Community tourism and local development: the case of Yunguilla in Ecuador

Abstract

This analysis aimed to show how community tourism mobilizes community participation and local economy towards conservation of natural areas in the population of Yunguilla. The “Turismo Comunitario” project implemented in Yunguilla community through productive activities offers a source of income for local production and at the same time serves to protect nature and culture. This analysis was focused on four dimensions: environmental, cultural, economic, and social. In each of these dimensions, interviews with semi-structured questions were developed to people of Yunguilla community and to the personnel of La Delicia Zonal Administration. The methodology was qualitative, with a collection of information through interviews. As a result of the analysis carried out with the four dimensions, it was shown that Yunguilla “Turismo Comunitario” Project has been of great contribution to the development of the community, thanks to the tourist activities present in it. In this way the project has generated jobs, microcredits, care and protection of the environment, conservation of their culture and traditions. Finally, it has achieved that the community of Yunguilla integrates each one of its members; that is, women, men, children and young people to be part of the execution of the project always seeking a common well-being.