SEÑALIZACIÓN Y SEÑALÉTICA DEL ATRACTIVO NATURAL CERRO PIEDRA BOLA, DE LA PARROQUIA RURAL SANTIAGO, CANTÓN Y PROVINCIA DE LOJA

Ecuador is a diverse country, whose main asset is the natural environment. Tourism ranks in third place in generating resources for Ecuador. The diversity of landscapes, climates, flora, and fauna has become the main reason for tourism. South of Ecuador, in the Sierra region, is the Rural Parish Santiago, belonging to the canton Loja province of the same name. Santiago has important potential resources that can be exploited for tourism. Since the tourism industry entered the rural sector, it has achieved steady dynamism in the economy of rural villages that have some attractive features for tourists. This requires that these areas must be marked or routed. Under this perspective, this research was conducted, aimed at drafting a proposal for trail signs and markings of natural attractions, Cerro Piedra Bola, located in the aforementioned parish. This work was performed in order to contribute to the tourism development of the parish, and thus boost the economy of the inhabitants of the sector. For which the following methodology was applied : in the development of the first objective ; make the tourist diagnosis of the current situation of Santiago Parish, the analytical method used a matrix which was authorized by Carla Ricaurte Quijano and adapted for its actual use. This methodology was applied in addition to the inventory of tourist attractions, MINTUR, using the technique of direct observation. Finally, the technique of the interview was held and SWOT analysis was performed to enhance diagnostic evaluation. For the second objective; To propose trail signs and markings of the natural attraction, Cerro Piedra Bola, the deductive and inductive method was used. Using this methodology, authored by Miguel Cifuentes, analysis of tourism carrying capacity of the path, with the GPS coordinates for mapping the path, with which the Base Map of routes and signs was developed, was obtained and performed. The considered source was the Corporate Manual, MINTUR Tourist signs, that being the standardized signage in Ecuador. The respective design was made, and finally, the possible environmental impacts that will generate the implementation of the project through the evaluation matrix were determined by Cause-Effect of Leopold. To fulfill the third objective; Socialize the proposal with stakeholders in the tourism sector of the rural parish Santiago, three phases are performed: The first was related to the authorities and stakeholders, summoning them personally. In the second phase, the proposed action is presented clearly stating the benefits of it. The third phase was conducted to gather feedback and suggestions from the attendees, which served to reinforce the study work. As for the results of this research, we could get the current diagnosis of Santiago parish, in which general information, population, flora and fauna, offering services, infrastructure of basic services, governance, receiving community met. Also, geo-referenced maps of the trail and trail signs and markings were obtained, which, according to estimates by the Carrying Capacity, the canton can receive approximately 63 people per day. Finally, the respective icons of tourism activities, restriction signs and billboards approaching the target path, for which a total of 18 signs are designed. With this information it can be concluded that the Rural Parish Santiago has great tourism potential and cultural and natural attractions, some are not exploited for tourism. So it is that the proposed trail signs and markings of the natural attraction, Cerro Piedra Bola, is an alternative to boost the development of tourism and improve the quality of life of the population. It is recommended to the authorities of GAD Parish of Santiago that lectures and workshops to the community and stakeholders in tourism in terms of customer service, policies, techniques and management of the tourism industry. Also, to boost interest, provide tourism in the community, and eventually negotiate with the competent authorities to carry out the execution of the proposed project.

• Main Author: Jiménez Largo, Servio Paúl (author)
• Format: bachelorThesis
• Language: spa
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: ADMINISTRACIÓN TURISTICA; SENDERIZACIÓN SEÑALÉTICA ATRACTIVO NATURAL CERRO; PIEDRA BOLA PARROQUIA RURAL SANTIAGO; CANTÓN Y PROVINCIA DE LOJA
• Online Access: http://dspace.unl.edu.ec/jspui/handle/123456789/11900