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Environment, society and community tourism: The Saraguro ethnic group in Loja-Ecuador

Abstract:

Community tourism in Ecuador is an activity that has begun to have relevance also in the indigenous community of Saraguro, one of the ethnic groups that best preserves its culture and traditions, which is located in southern Ecuador. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how the ethnic tourism model adopts community tourism, and what are its current conditions of environmental and social quality. The analysis describes the non-governmental organizations that work with the Saraguros to develop this activity, aspiring to improve and diversify their economic income, in search of the "Sumak Kawsay" (Good Living); way of living and thinking found in many indigenous South American communities. This study has a cross-sectional descriptive scope, uses the interview and direct observation with the main actors, as tools for data collection. According to the results obtained, community tourism currently generates low economic income in the study area; however, this activity could contribute much more to the sustainable development of Saraguro. It is concluded that community tourism can be an excellent alternative that allows to merge the management and conservation of the environment, with economic benefits and equitable participation of the community.