Propuesta de desarrollo de una aplicación para promover el turismo sostenible y comunitario en la Ruta del Spondylus.

Abstract

Ecuador has an extraordinary wealth of beaches with tourism potential that should be fully exploited. This thesis proposes to promote sustainable and community-based tourism along the Spondylus Route by developing a mobile application that will facilitate the visibility of coastal businesses in Montañita, Ayangue, Ayampe, and Olón, while providing tourists with authentic experiences. The study uses a mixed methodology, combining surveys and interviews with tourists and residents to measure needs, opportunities, risks, and barriers. The mobile application is proposed to be designed based on a business plan where the application can be correctly implemented in the market, inspiring inclusion and sustainability in Ecuador’s tourism. This work demonstrates that the integration of technology and community intervention can promote a model of responsible tourism, contributing to the economic development, conservation, and sustainability of these areas of the country. According to the market study, tourists and entrepreneurs accepted the creation of the sustainable and community tourism app. The financial study determined that an initial investment of $35,533.31 is needed, with a projected NPV of $22,140.49 and an IRR of 32%, confirming the viability and profitability of the proposal.