Cadeia produtiva local do turismo: estruturação, governança e desenvolvimento territorial a partir da Casa do Doce – Vila Artesanal em Santa Rita do Passa Quatro – SP

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the process of identification, structuring, and consolidation of a Local Tourism Production Chain (LTPC) in the municipality of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro, São Paulo, with the Casa do Doce – Vila Artesanal as its central case. The initiative emerged in a context marked by the gradual loss of confectionery traditions, artisanal knowledge, and cultural practices that historically shaped the municipality’s identity. With more than seven decades of cultural expression, confectionery craftsmanship represents a symbolic local heritage that required recovery, appreciation, and productive reorganization. In response to this need, the creation of the Casa do Doce project emerged as a strategy to strengthen regional gastronomic culture, expand economic opportunities, and integrate rural producers, confectioners, artisans, and family farmers into the local tourism circuit. In addition to promoting the appreciation of intangible cultural heritage, the initiative mobilized multiple stakeholders — civil society, public authorities, the private sector, the Municipal Tourism Council (COMTUR), support institutions, and the community — establishing a collaborative governance environment essential for territorial development. Thus, this research seeks to understand how the tourism production chain associated with Casa do Doce was structured, analyzing its governance, stakeholders, organizational practices, and the impacts generated, in order to propose guidelines to consolidate and expand its results. Methodologically, this applied research adopts a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach, developed through a case study. Data collection techniques included documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews with actors involved in the production chain, and direct observation of activities carried out at Casa do Doce – Vila Artesanal. Content analysis was employed to organize and interpret the data, enabling the identification of production links, governance practices, and territorial impacts resulting from the initiative. The findings indicate that Casa do Doce – Vila Artesanal plays a key role in consolidating this production chain by integrating production, local identity, and tourism experience within a single facility. Its implementation contributed to the revival of traditions, the generation of opportunities for small producers, and the structuring of a tourism product aligned with contemporary trends that value authenticity, territoriality, and sensory experiences. The articulation between history, flavors, knowledge, and hospitality strengthened the municipality’s regional positioning, contributing to sustainable economic development and to the recognition of Santa Rita do Passa Quatro as a culturally significant tourism destination.