Identidad cultural y su incidencia en el desarrollo turístico del Cantón Chilla, Provincia de El Oro

Abstract

With the constant growth and diversification of tourism worldwide, there are more and more forms of tourism that are moving away from the traditional, focusing more on aspects such as experiences, the senses, nature, history and culture, to name a few. From this great variety, cultural tourism is born, a typology capable of generating important benefits for the destination in which it is carried out, one of the most important being the revaluation of its cultural identity.In countries like Ecuador, it has been applied for some years, especially in the great cultural centers that the country has. However, small destinations, not having the necessary knowledge of it, have been suffering from the disadvantages that tourism can bring.In the province of El Oro there is one of the richest cantons in terms of culture and nature, recognized as 'The balcony of Heaven', Chilla has a large number of elements that could be used for tourism, something that has not been doing in past administrations, and it is just beginning to be noticed in the current one. Added to this is the fact that their cultural identity is devalued due to factors such as ignorance, migration, acculturation and the scant interest in encouraging the teaching of their cultural roots.For the fulfillment of objectives, various data collection methods were applied, which revealed that in the canton, the lack of activities focused on strengthening their own culture has led new generations to be unaware of their identity. This could be noticed in aspects such as clothing, gastronomy and even the history of the city itself, elements that both authorities and residents agree have been suffering a devaluation and a gradual disappearance.Reason why it is sought, through the use of tourist activities, a better development of this modality, thus allowing the diversification of the economic processes in the canton, while promoting the importance and revaluation of its cultural practices, showing the locals and foreigners what differentiates them and makes them unique from other societies.