Characterization of the profile of rafting practitioners in the Serra do Mar State Park, Nucleus Santa Virginia, SP

Abstract

This study aimed to provide support for the implementation of rafting in the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar – Núcleo Santa Virgínia (PESM-NSV) State Park based upon the profile and the level of satisfaction of the practitioners of rafting. Data was collected via questionnaires, with closed and open questions to assess the socioeconomic profile of the practitioners, information regarding commuter trips, motivations, preferences, level of satisfaction with respect to the activities engaged in , as well as the practitioners’ perceptions of the experience and minimum impact of the visits. After the data was tabulated, an Analysis of Correspondence technique was used to verify the relationship between the “satisfaction” and “age” variables using MINITAB™ statistical software. Out of 47 people interviewed, the majority were males (66%), of which 55.5% were between 19 and 30 years old and 49% of the participants had college degree. In general, participants were satisfied with the service, but made it clear that some aspects of the rafting business management could be improved upon, such as a reduction of the admission fee, use of availability announcements and improvement of the infrastructure of the landing area of the cruising. It is concluded that the rafting participants are from an elite class of society with a high level of education and a demand for a high quality of service.