Estimate of the supply of attributes for the development of the industrial tourism activity in the Manaus Free Trade Zone

Abstract

Located in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, the Manaus Industrial Pole (PIM) is recognized as one of the most advanced industrial parks in Latin America, comprising more than 500 companies that integrate the Manaus Free Trade Zone model. Considering that this industrial park is the mainstay of the regional economy and that it contributes significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is possible to deduce that the PIM offers favorable conditions for industrial tourism, where, however, this activity is still incipient. In this context, this paper seeks to estimate, through a qualitative and quantitative research, the attractiveness level of the PIM companies for the industrial tourism activity, in order to support actions aimed at developing a local program of guided tours to the factories. For this, an evaluation matrix was applied, which makes it possible to verify the general level of supply of specific attributes within a group of companies, as well as to analyze a company individually, or even each of the attributes in isolation. The methodology used proved to be a useful tool for the management of a visitation program to factories and may have other applications regarding the evaluation of attributes, with the proper adaptations.