The Libertarian Perspective of Development and its Relation to Tourism in Capivari/Serro (MG)

Abstract

Tourism and Development are very complex subjects and the relation between them has not received much attention by academics from these fields. The emphasis on the economic
dimension has dominated the private sector discourse, as well that of the public authorities when it comes to tourism projects. In this context, we seek to discuss the correlation between
these subjects, especially by understanding how tourism activities are being developed in Capivari, in the municipality of Serro, MG, Brazil. Towards that, Amartya Sen’s thoughts were
used as a basis. His work, “Development as Freedom”, brings reflections concerning development, attributing a human dimension to the term, which we believe to be indispensable within this process. The analysis accomplished here, based on the instrumental liberties proposed by the author, revealed that the much expected development, to be promoted by a tourism activity taking communitarian participation into account, has not yet surpassed the level of expectancy. The same can be said about the much expected autonomy that should result from this process. In view of this, it is necessary to review the intervention and management model in order to create emancipating and viable mechanisms and, therefore, offer a specific content to the tourism propositions in a counter-hegemonic direction.