La práctica del fototurismo y los geositios del Geoparque Volcán Tungurahua; caso de estudio: Cantón Pelileo

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the potential of photo tourism in the geosites of the Tungurahua Volcano Geopark, with a particular focus on the Pelileo canton. The findings of this research and the data collected seek to contribute to the optimization of the promotion of the four geosites present in this area: El Obraje de San Ildefonso macro-slide, Huisla Volcano, Las Caras and Mulmul Volcano. Additionally, techniques recommended by specialists that will be very useful in the practice of phototourism are integrated. The methodology used was qualitative, oriented to record the particularities of the sites studied. An inductive approach was adopted, which allowed conclusions to be drawn from specific observations and then generalized. The research design was non-experimental and cross-sectional in nature, with a phenomenological scope. The results, derived from the application of geosite observation sheets, revealed the state of the infrastructure and made possible a specific evaluation of the geosites. This assessment yielded acceptable results in most of the indicators evaluated, including the educational, scientific, tourism and conservation aspects. In conclusion, it was determined that the photo tourism activity is experiencing sustained growth. It is imperative to complement this activity with good practices so that photographs can act as a fundamental element in the development of phototourism.