International students at the University of Cuenca: a study of their needs and perceptions

Abstract

This manuscript discusses a study that was conducted among incoming international exchange students at the University of Cuenca, Ecuador in the period 2011-2013. Its focus was not on the students’ educational experiences, but rather on their opinions about the tourism services that were provided and on their travel preferences. Several comparative analyses of the opinions of males vs. females and of Latin American students vs. European/US students found significant differences of opinion regarding the various experiences. The manuscript makes a contribution to the literature in its focus on the students’ perceptions about tourism services in Ecuador and on their travel behaviors. It offers practical recommendations for university administrators, tourism executives and policy makers as they try to enhance the country’s tourism offerings and to improve Ecuador’s image as a safe, well-developed tourism destination and as a welcoming site for international exchange students.