Análisis de la percepción de los prestadores de servicios turísticos ante la delincuencia extorsiva del Centro Histórico de Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This research addresses the need to analyze the perceptions of tourism service providers in the face of extortion crime in the Historic Center of Cuenca. Understanding the phenomenon of racketeering (extortion) in relation to tourism from a theoretical perspective, and with the identification of the main concerns of tourism service providers in relation to extortion crime in the city. In addition, to explore the initiatives taken by tourism service providers in Cuenca to mitigate extortion crime. The methodology used in this study was qualitative through the application of semi-structured interviews at convenience, aimed at the different establishments of tourism service providers in the city. For the results, the inductive-deductive discourse analysis technique was used through the Atlas Ti 23 software. Based on the results, the study concluded that, in the study area, the existence of cases of extortion is very low compared to other areas of the city. On the other hand, the main concerns of tourism providers are the economic repercussions, as well as the personal and establishment safety in the face of this criminal activity. It should also be noted that there is a strong negative perception of the performance of the public sector due to the inadequacy of effective measures and the lack of sustained support in terms of security, which directly affects the economy of the tourism sector and generates mistrust among tourism service providers.