The impact of tourism on the local economy. A need to measure in Ecuador

Abstract

This research work studies how the impact of tourism activity on the local economy in Ecuador is measured. The research is exploratory in nature, using the method of analysis and synthesis that allowed the understanding of theories on local economic development and tourism, as well as the empirical method for understanding the phenomenon in the reality of the Ecuadorian context. For the collection of information an interview was applied to tourism technicians from 20 territories and 12 experts who have experience in tourism development throughout the country. As a result, it was found that 70% of the territories know the impact of tourism activity on local economic development. Likewise, it is measured by 60% of them. The instruments most used by these locations are surveys and tourism indicators. Of the latter, the expense per tourist and the number of tourists were the indicators most used and known by localities and experts. The most advanced localities in this measurement in the country are Galápagos and Quito since they were considered by the highest percentage of interviewees as territories of tourist vocation that use models to fulfill the function under study. However, the Amazon region is one in which measuring the impact of tourism at the local level is considered important, but it is a process that is not carried out. Thus, the need for a model, methodology or instrument to measure the impact of tourism activity on the local economy, as a tool for decision making in the field of tourism at the local level in Ecuador is confirmed.