Incremento de infraestructura de hospedaje y procesos de transformación socioespacial en el cantón Baños de Agua Santa entre 2016 y 2024

This research addresses the growth of hotel infrastructure in the Baños de Agua Santa canton during the period from 2016 to 2024. The methodological approach is qualitative, grounded in the constructivist paradigm, and adopts an exploratorydescriptive design. For data collection, techniques such as documentary research and interviews were employed, which allowed for the validation of the results obtained. The sampling process was non-probabilistic, enabling a more focused analysis of the key actors in the sector. Baños de Agua Santa has consolidated itself as one of the main tourist destinations, thanks to its valuable natural and cultural resources. This recognition has driven a significant increase in tourism infrastructure, including a variety of accommodations, restaurants, facilities, and specialized services to cater to the "floating tourist." This phenomenon reflects territorial planning that explicitly responds to the growth of tourism. The study relied on tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and data triangulation from direct observation and data collection. The results obtained reveal a close relationship between the growth of hotel infrastructure and socio-spatial transformation processes in the region, such as tourist segregation, changes in agricultural and livestock boundaries, the evolution of commercial activities linked to tourism, and alterations to the natural environment. The increase in hotel infrastructure in Baños de Agua Santa is directly related to the boom in tourism, driven by the richness of its natural and cultural attractions. Since 2016, the number of accommodations has grown by 1,175%, particularly highlighting the rise of "apartment-hotels" managed through platforms like Airbnb. This phenomenon has triggered notable territorial transformations, where many residences have become temporary accommodations, leading to tourist segregation and an increase in real estate value. This, in turn, has had a negative impact on the natural environment. Although the development of tourism infrastructure has generated significant economic benefits for the local area, it has also led to expansion into ecologically sensitive areas. To mitigate these negative impacts, it is crucial to implement stricter regulations in protected areas and promote policies that preserve the natural landscape and foster agricultural production in rural areas.

• Hovedforfatter: Dayana Estefania Tamayo Granizo (author)
• Format: bachelorThesis
• Udgivet: 2025
• Fag: ALOJAMIENTO; TRANSFORMACIÓN; TERRITORIO; TURISMO; SOCIOESPACIAL
• Online adgang: https://repositorio.uta.edu.ec/handle/123456789/43966