LA CIUDAD SAMBORONDÓN: ¿UN DESTINO TURÍSTICO RURAL?

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine if Ciudad Samborondón has the potential to become a rural touristic destination, using an investigation process, based on the Leader methodology. In order to achieve the purpose of this investigation, 3 specific objectives had been met: diagnose the degree of touristic development of Ciudad Samborondón, define the perception and the acceptance level that the potential tourists have for the destination, and determine the predisposition of the travel agencies and tour operators of Guayaquil, to put on offer Ciudad Samborondón as a touristic rural destination. The applicability of this research is based on the state support that it is giving to national tourism nowadays, since it is considered as an effective tool to improve the socio - economic situation of the population. In the results were determined that the city has the potential to become a relevant rural destination, since his attractions rouse the interest of the potential tourists to visit the place. In addition, there were discovered that the agencies and tour operators would add the destination to their portfolio of touristic products. At the end of the paper are suggested some recommendations that will help to take out the lacks that the destination has at the moment.