Small Accommodation Establishments in Águas de São Pedro (SP) and their Importance for Local Tourism

Abstract

The hospitality sector has played a fundamental role in the growth of tourism in recent decades, enabling tourists to stay in the locale visited, na catering for the demand a wide variety of market sectors. This study analyzes the importance and participation of the small hotel industry in the tourism industry of the Spa Resort of Águas de São Pedro (SP) and evaluates the management of these businesses, particularly in relation to the quality of service provision. For this purpose, field research was carried out, through questionnaires applied to the owners of the establishments studied, and also, research with tourists staying in these places. The data analysis revealed that this type accommodation, in particular, is important for tourism in the town, as it serves a specific segment of the tourism demand, which is interested in the prices offered by these establishments. Key words: Tourism, Means of Accommodation, Guest Houses, Quality of Services.