Turismo cultural e revitalização de centro Antigo: reciclando arquitetura pré-moderna e moderna

This article addresses possibilities and limitations of cultural tourism in the revitalization process of Ribeira - one of the neighbourhoods that compose the old town centre of Natal, RN. By taking the Plan of Rehabilitation of Central Areas – Ribeira, as well as the physical interventions that are occurring in the area, as starting points, we seek to discuss: (1) current trends towards transforming old town centres into places of memory; (2) possible relationships between cultural tourism and conservation of the architectural heritage; (3) possible effects that major interventions, currently in progress, in Natal’s spatial structure might have over the conservation of the built ensemble; and (4) some recent proposals for enhancing Cultural Tourist in Ribeira. Despite its cultural and natural appeal, enhanced by the presence of a still expressive concentration of pre- modern and modern architectural landmarks, of important and traditional cultural equipments (i.e. two theatre buildings), of well-reputed natural sceneries (the “famous” sunset on the river Potengi), and by the image of an old place in the minds of Natal’s residents, Ribeira, has not, as yet, consolidated as a historic centre. Although being officially appointed as a ZEPH (Especial Zone of Historic Preservation) since 1984, and the target of various regional forums as well as of specific revamping actions the area never quite lived up to expectations in terms of real estate profitability or of historic valuation. The commercial and service uses that predominate in the neighbourhood respond basically to the necessities of the Port and the public institutions located there, whereas the number of current residents is negligible, most of which belonging to the lower income layers of society and being, therefore, financially incapable of coping with the adequate maintenance of centenary constructions that still resist the action of the time. Tourism is now Natal’s main source of income. A regional tourism policy initiated in the 1980s in the Northeast of Brazil, was endorsed by the federal government in two directions: one policy for implementing large tourism projects, and one to foster sustainacle development of north-eastern tourism - PRODETUR - NE. The projects carried out to this day aim to develop the only branch of tourist contemplated so far, Leisure Tourism, also referred to as Sun and Sea Tourism. Studies developed since 1999 demonstrate that the presence of a second bridge over the river Potengi – the Newton Navarro bridge, now in final phase of construction – added to the effects of some complementary alterations of the street grid in and near the area, will increase movement flow in Ribeira, especially that generated by the Sun and Sea Circuit. For a place to consolidate as a tourist venue, an infrastructure of support to the visitor is as necessary as the historic or natural attractions it may posses, so that “potential tourism appeal is not the sole prerequisite for the development of tourism as an economic activity”. It is argued here that the recycling of pre-modern and modern buildings – often underutilized or vacant – is a key factor for generating this infrastructure without the irreversible loss of Ribeira’s environmental character.