The Route of Emotions in the Tourist Context of Northeast Brazil

Abstract

This paper aims to study Piauí in the context of the Northeast of Brazil, geographical space of Piauí and public tourism policies, with a focus on the Programa de Regionalização do Turismo (Tourism Regionalization Program) that suggests itineraries due to the emergence of the Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions), a regional route that comprises the Brazilian states of Piauí, Ceará and Maranhão. The objective is to analyze the importance of the Rota das Emoções in the development of Piauí’s territory. The relevance is given by the significant growth acquired by tourism in contemporary society. Governmental actions that promote territorial tourism diffusion are examined in Brazil, especially in Piauí. Private policies that regulate and establish tourist services that generate formal and informal jobs and trigger transformations with a multiplier effect. However, infrastructural transformations do not meet social objectives, directed to the market and to people’s well-being.