EL TURISMO ACCESIBLE EN LOS DESTINOS DE PLAYA: CASO DE LA RUTA DEL SPONDYLUS (ECUADOR)

Abstract

Accessible tourism is a significant market niche, a result of the postmodern global environment. It is recognized as an orientation based on trends such as sustainable and ethical tourism, which Ecuador promotes through the provision of technical standards and the recognition of ethics as priority issues. In spite of this, the existence of any study that analyzes the accessible tourism as product within the "national tourist trade" has not been documented. In response, the present study aims to investigate the level of contemplation and implementation of accessibility in national tourism policies and strategies. The analysis of the product "sun and beach" has been considered because it is one of the main products in the matrix and specifically the "Spondylus Route" because it covers several coastal destinations, mostly in demand. This is done through a descriptive study, through observation in prominent locations, as well as an in-depth interview with key players. Finally, the results have shown the scarcity of accessible means for the enjoyment of sun and beach tourism, as well as the need to address it within the current positioning of Ecuador: sun and beach destinations are highly demanded; It is therefore important that they are accessible