A Proposal for the Development of Tourism in the Forested Landscapes of Tierra Del Fuego, Patagonia, Argentina

• Francisco A. Carabelli ^[1]
  1. [1] Patagonian Andes Forest Research and Extension Centre (CIEFAP)
• Localización: Tourism analysis, ISSN 1083-5423, Vol. 6, Nº. 3-4, 2001, págs. 185-202
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • During the short summer stay of most tourists in Tierra del Fuego, activities concentrate in Ushuaia's city and its surroundings, partially free of vegetation due to fires and forest exploitations. In addition, the lack of perception of forests as recreation places in Argentina makes this situation worse. This study attempts to propose alternatives that would make accessible for tourism a variety of forest landscapes, showing that they can represent an option to “traditional” tourism. To reach this goal, a study was developed over an area located in the transition zone between the steppe and the forests, in the central hilly region at the north side of Fagnano Lake. An approach to evaluate the aptitude of the landscape for recreation, using the slope steepness as an expression of relief, the density of water flows, the lake surfaces, and the vegetation, was carried out. Interviews with tourists, including questions about the main activities related to natural resources, the reasons for visiting Tierra del Fuego, and their opinion regarding fueguian landscapes, were accomplished. The main results refer to the valuation of the aptitude of the landscapes with native forests for tourism purposes and the development of a proposal linking this aspect with the answers of the tourists to establish complexes in these natural landscapes for the practice of a respectful natural tourism. It is concluded that it would be feasible to enable new areas representative of the most attractive environments to strengthen a specific and durable tourism development in Tierra del Fuego.