Análisis del potencial de las artesanías en el sector turístico de los cantones: Gualaceo, Chordeleg y Sígsig

Abstract

This research presents a study on the relationship between the artisan sector and the tourism sector of the Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sígsig cantons, where the general situation of the supply and demand of the two sectors in the three cantons, the existence of impacts by of the tourism sector in the artisanal sector and finally a tourism cluster is proposed that achieves the connection between the two sectors. A qualitative approach of descriptive-interpretative scope was used. focused on the collection and analysis of information, for which semi-structured interviews with artisans and municipal representatives, as well as a non-participant observation. A review of bibliographic sources was also used, data geographical and statistical data of the study cantons. Among the final results, it was found that the relationship of the two sectors appears slightly on important dates of the cantons such as cantonizations, that artisans perceive the impact of tourism in craft fairs and that crafts have been maintained for commercial reasons. Hence It is necessary to create projects where both sectors are involved and benefits are created mutual. Keywords: handicrafts, tourism, impacts, cluster