Potential of the cultural events of Beco da Lama for the promotion of cultural tourism in the city of Natal/ RN

Abstract

The present work aims to analyze the potential of cultural and leisure events of Beco da Lama for the promotion of cultural tourism in Natal/ RN. Beco da Lama is, historically, a place of bohemia and fraternization of residents and visitors and, since its revitalization, has been reaffirmed as a leisure space for Natalenses and an option for tourists. Therefore, the research consists of a case study of exploratory and descriptive character, with a qualitative approach. For data collection, we used in loco observation, access to online domains and a semi-structured script for four interviews, two representatives of local commerce, one of the Beco da Lama Society (SAMBA) and one of the Municipal Tourism Secretariat of Natal/ RN. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Among the results achieved, it was diagnosed that Beco da Lama is a place that is part of the history and culture of Natal, from its establishments and weekly cultural events such as Quinta Que Te Quero Samba and Discotheque, and annual, the Gastronomic Festival Pratodomundo, the off-season carnival, CarnaBeco and the Literary Festival, FliBeco, in addition to graffiti on its walls and walls, which make it an open-air gallery, which underwent a revitalization from 2019 to 2021. However, it is a space with tourist potential to be developed, since, in addition to the good structure to accommodate the population and tourists, the events held portray, in a peculiar way, the aspects of the culture of Natal bohemia. It is concluded that for the events identified, during the immersion in the Beco, can promote tourism of historical and cultural interest if it is necessary more investments in public security, cultural manifestations and marketing strategies aimed at tourists and residents.