The Impacts of Covid-19 on Nature Tourism held at the Geoparque Aspirante Seridó: a look from tourist guides and local drivers

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus emerged in 2019 and soon became a global pandemic, impacting various sectors of the economy, with emphasis here on tourism. This segment was reached in an unprecedented way in large visitation centers, such as in small towns and more isolated regions. Based on this, this work aims to present the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism of nature in the Aspirante Geopark Seridó. To this, we show the specific objectives: - to list municipalities and attractions of the geopark; present the profile and performance of tour guides and local conductors that work on the park during the pandemic; - show challenges and future perspectives for conductors and tour guides when referring to the Aspirante Geopark Seridó. The methodology used the application of a digital form, office research and interview through connections with tour guides and local conductors who work in the Geopark. From then on, it was identified that despite the pandemic, local guides and conductors continued to receive groups of tourists, even if in smaller groups. It was also noticed the implementation of security protocols, but that were sometimes disrespected by tourists. Future challenges are also highlighted, such as load capacity studies with the flexibilization of isolation, greater training and involvement of the various actors in decision-making on how tourism in the region, such as in the Aspirante Geopark Seridó.