The tourism products of Curitiba, PR, Brazil, from the perspective of managers of incoming travel agencies

Abstract

Travel agencies are responsible for selling tourism products and services. At the incoming market, these travel agencies are specialized in offering services and products to tourists, with many itineraries involving local and regional tourist attractions. Tour guide support and assistance during tours are fundamental to know the motivations of tourists. Innovation and creativity, as well as experience and emotional perspective are crucial elements in creating tourism products intended to customer’s satisfaction and market competitiveness. The aim of this study was to analyze the products commercialized by incoming travel agencies located at Curitiba, from elements related to creativity, innovation, experience and emotion, according the perception of travel agencies managers. A qualitative methodology was used, with a literature review on the subject, and proposed use of theoretical concepts for defining the indicators used in the semi structured deep-interviews, with managers of the main incoming travel agencies located in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. The results showed that the most commercialized tours are not the most creative and innovative, and also do not allow the dimensions of experience and emotions. However, many of the incoming travel agencies related the most commercialized tours with a quality experience, focused on tourist satisfaction and quality of visit.