GEOTOURISM AND TOURISM ROUTES: PROPOSALS TO UBAJARA NATIONAL PARK, CEARÁ, BRAZIL

Abstract

Geotourism arises as a tourist activity in the last two decades. Publicity instruments common to the global scale touristic activities are appropriated by the tourism industry, among then tourist route are a highlight. Thus, the present article aims to develop a dialoge between geotourism and the touristc routes creation process. We largely discuss the theory and a case study, characterized by the construction of three geotouristic routes for the Ubajara National Park, in Ceará, Brazil. We note the geotouristic routes have a capacity to diffuse concepts and practices concerning geoconservation, as well as to emphasize the geoheritage importance in the context of environmental preservation. The tourist routes proposed for the Ubajara National Park show its touristic aptitude, since all its attractions are related to the interaction between geoheritage, biodiversity and local culture.  Then, the geotouristic routes consolidation rises as an additional possibility touristic offer diversification. Finally, we stress that the adopted methodology can be replicated in different areas, urban or rural, that present touristic potential.