Análisis de las motivaciones hacia el ecoturismo en Ecuador. Un estudio de caso en la Isla Santay

Abstract

Ecuador is a country that is becoming an important destination for ecotourism in natural protected areas. In this article, we present a field work carried out in Santay Island (Ecuador) during the year 2015, the results allow to determine the characteristics of the tourist that visits the island, in such a way that the socio demographic profile of the tourists who visit it can be determined, as well as the motivations they have had to visit the island. It emphasizes a young and well educated eco-tourists that looks for the novelty of spaces that allows him to disconnect from the routine through the contact with nature. Through the discussion, it is sought to promote reflections and guidance to tourism management in the design and planning of tactics that directly and indirectly promote the activity through strategies consistent with the type of tourist that attends and their motivations.