Spatial dynamics in the center of Gramado (RS-Brazil): recognition of the economic agents involved in the transformations in the urban space of the tourist center

Consolidated tourist destinations are often characterized by changes in their activities and businesses, in which local agents may find themselves displaced from their former functions due to investments of national and international scale. This study aims to recognize the existence of local entrepreneurs supporting tourism in the central area of Gramado (RS). This condition is necessary for tourism committed to local development in terms of social and economic aspects. As a methodological path, the origin of the establishments is identified and an association is made about their financial contribution through direct and indirect observation. The central tourist area of the city is adopted as a spatial feature. In this qualitative research, 294 functional units of this neuralgic point of tourist circulation are linearly identified. In the approach, the socio-spatial appropriation process is understood when contrasting the current owners with the previous ones and the occupation of the lots. The research also has documentary support (textual and photographic). It is observed the existence of a notable structure of tourism committed to local actors, although large capital is occasionally present in the studied area. A process of gentrification characterizes the issue of functionality and land dynamics with the tourist activity supplanting the previous ones.