EXPLOITATION OF WATER RESOURCES FOR TOURISM AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN RURAL AREAS: THE CASE OF PALMEIRA DAS MISSÕES, BRAZIL

Resumo

This study aims to identify the potential for exploitation of water resources in Palmeira das Missões - RS, a small town in the south of Brazil with farming tradition, as a diversification strategy for rural properties, by adopting tourism and leisure activities. Methodologically, a qualitative study of exploratory nature was conducted, and the data collected with semi-structured interviews with four agents involved in the rural areas of the city. Among the main results can be noted that the survey participants believe in the potential of water resources tourism, found that the rural infrastructure of the town is precarious. The implementation of tourism in rural areas requires investment and this could be a barrier to producers who seek to develop this type of service. Both tourism and leisure activities have the potential to generate income for the town, provide recreation and encourage moments for the continuity of the producer in the countryside.