Navegando por Assunto "Show caves"

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Artigo
A Strategic Framework for Analysis and Implementation of Good Practices for the Sustainability of Show Caves
(2023-11-02) de Araujo, H.R.; Lobo, H.A.S.
Show caves provide contemplation and satisfaction to visitors immersed in a unique environment. Additionally, cave tourism contributes to the protection of the speleological heritage and may contribute to improving the quality of life of local communities. However, public and private managers face challenges to their development regarding the environmental fragility and the socioeconomic complexity of the local communities and tourism sector. In the face of this, this study proposed investigating different theoretical and practical aspects linked to the show cave management in Brazil and Portugal. The analysis of these cases allows for a comparison of several theories applied to tourism with the reality identified in the show caves, allowing both the understanding of the current status and the projection of tourism sustainability in caves through already developed practices. The conclusions point to the possibility of broadening the sustainability of show caves once the results allow the application of solutions for problems faced by management entities in the environmental, social and economic spheres. In addition, the results fill a knowledge gap, opening new opportunities for the discussion on sustainable management of show caves.
Artigo
Visitation patterns in Brazilian tourist caves: what do the visitors themselves think?
(2022-01) Lobo, Heros Augusto Santos; Santos, Glauber Eduardo de Oliveira
Caves are very specific natural attractions, which differ in terms of spatial confinement, lack of direct light and even the general idea of outdoor nature. They are usually associated with ecotourism and adventure tourism, which asks for smaller groups of visitors, both for safety reasons and due to the logistics of these touristic activities. In this context, a research was carried out in the scope of the social carrying capacity, with the aim of evaluating the effect that the number of concurrent visitors on a tour route can have on each visitor’s satisfaction with the visit made. To investigate this aspect, a research was conducted by interviewing 682 visitors from three different Brazilian show caves, located in Iporanga SP, Bonito-MS, and Lagoa Santa-MG, Brazil. The results show that the visitation volumes, including the number of people per group, total number of groups, and the waiting time to start the visitation, do not have relevant effects on the quality of the experience. Visitors were equally satisfied with the experience at the various observed levels of visitation. Based on the results and conclusions, new hypotheses and questions were raised, also considering possible changes in the crowd perception due to new practices of social distancing and travel behavior.