As contribuições do turismo religioso no desenvolvimento econômico da cidade de Guarabira-PB

Abstract

Religious tourism stands out as an important economic and sociocultural activity, contributing to income generation, cultural appreciation, and local development. This study aimed to examine the contributions of religious tourism to the economic development of Guarabira, Paraíba, Brazil. The research adopted a quantitative approach and a descriptive nature, conducted through questionnaires administered to visitors and local merchants, totaling 106 respondents. The results demonstrated that religious tourism positively influences local commerce and services, especially during religious events such as the Festa da Luz and activities at the Frei Damião Memorial. A predominance of regional visitors, a high rate of return visits, and a positive perception of tourist attractions were observed. Respondents recognized the relevance of religious tourism to the local economy, although they pointed out limitations related to infrastructure and tourism promotion. It is concluded that religious tourism contributes to the socioeconomic development of Guarabira, requiring investments and strategic planning to strengthen tourism activity in the municipality.