Actualización del Plan de Desarrollo Turístico para el cantón Guachapala, provincia del Azuay, periodo 2023-2027

Abstract

The current intervention project has the objective to develop an “Update of the Tourist Development Plan for the Guachapala canton, for the period 2023-2027, with the goal of taking advantage and enhancing the tourist resources of the canton, promoting sustainable and equitable growth within the tourism industry. Through comprehensive and participatory planning, focused on conserving and valuing cultural and natural heritage, as well as enhancing the quality of life for the local community. For the plan's development, a threephase analysis was conducted. In the first phase, establishing the canton's baseline involved creating a qualitative descriptive study, a review of bibliographic sources was made, primarily with the canton's Tourism Development Plan, where relevant information could be obtained like; general aspects of the canton, its current situation, bio-physical components, social sphere, culture, and legal framework. In the second phase, to diagnose the tourism supply and demand of the canton, visits were made to various attractions to update the inventory. To study tourism demand, 200 surveys were conducted at key attractions, enabling the profiling of tourists in Guachapala. Finally, in the third phase, the development of the tourist project portfolio for the Guachapala canton was achieved through local community involvement, as a foundation of the plan. A participatory assembly and SWOT analysis were conducted, thus outlining the tourism plans and projects. Through this project, it is anticipated that Guachapala canton will achieve improved management, becoming an authentic and appealing destination offering unique experiences in harmony with its surroundings. Furthermore, it is expected to drive economic and social development in the canton. Keywords: planning, tourist projects, Guachapala canton