Recreation in the Brazilian Amazon - Understanding Visitor Profile and Perceptions of Crowding

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to define the visitor profile of the Brazilian Amazon Basin using data from two different locations: The Tapajós National Forest and Anavilhanas National Park. This study also investigated possible issues regarding crowding. Overall data as well as segmented data were used in the analysis. The methodology consisted of on-site interviews with survey days spread across weekdays and weekends. A total of 2534 usable surveys were collected from October 2015 to May 2015. All the analysis was conducted on SPSS. Frequencies, valid percentages, and means were used to describe the sample. For comparative analyzes between the two areas independent samples tests and Pearson's Chi-square tests were conducted. For the crowding analysis simple and multiple linear regressions were applied in order to understand the relationship between crowding and other variables. The findings of this thesis revealed that there were no differences in the number of international visitors in both areas. The percentage of females recreating in the two locations was slightly higher than males. The average age of the visitors was similar although, Tapajós visitors tended to be slightly younger. Anavilhanas visitors held a lower level of education compared to Tapajós. However, in both locations overall education level was found high. Anavilhanas visitors tend to spend more time planning their visit to the area than Tapajós'. In both sites the majority were first time visitors. Tapajós visitors were more likely to visit the forest for a day trip contrary to Anavilhanas visitors who stayed in the park for more time in terms of days. However, compared to the Tapajós, Anavilhanas' day visitors spent less hours recreating in the park. For most of the interviewees, the primary reason for visiting the Amazon were to enjoy nature and experience culture. This result was similar in the two areas. Overall satisfaction was high in the sample. When compared, Tapajós visitors were more likely to report higher level of satisfaction with their experience. Crowding was not found to be an issue in this research and therefore the concept of functional density was explored. Both Tapajós and Anavilhanas visitors reported positive impact of seeing others. This thesis hopes to contribute to the development and organization of tourism in protected areas through providing reliable data to back up management decisions.

Sustainable tourism and public policies in the Amazon: Scientific invisibility

“…A significant part of the tourist attractions are in or near protected areas, known as Conservation Units (UC), which are far from urban centers. Hospitality services are offered by local communities in partnership with non-profit organizations or even with public organizations, through a dynamic of financial dependence and learning (BURNS;GREGORY;MOREIRA, 2019). Another important aspect lies in the UCs, which are territorial spaces with conservation objectives defined by laws and managed by the government, a fact that limits the exploitation of tourist activities to be carried out by private organizations.…”