Integrated territorial diagnosis for sustainable tourism development in the Quiroga and Membrillo parishes, Manabí canton, Ecuador

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct an integrated territorial diagnosis to support the sustainable tourism development of the Quiroga and Membrillo parishes, located in Bolívar Canton, Manabí Province, Ecuador. To achieve this objective, four main goals were established: (i) to systematize existing sociodemographic, economic, and environmental information; (ii) to identify and characterize current and potential tourism resources; (iii) to analyze territorial constraints and opportunities in terms of sustainable tourism viability; and (iv) to propose strategic recommendations for tourism development based on a territorial and sustainability-oriented approach. The methodological framework combined field research with an analytical-synthetic method, enabling the integration of quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive understanding of the territorial context. The results revealed a diverse range of natural and cultural resources with significant tourism potential; however, these resources remain underutilized due to limitations in infrastructure, promotion, and community organization. Favorable environmental conditions, strong cultural identity, and landscape diversity emerged as key opportunities, whereas restricted road accessibility, limited technical capacity, and weak institutional coordination were identified as major constraints. Based on these findings, strategic actions are proposed to strengthen local governance, foster the development of value-added tourism products, promote ecosystem conservation, and implement awareness-raising and capacity-building programs focused on sustainable tourism. This diagnosis provides a baseline for planning initiatives aimed at fostering a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable tourism development model that respects the territorial specificities of Quiroga and Membrillo.