Desafios e perspetivas do segmento hoteleiro no mercado fronteiriço de Oiapoque

Abstract

The hospitality sector plays a significant role in tourism and economic development, especially in border regions, where the circulation of people contributes to the dynamism of various productive activities. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the challenges and perspectives of the hospitality sector in the border context of Oiapoque, a municipality located in the northernmost region of the state of Amapá, on the border with French Guiana. The research is characterized as descriptive, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, and was conducted through the application of questionnaires to managers of lodging establishments in the municipality, using both electronic forms and face-to-face data collection. The collected data were analyzed through frequencies, percentages, and interpretation of the participants' perceptions. The results showed that the surveyed establishments are predominantly small businesses and face challenges related to infrastructure, workforce qualification, operational costs, and competitiveness. The study also identified the adoption of strategies aimed at improving customer service, customer loyalty, and the promotion of services through digital media. Furthermore, the managers recognize the importance of the hospitality sector for local economic development and demonstrate positive expectations regarding the growth of the sector, particularly due to the municipality's strategic location and tourism potential.