Análisis de los atractivos turísticos del cantón Puerto López y su importancia para el desarrollo local.

Abstract

The Puerto López canton, located on the Ecuadorian coast, is known for its valuable natural and cultural heritage, making it a strategic tourist destination. This research aimed to analyze how tourist attractions contribute to local development, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. A mixed-method approach was used, integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques through field observation and surveys conducted with 50 tourism entrepreneurs. Attraction evaluation sheets and questionnaires on the economic impact of tourism and local perceptions were also administered. Key resources included Machalilla National Park, Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes Beach, and the Agua Blanca archaeological site. However, some of these attractions present conservation challenges and lack infrastructure. The study concludes that Puerto López has significant tourism potential, but its full potential requires strategic planning focused on sustainability, inter-institutional cooperation, and local capacity building. Finally, it is recommended to implement policies that promote the diversification of the offer, infrastructure improvements, and resource conservation, consolidating tourism as a central axis of the canton's economic and social development.