Origin and Socio-spatial Formation of the Alto Vale do Itajaí Region, SC, Brazil: the Acolhida na Colônia Project

Abstract

The Acolhida na Colônia project can be classified as a type of rural tourism in which families of European descent host tourists on their farms and show their way of living close to nature. The present study aimed at discussing the origin and socio-spatial aspects of the Alto Vale do Itajaí region and the municipalities that are part of the Acolhida na Colônia project. The goal was to understand the aspects that preceded the current moment and led those cities to be included in the project. In order to achieve the aim, we adopted a case study with descriptive and bibliographical research of an exploratory quality. Thus, it was possible to contextualize the socio-spatial formation of the study site. Results indicated that the socio-spatial context of that region contributes significantly to the expansion and reconfiguration of tourism activity and, consequently, to regional development.