Turismo e preservação do patrimônio cultural na visão dos moradores do Bairro da Praia Grande em São Luís/MA

In order to assess interferences of tourism in leisure spaces and everyday life, the article analyzes how dwellers of the historic center of São Luis (Maranhão State) see tourism activities in Praia Grande neighborhood. Relations between tourism and heritage are addressed, stressing potential and actual socio economic and cultural consequences of urban gentrification for tourism. A field research was conducted amongst dwellers the outcome of which was that heritage is not quite important for them as a tourist commodity. It was observed as well that not many steps for heritage conservation are taken. The results suggest that local heritage sustainability must be promoted, stimulating community to see their own neighborhood as valuable so they can benefit from tourism