Sustainable tourism product in the Juan Pío Montufar community to boost local tourism development

Abstract

Introduction: Tourism has emerged as a fundamental tool for the appreciation and observation of both cultural and natural resources. It offers visitors a transformative experience, broadening their worldview through this phenomenon, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding. This interaction not only enriches tourists but also contributes to the knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of the host communities. Materials and methods: A mixed approach and a non-experimental cross-sectional design with a descriptive-propositional scope were implemented. Various types of research were applied: exploratory documentary, descriptive, and participatory. The sample was calculated from more than 10,000 tourists and hikers who visited community tourism ventures and centers in Orellana during 2024. Results: The tourist infrastructure of the Juan Pío Montúfar community is designed to offer a pleasant experience to visitors. The community has adequate signage to guide tourists, as well as areas for eating and sports. It also has a store that offers local products and food services. The community house serves as a meeting point for social activities, while the huts and trails allow tourists to explore the surrounding nature. Discussion: Tourism is a recreational activity that draws masses of people, and it is here that experiences, that is, unique experiences, are connected for visitors. Conclusions: Upon completion of this research, it was concluded that the development of a sustainable tourism product for the community under study represents a significant opportunity to conserve its cultural and natural resources, in addition to strengthening its internal organization and generating viable economic alternatives that improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.