GIS-Based Spatial Analysis of Tourist Pressure in Ouro Preto, Brazil: Implications for Sustainable Heritage Tourism Management

Abstract

This study analyzes tourist pressure in Ouro Preto, Brazil, using a spatial analysis approach based on geographic information systems. To achieve this, geolocated visitor records, heritage mapping, road network and field observation were integrated, which made it possible to identify concentration patterns, circulation corridors and critical areas within the historic center. Results indicate that tourist pressure is especially concentrated along the axis Praça Tiradentes–Museu da Inconfidência–Rua Conde de Bobadela–Largo de Coimbra, characterized by intervals of high presence, enduring spatial clusters, and increased loads in pedestrian traffic corridors. In this case, the study explains that heritage tourism sustainability is less a matter of overall visitor numbers, and more about visitor distribution in relation  to sensitive heritage sites. Thus, the study reaffirms the effectiveness of geographic information systems  in decision-making for planning, conservation, and tourism management.