El fenómeno de turistificación en la ciudad de Cuenca, Ecuador: un estudio aplicado a la calle Santa Ana y sus alrededores

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the phenomenon of touristification in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, specifically in Santa Ana Street and its surroundings; through an observational design with a qualitative approach of exploratory-descriptive scope and crosssectional. The research was divided into three stages, first, the bibliographic review of indexed data and physical literature corresponding to the touristification process related to the stakeholder theory was carried out. Afterwards, a process of participant observation was developed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the actors related to the tourist and social activity, selected for convenience. And, finally, the changes made in the urban structure around the tourist offer were recognized, between periods of five years after the declaration of the Historic Center to the present, through cartography. The results of the research show that there is touristification in a stage of incipient saturation-conflict, evidenced by the changes in the heritage space, the increase in the tourist offer, the increase in prices caused by the saturation of tourists and the loss of authenticity and cultural identity; however, it can still be manageable with the proper regulations and controls focused on balancing the needs of the community and tourism activity.