Rural tourism in a binational context case study: Mangachurco-casitas tourist route

Abstract

With the firm intention of strengthening the integration of the neighboring countries of Ecuador and Peru, actions that contribute to the development of these areas, considered tourism, are promoted as a dynamic axis of the economy based on the use of differences or comparative advantages of each country. The purpose of this research is focused on the development and design of a binational tourist route that integrates localities of the Ecuadorian-Peruvian Border Integration Zone, punctually between the Province of Loja - Ecuador and the Department of Tumbes-Peru, for which the aim is to link tourism in the area with new formulas for rural management. The methodology is proposed with a participative, interactive and spontaneous approach that encourages the inclusion of all the actors that have direct competence with the development of the tourist route in order to achieve an empowerment of the process. Among the main findings are high levels of poverty in the population, limited transportation systems, a silver and limited tourist infrastructure, although there are natural and cultural tourist attractions with high tourism potential. The evaluation of the entire route establishes that it has a medium potential with opportunities for increase, thanks to the empowerment and the generation of alliances in strategic points between the two countries.