Tourism is a phenomenon and a transversal system that articulates in economic dynamics, with the political environment, an element of strength and influence, with society, culture, and the environment, in the same framework of sustainable development, social inclusion, and strengthening of territories. However, for its potential to be realized, effective governance and governance, as well as well-formulated and shared public policies, are essential. We will explore why discussing this topic is urgent and how it can transform local realities and dialogue in the Integrated Tourism System - SID.
Governance and/or governance in tourism?
The term governance that I defend here involves the processes of governmental decision-making, participation and articulation between public actors – multilevel participation. The term governance, defended by numerous authors, encompasses the involvement of public actors (union, states, municipalities), private (organized civil society) and communities (local and traditional), universities, among others, characterizing a multilevel and multisectoral participation. In tourism, it is essential to have a hybrid governance (public and private sectors) with the ability to plan, manage and monitor actions for the formulation of public policies that involve the tripod: State/government, market/companies and society.
Good governance can recognize tourism as a priority - the government's attention, with insertion in the public agenda and, consequently, in the budget. Good governance promotes citizen participation, reduces territorial inequalities, ensures continuity of public policies – regardless of political mandates, encourages intersectoral integration, among others. Both governance and governance need to exist in an associated and corroborative way, where all actors impact or are impacted by decision-making.
In these spaces of dialogue, instances of governance, public policies are articulated as instruments of governance and as tools for government decisions. O Instrument , defines "what" and "why" will be implemented. It is strategic, normative, planning and inter-institutional articulation, it guides the action of the State, governance or other tourism actors. A tool shows "how" to achieve the goals. Technical, methodological or technological, operational, practical, monitoring and evaluation resource. Governance must have broad perception and strategic focus, knowledge of the key factors (strategic imperatives), sustainability and competitiveness.
Why does tourism need specific public policies?
Let's first differentiate the context of public policies in Tourism and public policies of tourism. The difference is in the scope and function that tourism assumes within the field of public policies. Public policies in tourism has an expanded, intersectoral meaning. These are public policies in other areas (education, culture, environment, security, health, transportation, among others) that impact and materialize within the field of tourism. Tourism here is the field of application or indirect beneficiary of broader policies. Public policies, on the other hand, of tourism has a restricted, specific meaning. These are policies designed especially for the sector and their function is to structure, promote and regulate tourism. In this case, tourism is the central object of the policy.
Responding to the question posed, tourism is transversal, involves several areas and without specific public policies, there is no alignment, coordination, exchanges between sectors, which can generate negative impacts, exclusion of local communities, environmental degradation, local inflation and other losses. Without clear policies aligned with macro guidelines and the local/destination context, tourism tends to be exploited in a disorderly, unequal and predatory way. Public policy must correct territorial asymmetries and not the other way around. Many failures derive from the institutional fragmentation of the destination and the absence of integrated and long-term strategies and the disarticulation in the construction of these public policies. Good public policies, whether "in tourism" or "tourism", are built with data, dialogue, focus on the collective and on the budget.
The role of public policies in strengthening the sector
Public policies are the foundation for the development of tourism in a planned, inclusive and sustainable way. The intertwined concept of planning and public policies is intertwined and intertwined with the budget. There is no public policy without a budget. Public policies define, among other aspects: Investment priorities; Regulatory frameworks; Incentives for innovation and training/qualification; Protection of cultural and natural heritage. An effective policy is one that is based on reliable data, is built in a participatory way, has clarity of objectives, goals and indicators; it guarantees continuity, is independent of changes in government; It is effective in terms of good governance, with mechanisms for coordination, transparency, monitoring and adaptation to environmental changes.
Where to start changing the reality of a destination?
Encourage participatory forums with local communities - governance bodies; ensure updated data and diagnostics on destinations/territories; integrate tourism with other public policies and qualify professionals in public tourism management. To talk about governance/governance and public policies in tourism is to recognize that tourism can – and should – be an agent of social transformation. Tourism involves active listening, planning and collective construction. The strategic, tactical, operational, and support layers and intelligence synthesized here synchronize the decision-making process.
Understanding this complexity requires more than a mere analysis of isolated components; It requires a systemic approach that reveals the intrinsic relationships, interdependencies and dynamic flows that constitute it. This perspective is not just an academic exercise, but a crucial methodological tool to identify leverage points for intervention and sustainable development in a destination and its public policies.
The book
Learn more about the book Governance and Public Policies in Tourism (released by the LETS UnB Label, 2024) – a work that invites reflection and action, and can also be a valuable complementary reading for disciplines related to public policies, tourism planning, public administration and territorial management.
