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Residents, conservation, development and tourism in Galapagos

Abstract:

Tourism from its initial stage generates socio-environmental impacts in the host place and it is important to analyze them to determine the situation in which a destination is found. This research analyzes the perceptions of residents regarding the tourist activity in Puerto Ayora – Galapagos, taking into account environmental, economic, socio-cultural and political factors that may influence the attitudes of residents and the potential involvement of these factors in tourism planning and development. Surveys to residents were applied in order to collect quantitative information, which was complemented by semi – structured interviews applied to people working in the tourism sector. The results of this study suggest that perceptions towards tourism change significantly depending on the proximity to the tourism area, age, level of studies and interaction between residents and tourists. Among them it is highlighted that tourism is perceived as beneficial mainly when it increases employment opportunities and economic income. On the other hand, perceptions turn negative when residents are dissatisfied with the level of involvement in tourism planning, the inequitable distribution of benefits and the pollution and disturbance of flora and fauna of Galapagos due to tourism.