Cartografía social como herramienta de diagnóstico participativo en la actividad turística

Abstract

This study proposes the application of social cartography as a participatory diagnostic tool, utilizing a bottom-up approach, to identify issues in the planning of tourism in the Limon-Indanza canton (Morona Santiago province), located in the southeastern Ecuadorian Amazon. The study’s approach was qualitative and was implemented through social cartography and participant observation during a workshop with stakeholders. The results present a diagnostic of the tourism situation as a starting point for developing additional tools and making progress towards comprehensive territorial planning in the field of tourism. Indeed, issues related to the spontaneous development of tourism around the uniqueness of its tourist attractions are threatened by a lack of collaboration among stakeholders and larger threats such as mining. Ultimately, the use of participatory tools is suggested to capture the perceptions, imaginaries, and social constructs of tourism. The use of social cartography is recommended as a participatory diagnostic tool owing to its fostering of participant inclusion, camaraderie, and cost-benefit efficiency.