Tourism as a driver of Angolan handicrafts.

Abstract

Tourism and handicrafts form a symbiosis of recognized relevance and inspiration for this study, which aims to demonstrate the influence of tourism on the development of handicrafts in Angola. Tourism has a significant impact on the handicraft industry, as tourists are the main target of this industry when seeking souvenirs that reflect local history and culture. Handicrafts, whether decorative or ornamental, are the most purchased souvenirs by visitors. To better explain this phenomenon, a qualitative methodology was used. The research was conducted in Angola, in the municipalities of Talatona and Belas, more precisely, at the Morro dos Veados arts center, the Higher School of Art of the University of Luanda, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Agostinho Neto University. Five individuals linked to the area of ​​handicrafts and tourism were interviewed. After content analysis, it was possible to draw some conclusions. Tourism is considered very important for the development of the handicraft center, which, in turn, plays a role as a tourist attraction and disseminator of culture and traditions. Tourism can also contribute significantly to handicrafts and serve as a source for disseminating the history and culture of peoples. Handicrafts, in turn, reflect the regional cultural identity of each multicultural space that diversifies the country – each province is unique. There is, therefore, a wealth of opportunities in terms of tourism that urgently need to be explored in order to contribute to the development of handicrafts.