ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT: A DISCUSSION IN TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Accountability in public management is a fundamental principle that aims to ensure that managers and public authorities are responsible and transparent in relation to their actions, decisions and administration of public resources. In the specific context of tourism management, accountability plays a crucial role in promoting governance practices that ensure the appropriate use of resources destined for tourism development, in addition to ensuring accountability to citizens and other stakeholders involved. This study explores how accountability is applied in tourism management, highlighting its importance for mitigating corruption risks, ensuring transparency in public policies and promoting an environment favorable to the sustainable development of the sector.  The article's general objective is to discuss accountability in public management in the field of tourism, bringing the potentialities and challenges as the basis for the analysis. Furthermore, the role of the participation of civil society and tourism stakeholders in accountability is also discussed, emphasizing how the active engagement of these actors can contribute to more efficient and inclusive management. Examples of good practices and challenges faced in the implementation of accountability policies in tourism management are presented, with an emphasis on the need to create solid regulatory structures and promote an organizational culture based on ethics and transparency. Finally, the study concludes that accountability in tourism management not only strengthens public trust and the legitimacy of government institutions, but is also essential to ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economic, social and environmental development of the communities involved.