AVALIAÇÃO E HIERARQUIZAÇÃO DOS GEOSSÍTIOS DE IRATI - PR: uma análise de dados da potencialidade geoturística endógena

Abstract

Travel motivated by the pursuit of knowledge has roots in the early days of human movement. The concept of geotourism is based on the assimilation of geoscientific knowledge during these journeys. Through geosites, it is possible to tell the story of various moments of the Earth and the life that exists on it. For a geosite to be used as an educational tool in geotourism, proper tourism planning of its surroundings is necessary, aiming for efficiency and sustainability. The city of Irati, located in the southeastern region of Paraná, has a variety of geosites that can tell the story of significant moments and events on Earth, thereby contributing to the dissemination of geoscientific knowledge. To make this possible, it is necessary to understand, through specific analyses, the potential of each geosite. This research aims to evaluate and rank the potential of the geosites in Irati. A sample of nine geosites was selected for ranking. Once selected, the geosites were ranked according to their endogenous potential. This step utilizes two methodological models of tourism potential evaluation: the first is the Evaluation of Tourism Potential Based on Endogenous Resources, by Gomes (2019), applied in the Seridó Geopark in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The second is the Evaluation of Tourism Potential Value, developed by Bâtea (2014). The values obtained from these two matrices are then quantified by one of Leno Cerro's formulas (1992) to obtain the Tourism Value (VT). All these steps are based on Geosystemic Theory, since tourism activity represents an input of energy within the natural geosystem where the geosites are located. After the sites' ranking, interpretative suggestions are presented with the aim of exploring possibilities for a potential future tourism-interpretive plan for the region, based on geotourism. This research found that the geosites in Irati have endogenous potential and are relevant, meaning that even with little or no tourist infrastructure, they might be capable of generating visitor flow and teaching geosciences, enabling geotourism in Irati. The development of geotourism in Irati can contribute to the economic, social, and educational spheres, as it can boost the regional economy, contribute to valuing the population's cultural identity, and disseminate geoscientific knowledge among residents and visitors.