvolvimento da referida assessoria foram pesquisa bibliográ ica, documental (com dados primários e secundários) e de campo, com observação direta intensiva. A construção de uma democracia participativa no município de Camboriú caracteriza-se pela busca de um processo de participação popular representativa e deliberativa. Entende-se que somente mediante capacitação popular, ação esta que deve ser exercida em parceria com a Universidade, poderá haver participação plena dos cidadãos, em busca de uma democracia participativa emancipatória.Palavras-chave: Participação popular. Plano diretor. Planejamento urbano. Democracia participativa. AbstractThe aim was to re lect on people's participation in the review process of the Master Plan of the city of Camboriu, Santa Catarina. The analysis takes into account the lived experience of students and faculty from