Spanish and Portuguese hotel corporations on the Northern Littoral of Bahia and the challenges of environmental policies

Abstract

In light of environmental and territorial policies, this study focuses on the investments in Brazil of Spanish and Portuguese hotel chains, particularly in tourist-residential establishments on the Northern Coast of Bahia. Based on an inquiry conducted among representatives of these corporations, it was observed that the main obstacles faced in their internationalization to this region were administrative red tape, the environmental licensing process and a lack of knowledge of the market. The framework of environmental and urban policies has been the main point of conflict between the companies and the environmental and licensing institutions. The reduced number of skilled technicians capable of assisting the needs of the companies at the state and municipal levels is a crucial factor to explain the delays in the approval of the projects, often causing significant financial damage to the companies, as expressed by their representatives. This study presents a paradigmatic case by which to analyse Brazilian environmental policy, taking into account the on-going process of economic transformation of the country, particularly with regard to its relations with foreign investors.