Tourism as a socio-spatial development strategy: connections and disconnections of tourism precincts and traditional areas of the cities

Abstract

In global cities, large urban strategic projects motivated by capitalist and economic interests have been observed. Tourism has configured itself as an important activity, capable of attracting investments and financial flows. It is often the protagonist of large projects in old traditional areas of these cities. However, the outcome of such interventions reveals the formation of new territories disconnected with the traditional dynamics of the city, stimulating new perceptions and experiences from the tourists. Rio de Janeiro, an important destination for international tourism events has been the subject of large strategic projects of urban renewal in historical areas. The analysis of changes and possible consequences of the implementation of such proposals is essential for the understanding of their integration with the dynamics of the city as a whole and for the role of tourism as vector of local development.