Potentiality of Leisure Through Incluive Tourism in Historic Cities

Case Study of the City of Ouro Preto, MG

Abstract

Accessibility consists of the possibility and the condition of reach, perception and agreement for use, with security and autonomy of constructions, space, furniture, urban equipment and elements. These requirements are necessary not only in the places of experiences, but also in visitation and leisure places, where the entire touristic offer is accessible, which configures the inclusive tourism. In the present article, we are talking about historical cities, as they are the historical heritage of the nation and play an important role in the identity constructions of society. Nevertheless, not always the conditions for accessibility allow for the easy access of all people in the historical sites that are also cultural attractions, hindering the emergence of relationship of caring and belonging. This article deals with the potential of leisure through inclusive tourism in the city of Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil, from some data in the research conducted in the Masters Course by the Program of Post-Graduation in Architecture, PROARQ, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, entitled “Pelos percursos da acessibilidade: afeto e apropriação nas ambiências de uma cidade histórica. Estudo de caso em Ouro Preto, MG” (By paths of accessibility: affection and ownership in a historic town ambiance. Case study in Ouro Preto, MG). For the analysis, we relied on the Commented City Walks method and methodological instruments such as interviews and questionnaires. Therefore, we illustrated the results and made some suggestions to improve the accessibility of the historic city surveyed and call attention to the importance of accessibility everywhere.