Ecotourism: pratices in nature and nature of practice in Bonito, MS

Bonito Municipality is the forerunner of tourism development in Serra da Bodoquena (Bodoquena Hills Area). The geology, the geomorphology and the hydrography of this region provide a different landscape, full of caves, waterfalls, rivers, clear waters and a rich biodiversity which makes it attractive for ecotourism. This research tried to answer the following question: how are production of tourism, tourism appropriation of spaces and conservation of nature related in Bonito? The aim was to analyze the appropriation of nature and the structure of tourism in Bonito, associated to the ideals of ecotourism and ecological sustainability attached to local administration labels. Exploratory research was undertaken including bibliographical, documentary and field investigations. The results provide information about the history, main attractions and flows of visitation to the area. Discussions focus in the contradictions between the practices and ideas of ecotourism. The conclusions bring questions and reflections about the role of tourism in conservation issues, about massification and artificialization of ecotourism as well as future perspectives for tourism in Bonito