Evaluation of geotouristic potential in the Ubajara National Park, Ceará, Brazil

Abstract

Tourism is an important economic area that is changing to integrate sustainability in its practices. That action allowed the genesis and consolidation of new activities, including geotourism. We have, thus, the necessity of inventory, classification of new geotouristic destinations in Brazil. In this context, the present article aims to quantitatively evaluate the touristic potential of the Ubajara National Park in Brazil. The methodology begins with the use of geosites and biodiversity sites previously inventoried to the Ubajara National Park and the use of two methodologies for the quantitative evaluation. Applying the methodologies, we can assign the tourist and geotouristic value and the index of geotouristic use. Among the eleven sites evaluated, seven showed relevant in the touristic and geotouristic potential. Concerning the index of touristic use, six sites presented are highlighted and should be targets of promotion activities by the territory managers and local touristic trade agents. Applying both methodologies, it was possible to compare the results, which showed important differences, the are the result, specially, of the scenic beauty criterion in the methodology created by the Brazilian geological service. Thus, we could update the Ubajara National Park potential as a space suitable for geotourism practices in harmony with ecotouristic practices already consolidated in the local.