Ruta turística como potencial del desarrollo sostenible en el sector “La Manga del Cura”, Manabí, Ecuador

Abstract

This paper analyzes the potential of a sustainable tourist route in the La Manga del Cura sector of the El Carmen canton to promote sustainable development in the sector. The study was carried out in the La Manga Del Cura sector. Located southeast of the El Carmen canton, Manabí province, it covers an area of ​​approximately 487 km² with around 24,000 inhabitants. An interview was applied to 6 owners of recreation places and a survey to 393 inhabitants using a structured questionnaire to determine the tourist attractions, as well as the perception that the inhabitants have about the potential of a sustainable tourist route. The results show that the main tourist attractions are the Salto del Armadillo waterfall, the Salto del Pintado waterfall, the El Refugio spa, and the D`teo recreational center. It was also determined that these four main tourist attractions would make up the Sustainable Tourist Route, offering activities such as canopy, floating tube tours, camping, cycling, gastronomy, among others. These results suggest that the sustainable tourist route can support rural populations in the good management of their natural resources, the generation of income, and the sustainable economic development of the locality.