SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF TOURIST ACTIVITY ON THE COAST OF PIAUI

Abstract Tourist activity occurs in a selective and fragmented manner in space. On the coast of Piauí, this fragmentation process has produced two types of territorialization: used territories versus territories neglected by tourism. This research aimed to identify and characterize these territories, considering the densification and / or dispersion of the tourist infrastructure. The methodology employed is a dialogical approach to interpret the spatial organization and its relationship with the tourist segments observed on the coast of Piauí, using Excel and ArcGis 10.1 software to systematize data. The analyses carried out identified how demand influences the organization of tourism infrastructure in some areas of the municipalities. Likewise, the existing organization of infrastructure and tourist services has also shaped visitor profiles in these areas, forming territories used and / or neglected by tourism. It is hoped that this study can inform decision-making by local public authorities concerning the social and environmental impacts of tourism activities.