Community tourism: a development alternative in the Andean region, case in point: Cochapamba Saquisilí parish

Abstract

The article was based on research that aimed to explore how community tourism can contribute to the integral development of the Cochapamba parish, considering economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. A descriptive qualitative approach was used to understand and interpret the phenomenon of community tourism as a development alternative in the Andean region, taking as a case study the Cochapamba parish of the Saquisilí canton, Cotopaxi province. The following conclusions were reached: Community tourism has the potential to be an effective tool for the integral development of Andean communities such as Cochapamba, going beyond economic benefits to positively impact social, cultural, and environmental aspects. However, its success depends on participatory and equitable management. The active and genuine participation of all community members in planning, management, and decision-making related to tourism is crucial to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly and that local values and identity are respected. For community tourism to be perceived as a true development alternative, it is essential to implement mechanisms that guarantee a more equitable distribution of the economic benefits generated. In the Andean region, as exemplified by the case of Cochapamba, community tourism represents a promising path to more equitable, sustainable, and culturally enriching development.