Lirandina GOMES
Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
Joaquim RAMOS SILVA*
SOCIUS, School of Economics and Management, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
*Corresponding author:
jrsilva@iseg.utl.pt
Abstract
The paper analyzes the experience of Portuguese and Spanish hotel networks in Brazil, specifically on the Northern Coast of Bahia. We look at this process over the period when Brazil was opening up to international tourism corporations through promotion of national and regional policies. The research included surveying hotel representatives from investing countries. Clearly, there is a mighty convergence of interests between hotel groups, civil construction firms, and financial institutions, which appeals strongly to the political powers, particularly at a regional level. We also conclude that countries launching their tourism industry may learn from the experience of first comers with this crisscrossing research approach proving beneficial from various perspectives.