Public Management and tourism: thermal tourism project in Tapalqué

Abstract

The transformations occurred since the second half of the 20th century impacted tourism appropriation and practice. As a result, a process of diversification of attractions and destinations have been taking place as well as a growing appreciation of landscape, nature, tranquility and healthy life. Within this context, thermal projects are expanding and consolidating in Argentina, while new proposals emerge and multiply. The objective of this article is to analyze the efforts and actions carried out by the Municipality of Tapalqué from 2005 to the present within the framework of the thermal tourism project. To this end, a qualitative-quantitative exploratory approach was adopted through the use of documentary review and the implementation of direct observation techniques, interviews with residents, and surveys of actual residents and ancient residents. The information collected shows the existence of coordination processes between actors, which could encourage the development of governance processes at the local level in the long term.