Análisis de la percepción de los residentes del Centro Histórico de Cuenca, Ecuador sobre el desarrollo del turismo, Caso de estudio parroquia Gil Ramírez Dávalos

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the perceptions of residents about the development of tourism in the Gil Ramírez Dávalos parish located in the Historic Center of Cuenca. This area, due to its heritage value and strategic location, has experienced tourist growth that has transformed its economic, social and environmental dynamics. In the first instance, the theoretical and contextual background that supports the analyzed aspects is presented: economic-labor, sociocultural, environmental and governance and citizen participation. The methodology used in this study was quantitative, through the application of surveys to 365 people, including residents and people who work in the parish. For the analysis of the information, frequency tables and cross tables were prepared using the SPSS version 25 software. Based on the results, it is concluded that the perceptions of residents about tourism development in the Gil Ramírez Dávalos parish are varied, highlighting both benefits and challenges. Tourism is recognized as a generator of employment and promoter of local culture; however, concerns related to the increase in the cost of living and job instability are also identified. As for the environmental sphere, most agree that tourism has generated air and noise pollution, although some residents do not consider that there is significant damage to the environment or loss of green areas. Finally, there is little citizen participation and limited knowledge about the destination of the resources generated by this activity.