Abstract

SANTOS, Eurico de Oliveira  and  GONZALEZ-ESQUIVEL, Carlos Ernesto. Tourism in the rural space in Southern Río Grande do Sul, Brazil (1997-2005). Econ. soc. territ [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.27, pp.721-738. ISSN 2448-6183.

In this paper, we have studied nine rural estates in Southern Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) in order to evaluate their evolution and to differentiate those dedicated to agro-tourism from those that offer rural tourism. This study was carried out in two parts; an exploratory qualitative part and a descriptive quantitative one that included surveys in three different times: 1997, 2002 and 2005. The results allow us to conclude that multi-activity is the most wide spread strategy in order to face macroeconomic conditions. We also noticed that agro-tourism is more predominant than rural tourism. This study shows the viability of tourist activities in some estates while generating additional income and allowing the contact with urban inhabitants.

Keywords : rural tourism; agro-tourism; Rio Grande do Sul; Brazil.