Definición de la estructura de mercado de las agencias de viajes duales por medio del análisis del excedente económico en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This research defines the market structure of the dual travel agencies of the city Cuenca-Ecuador, through the analysis of the economic surplus from the market equilibrium. Also, the study analyzes the volume of supply and demand, elasticities, market power of the participants and maximization of private profits. Research with a quantitative approach of exploratory scope and cross-section. It used the simple random sampling technique and collected data through structured surveys of microeconomic variables aimed at tourism intermediaries and consumers in five destinations: Galapagos, Colombia, the United States, Panama and the Dominican Republic. From the determination of the market equilibrium, the total surpluses of the analyzed destinations were maximized, in contrast to the scenarios formulated. The calculation of the net surplus showed that its distribution benefits consumers as long as the price is at equilibrium. However, travel agencies respond to other companies and broker products belonging to monopolistic structures, evidencing price discrimination. Despite this, agencies need to look for other strategic combinations that maximize their benefits despite not always being optimal. The research applied or different theories within the framework of the market economy to support the analysis and understanding of tourism intermediation. With prices above equilibrium and elastic responses to consumption, the market favors producers. Therefore, intermediation obtains greater benefits by discriminating prices, rather than competitive actions. Keywords: market structure, travel agencies, economic surplus, tourism market, elasticities