Consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic for people in the tourism sector in the Bonito/Serra da Bodoquena region

ABSTRACT

The objective of the article is to analyze the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically, in the tourist sector of the cities of Bodoquena, Bonito and Jardim, in Mato Grosso do Sul, through data collection in official agencies and application of questionnaires and interviews together with tour guides, businessmen in the tourism sector and representatives of government agencies. The quali-quantitative data were systematized in tables and the analyzes considered the official data and the results of the questionnaire. The tourism sector in the analyzed period closed for three months, causing losses for workers who remained without income during this period, even though some have carried out different activities to obtain some income. It was found that tourism workers and tourist companies did not receive direct support from public agencies during the closing period of activities. In the return of activities, the sector noticed a change in the visitor profile with the increase in the participation of tourists from cities in the state itself. It is also noticeable the appreciation of nature destinations, with isolated accommodation, private access to elements of nature such as rivers and forest areas.