Playa turística sostenible”, su contribución al desarrollo turístico del Cantón Sucre. Caso Playa Pajonal.

Abstract

The study aims to determine the requirements and processes for Playa Pajonal to achieve recognition as a "Sustainable Tourist Beach - Ecuador", ensuring balanced tourism development that benefits the local community and preserves its natural environment. The issue addressed lies in the lack of sustainable infrastructure, limited tourism promotion, and insufficient community participation in destination management, which restricts its potential as a model for responsible tourism. For the development of the research, a mixed methodological approach was used, employing tools such as surveys of residents and tourists, interviews with key stakeholders in the tourism sector, and direct observation of the beach’s current conditions. Additionally, a SWOT analysis was applied to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and strategies were designed based on guidelines from the Ministry of Tourism. The expected outcomes include implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact, strengthening the local economy by generating jobs and promoting community products and services, and positioning Playa Pajonal as a competitive national and international tourist destination. Moreover, the project is expected to serve as a replicable model for other beaches in Cantón Sucre and Ecuador, demonstrating that sustainable tourism is a viable tool to achieve comprehensive development that benefits both present and future generations.