Vulnerabilidade do turismo em Parnaíba-PI: uma análise a partir da pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented crisis across various economic sectors worldwide, with tourism and events being among the most severely impacted. Travel restrictions, border closures, social distancing, and lockdown measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus led to a drastic decline in travel and tourism activity. Beyond the economic impacts, the pandemic also challenged the sustainability of tourism from social, cultural, and environmental perspectives. In this context, it becomes evident that interdisciplinarity is not merely an academic approach but an urgent necessity to ensure the sustainability of tourism in a post-pandemic world. By integrating knowledge from multiple disciplines, it is possible to better understand the challenges faced by the sector and to develop pathways toward a more resilient, inclusive, and less vulnerable tourism industry. The general objective of this thesis is to analyze the vulnerability of the tourism sector in the municipality of Parnaíba-PI in response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it aims to identify the main factors contributing to the sector9s vulnerability; determine which tourism activities in Parnaíba-PI showed greater susceptibility to the pandemic9s impacts; systematize the strategies adopted by the sector to confront the crisis; and describe the network of agents that make up the local tourism sector and how they interact in facing post-COVID-19 challenges.The methodology includes indicators related to the three dimensions of vulnerability4sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity4for the construction of a Tourism Vulnerability Index. In parallel, network analysis techniques are used to map the structure of the tourism sector in Parnaíba, identifying key flows and relationships among various agents, such as food businesses, travel agencies, government institutions, and the local community. The results indicate that despite high sensitivity and exposure, the sector9s Tourism Vulnerability Index (0.306) reflects low overall vulnerability due to strong adaptive capacity. The network analysis reveals a density of 0.1319 and an average degree of 6.6984, suggesting moderately low connectivity with the presence of central hubs. The most connected sector is Travel Agencies, while Handicrafts is the least connected. Three strategic agents4SEBRAE, the Tourism Department, and Financial Institutions4played crucial roles in articulating responses to the crisis. In conclusion, although tourism in Parnaíba has demonstrated resilience, the sector still requires significant structural improvements. The lack of efficient public transportation, fully functioning waterfronts, a stronger hotel front, and an operational airport limits the city's tourism potential. Public policies and investments are urgently needed to transform tourism into a true engine of local development, generating employment, income, and sustainable growth.