Companhias aéreas de baixo custo e desenvolvimento do turismo: percepções dos stakeholders da região centro

The entry of low cost airlines after liberalization of the sector in Europe has led to profound changes in the aviation market. With new business models aimed at reducing costs, which translate into more attractive prices for customers, these companies have to choose regional airports less congested and reduced airport charges, there to host their operations. The regions began to feel both in its economy, both in terms of social benefits of such companies. Tourism is no exception. Public and private entities, regional and central governments and agencies related to tourism began to see increased potential for their regions, with investments in airports to low cost airlines operations. Many regions have established strategic partnerships and took advantage of EU subsidies for the implementation of such projects. Since tourism is the main beneficiary of this new paradigm, it appears that in many regions where these projects are carried out are the regional tourism industry and private entrepreneurs together, working in a coordinated manner through the creation of financing funds and strategic partnerships, the course of the process. This paper seeks to establish whether they are regional authorities, public and private, with responsibility for tourism, aware and available to organize and invest in the development of regional airports as a way to attract air service of low cost airlines, facilitating economic development in general and tourism in particular.