Percepción del desarrollo del turismo: caso residentes de la parroquia urbana El Sagrario de la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This research project analyzed the perceptions that residents and the public sector have about tourism development in the parish El Sagrario of the city of Cuenca, with the purpose of knowing the advantages and disadvantages that tourism causes in the city. In the first instance, the current situation of tourist activity of the canton Cuenca was analyzed, through secondary source information, subsequently, semi-structured interviews were conducted to officials of the different directorates and departments of the Autonomous Decentralized Government (GAD) of the canton Cuenca related directly or indirectly to the tourist activity with the intent to know the point of view and perceptions from the office with the competence on tourism, in virtue of decentralization. To finish the research work a survey focused on three variables was conducted: labor supply and economic aspects; local culture and quality of life; and governance and citizen participation, which served to identify and know the perceptions that residents have. This research concludes that the perception of the tourist activity in the parish El Sagrario is prosperous and shows potential, since , for the subjects of study, Cuenca is a city that offers many places to visit, being also rich in culture and traditions. However, it is necessary to diversify the tourist offer and generate processes of citizen participation where their points of view are considered.