Impacto del turismo en la preservación y difusión del patrimonio cultural del centro histórico del cantón Zaruma.

Abstract

"Analysis of the Impact of Tourism on the Preservation and Dissemination of the Cultural Heritage of the Historic Center of Zaruma Canton" is a research project based on how the conservation and promotion of the site is managed, taking into account factors such as the challenges of heritage conservation, the level of ignorance of cultural value, the impact of communities and their need for participation, which will generate proposals for improving the management of cultural heritage. The methodology used is a mixed methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample of 230 people was conducted, belonging to the community of the studied area, and interviews were conducted with authorities of the Zaruma Regional Government (GAD), the Prefecture of El Oro. The results of the survey study indicated positive impacts such as the perception of shared responsibility for heritage protection and the diversification of promotional actions; and negative impacts such as the limited maintenance and visible restoration of heritage, limited effectiveness of government management, and limited accessibility in the historic center for people with disabilities. For this reason, strategies are proposed to develop strengths and reduce threats with sustainable solutions.