Globalization, tourism and appropriation of nature: a geographic view on the production of tourist space in Marracuene/Mozambique

Abstract

This article analyzes the production process of the tourist space in the Marracuene district in Mozambique. It was possible to verify that the relations established in the production process of the tourist space in Marracuene are multiple and some of them are inserted in the dynamics of globalization, and even in the consumer society. Marracuene's tourist space is being produced with the purpose of providing leisure time for foreign tourists. That said, we identified that tourism practiced in Marracuene, is inserted in the global dynamics of capital accumulation, as we note the presence of an infinity of cultural references and characteristics that become evident in the relationship with the other. Regarding the methodology used for data collection, it is based on orality and observation of a small experience in Marracuene, which allowed us to identify the multiple references present in the activities that are developed in the district, because at all times, the local population it faces the figure of the other, that is, foreign tourists who have distinct identity references. In this place, there is also a denial of the territory to native peoples by the expanding tourist capital. This type of tourism practiced in Marracuene, does little to benefit the local populations, because besides being inhibited from enjoying the natural beauty that exists there, they are also excluded by the economy generated by this activity.