The behavior of tourists visiting Santa Catarina and leaving the state via Florianópolis International Airport is the focus of a new survey coordinated by the Santa Catarina Tourism Development Agency (Santur), carried out in partnership with the Florianópolis Tourism Superintendence and the Floripa Airport. The research is being applied in the national and international departure areas of the airport, approaching travelers who are returning to their places of origin.

- We want to gather information about the trip made in the state and understand what reasons brought this tourist, if he would return on a next occasion, among other data about the profile of this visitor - explains the director of Studies and Innovation at Santur, Luana Emmendoerfer. According to her, the intention is for the research to become permanent and serve as a pilot to guide its implementation in other airports in Santa Catarina.

Luana also highlights the importance of cooperation between Santur, the Tourism Superintendence and the Floripa Airport to carry out the investigation work. The researchers, made possible by the Superintendence, received approach training, recognized the departure lounge and tested the application of the questionnaire. Santur was responsible for preparing the research, analyzing and formatting data, in addition to preparing the panel for online monitoring of the information collected.

- We strongly believe in the growth potential of tourism in Santa Catarina. Our state is very rich in attractions for both national and international tourists. But to grow, we need to know who visits us and what their perceptions are. THE Floripa Airport is open to be a partner in initiatives aimed at improving our tourist product - comments Ricardo Gesse, CEO of the airports of Florianópolis, Vitória and Macaé.

The Superintendent of Tourism of Florianópolis, Fábio Queiroz, reinforces the relevance of the research on the passenger's profile and the motivation of the trip, in addition to knowing the visitor's perception in relation to the security protocols adopted in the destination in the fight against Covid-19. -It is valuable information that allows us to evaluate the work that has been done, especially regarding the security measures adopted and to make the improvements and adjustments that are important for tourism-he comments.

A Floripa Airport is providing all operational support so that the work can be carried out on site with attention to Covid-19 prevention measures. The researchers, duly identified for approaching passengers, follow the safety measures already known, such as the use of a mask and alcohol gel. Also in this sense, to reduce contact with travelers, cards with a QR code are being used and the participant can answer the questionnaire using their own telephone device.