The Impact of the Aviation Hub for Tourism in Ceara, Brazil

Abstract

The tourism sector has been gaining importance for localities due to its contribution to the production chain. As a result of the growth in tourism in the state of Ceará, there has been a need to improve the city's accessibility, and the implementation of the aviation HUB plays an important role. This study aims to determine whether implementing the HUB influences tourism development in Ceará. The methodology adopted was qualitative, using semi-structured interviews with the managers of two organizations that play important roles in the tourism sector in the city of Fortaleza. The results show that the airport is essential for the growth of a destination and the HUB provides not only an increase in tourist demand with the possibility of conquering new international destinations but also contributes to an increase in tourist flows, allowing the commerce and services sector to increase demand. Due to the positive results, managers are eager to further develop Ceará as a tourist destination, in conjunction with satisfaction from the HUB.