Gobernanza turística sostenible en la zona alta de la parroquia Guanujo del cantón Guaranda: autogestión y cohesión comunitaria del destino

Abstract

Sustainable tourism governance is a fundamental element for strengthening the development of rural destinations through the coordination of local stakeholders and the responsible use of tourism resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate sustainable tourism governance in the highlands of the Guanujo parish, Guaranda canton, by determining the level of community self-management and social cohesion in order to propose a governance model tailored to the territory. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach with a descriptive scope and a propositional focus. It involved a literature review of national and international governance models, semi-structured interviews with eight key stakeholders, and a stakeholder mapping exercise, the results of which were analyzed using the UNDP’s (1994) matrix of the nine principles of good governance. The findings revealed a reactive governance model characterized by the centralization of management within the Municipal GAD, the limited formalization of tourism ventures, and the lack of a permanent forum for coordination among stakeholders. In response to this issue, a sustainable tourism governance model was designed, consisting of five strategic components and a fourphase action plan spanning 18 months, aimed at strengthening participation, interinstitutional coordination, community self-management, and social cohesion within the destination, thereby contributing to the sustainable tourism development of the upper Guanujo area.