Trôpegos caminhos: um estudo comparativo sobre a rota da cachaça potiguar no Rio Grande do Norte/Brasil e a rota da aguardente portuguesa no Vale do Douro/Portugal

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to present a study on the symbolic value of cachaça as a heritage and its relationship with tourist activities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil and in the Douro Valley/Portugal region - where the wine routes are already consolidated. Supported by historical studies related to the tourism sector, especially with regard to gastronomy, Brazilian cachaça and Portuguese brandy, to contribute to the construction of identities, by weaving social, political and economic relationships, it is considered a tourist product capable of providing new destinations. In the Brazilian case, the “Rota da Cachaça Potiguar” included 5 (five) stills located in the East Potiguar and Seridó regions, namely: Engenho Mucambo, Engenho Extrema, Alambique Samanaú, Engenho Papary and Alambique Beira Rio. In the Portuguese case, based on research by the University of Lisbon, 5 (five) visitation points were selected that are part of the “Rota dos Vinhos do Douro”. Thus, it was necessary to consider the trajectory of the stills, periods of greater production and insertion in the tourist market. It was, therefore, a comparative study between two different routes, with documentary surveys and observations in field visits, having a qualitative approach with a descriptive and exploratory character, contemplating articulations between heritage, identity and tourism. It is hoped that this thesis can collaborate to build knowledge on the subject in question, from the perspective that the routes were analyzed, which can foster the development and diversification in the offer of tourist services offered by producers, cachaceiros, travel agents and other sectors, directly and indirectly, related to the implementation of tourist activity. Furthermore, this study brought new discussions and strategic suggestions for a better management of these routes.