Identidade Cultural

Um estudo dos Elementos Representativos do Destino Turístico Natal (RN) Sob a Ótica de seus Residentes

Abstract

The cultural identity of a place is the set of aspects such as beliefs, customs and traditions, which generate a feeling of belonging for a people and differentiate them from others. The present study aimed to analyze the representative elements of the cultural identity of Natal (Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil). For this, a bibliographic, exploratory and descriptive study was adopted, with a quantitative approach. Four categories of analysis were selected that involved aspects of the city's material and intangible cultural heritage, namely: Urban and Landscape Architectural Heritage; Gastronomy; Events; and Cultural Manifestations. Questionnaires were administered to 707 city residents. For data analysis, SPSS software was used and descriptive statistics techniques were adopted; questionnaire reliability test and comparison of means. As a result, the study demonstrated that the elements stood out with almost maximum averages in some categories, while in others they were less expressive. The Gastronomy dimension was the one with the highest average as a representative of the city's culture, while Cultural Manifestations occupied the last position. Despite there being small fluctuations in the means obtained in the four categories, the mean comparison test revealed that there was no significant difference between the scores given by residents of different areas of the city. Finally, it is concluded that when promoting tourism promotion, it is important that public authorities consider the elements that are significant to residents, so that they feel represented in the culture that is perpetuated during tourist practices.