Gobernanza para el desarrollo del turismo sostenible en la comunidad de Angochagua.

Abstract

This research aimed to design a tourism governance model for the community of Angochagua, located in the province of Imbabura, Ecuador, in order to strengthen coordination among community stakeholders, public institutions, and the private sector, thereby promoting sustainable tourism development within the territory. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive research design. Data were collected through direct observation, semistructured interviews, tourism inventory records, and a literature review of national and international community tourism governance models. The findings revealed that Angochagua possesses significant natural and cultural heritage, as well as a wellestablished community organization led by the Community Council (Cabildo) and the Community Assembly. However, several challenges were identified, including limited institutional coordination, low participation of tourism enterprises, the absence of sector-specific planning, youth migration, and insufficient destination promotion. A comparative analysis of successful experiences made it possible to identify key principles of participation, community leadership, strategic planning, and interinstitutional cooperation, which served as the foundation for designing a governance model tailored to the community’s characteristics and needs. As a result, an Annual Tourism Management Operational Plan is proposed to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, consolidate participatory spaces, promote collaborative work, optimize the sustainable management of tourism resources, and contribute to the economic and social development of Angochagua. Furthermore, the proposal constitutes a planning tool that can be replicated in other rural communities with similar characteristics throughout Ecuador.