In this paper, we introduce the themes and approaches that are covered in this special issue on tourism, governance and sustainable development. Firstly, we present a discussion of the themes and topics that have informed the creation of this special issue and, secondly, we provide an overview of the content of each paper that is included within it. This editorial piece provides a useful introduction to the relationship between tourism, governance and sustainable development that can be used by researchers as a starting point for their own research. The special issue itself helps to address the relative lack of research in this area in the context of developing countries and emerging economies.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to measure the image of surf tourism destination, Praia do Rosa, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to examine the complex relationship between destination image components and surfers’ behavior in relation to surfing itself and to the trips made to take part in surfing activities, in a surf spot. Design/methodology/approach: From the tourist population in Praia do Rosa surf spot, in Brazil, a sample of 200 surfers was taken. Data analysis included the following multivariate techniques: exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling as a procedure for the development and reliability of the measurement models of destination image of surf tourism in Brazil. Data analysis was performed using PASW-SPSS 24 and Mplus 7. Findings: Through EFA and CFA, it was possible to identify the attributes that make up the image of a surf destination and their relationship with the behavior profile of surfers. The results highlight the role of the different factors that make up the overall image of the destination, through the analysis of cognitive, affective and conative components. Research limitations/implications: The results confirm and provide theoretical and empirical support for the research, showing that the set of observable variables and the specified latent dimensions are reliable. However, it is necessary to expand the sample studied so that the measurement model has better fit indices and show convergent and discriminant validity. Practical implications: This study is relevant as it provides information that can be used by destination managers, especially regarding surf tourism. In the face of strong growth, the sector could benefit from the identification of destination image attributes which can be used in marketing campaigns put forward by both the public and private sector. Social implications: The results of the current study provide both public and private tourism managers with insights into surf tourism demand useful in developing effective marketing and positioning strategies. Originality/value: This study explored and tested the image perception in a surf destination. The results contribute theoretically and empirically to discussions about the components of destination image. Also, the findings add to the understanding of surfing behavior, one of the most popular sports in the world, with surfers willing to travel long distances in search of ideal surf conditions.

Purpose: In order to offer a theoretical and empirical contribution to the theme, the purpose of this paper is to assess the tourist image of the destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil, from the tourists’ perspective. The authors specify the latent dimensions involved in the formation of the cognitive, affective, and conative image of coastal tourism destination, through which the authors can analyze and measure the construct. Design/methodology/approach: The research is exploratory, descriptive, and predominantly quantitative. It uses non-probability convenience sampling, consisting of a sample of 425 tourists. Data collection were conducted in the studied destination during the summer season – 2015/2016. Findings: Through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the authors identified and tested the factors that comprise the image. Structural equation model evaluated the relationship that theoretically exists between the components of the image and the weight of the various components (cognitive, affective, and conative) on the overall image of the destination. Originality/value: This research contributes theoretically and empirically to the discussions on the components of the destination image, in as much as it analyzes and interprets the cognitive, affective, and conative components of the image of the tourism destination Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil.

This study aims to present the interrelation between gastronomy and creative territories, from the cultural, economic, and political dimensions of sustainable cultural tourism. This study used tourist spaces as creative territories in Brazilian historic cities. The methodological process of understanding the analytical dimensions was based on the regressive-progressive method of Henri Lefebvre that establishes three dialectical movements: the descriptive, the analytic-regressive, and the historical-genetic. This paper deals with the results obtained in the first of three movements: the descriptive process, which aims to know the object that is being studied; making use of public information; and allowing a generalized theorization. The gastronomic heritage is understood as an important experience; however, it still does not play a prominent role in the official identity of the historic towns. The results show that gastronomy, an intangible cultural heritage, is politically forgotten in the historic towns. A diversified range of cultural attractions turned to their built cultural patrimony was recognized, but only three, Pelotas, Sobral, and São João del Rei, have their cultural identity associated with local gastronomy. The tourist activities of the cities analyzed, in their majority, are focused on nature, which propitiates the development of sun and beach tourism, relegating cultural and creative tourism to the background. Culturally the historic cities have their cultural identities associated with the built cultural patrimony, and only Pelotas and Sobral develop actions directed to their gastronomic patrimony. The tourism economy in the historic cities is directly related to cultural and gastronomic activities. Politically, the cultural area seems to be better structured and managed in comparison with the tourism area.

Objective: The development of tourism is one the main objectives of managers seeking a greater competitive advantage for destinations. To achieve this objective, the political-institutional structure related to public and private organizations involved in the Brazilian scenario of tourism activities deliberately operate in the format of Regional Tourism Organizations—RTOs, which started in 2004. In this context, the aim of this study arose, which is to analyze the power relations of Regional Tourism Organizations of tourist regions. Design/Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach, with data collection through documents, laws, reports and information about the RTOs and questionnaires in forms applied to 27 representatives of the public sector, 14 representatives of private sector and six representatives of the third sector, from a total population of 89 active members of the Regional Tourism Organizations: Costa Verde e Mar (state of Santa Catarina), Hortênsias (state of Rio Grande do Sul), and Costa das Dunas (state of Rio Grande do Norte). During the application of the forms, interviews were carried out, totaling 47 interviews with members of the RTOs. Quantitative analyses were generated by mean, mode, absolute and relative frequencies, multiple responses and dispersion graph, with the use of descriptive analyses. The qualitative analyses involving documents were descriptive, and those involving oral information were carried out using analysis of content of Bardin (1977). The different methods that were used in an interrelated manner and helped in the analysis of the data coming from the application of forms (quantitative), official documents (laws/decrees, regulations and statutes), and interviews with actors of the regional tourism organizations (qualitative), enabled the measurement of the effectiveness of the process of management of RTOs in relation to the dimension Power Relationship and the variables analyzed Representativeness, Harmony, Trust and Decision-Making Power. Results: As a result, it was seen that the regional tourism organizations of the tourist regions operate in an effective manner in the public or private sectors and that they involve the management of shared practices by the regional tourism organizations in the destinations studied in terms of representativeness, harmony, trust and decision-making power. Novelty/Value: This research theoretically deepened for the academy the theme of regional governance and power relationship between public and private actors in tourism who are important for the competitive performance of a tourist destination. It also analyzes how the management and governance of regional tourism organizations behaves in terms of power relationships.