Community Tourism and Rural Development. An Analysis of Tourism Demand in the Santay Island (Ecuador)

Abstract

The relationship between nature and tourism is allowing an increase in economic development in some rural zones and the strengthening of tourist experiences. Available literature points out how both sectors can jointly develop and complement each other, generating wealth and creating job positions. This paper exhibits an analysis of the tourism demand of Santay Island (Ecuador), the results of a field study performed consisting of a socio-demographic profile and of the visitor´s motivation are presented. The main results show the potential of community tourism for the island and different motivations for visiting it.