Urbanização e políticas de turismo no Ceará, Brasil

Abstract

This article examines the place of tourism policies in contemporary socio-spatial restructuring of Ceará and its impact on urbanization. At first, some fundamental conceptual aspects concerning the role of the state in the production and consumption of ‘tourist space’ are listed; then a recent overview of tourism policies is presented, pointing out the main actions. Following, a critical review based on quantitative data about the recent evolution of tourism in Ceará resulting from policies adopted is also presented. Finally, this article briefly discusses the impacts of policies in the contemporary urbanization process of Ceará, especially on the coast, emphasizing their specificities and contradictions.