Abstract

GARCIA LEBROC, Lázaro Adrián; MANZANO DIAZ, Mirtha  and  GARAICOA-FUENTES, Freddy Leonardo. Archaeological tourism and heritage preservation. Revista InveCom [online]. 2025, vol.5, n.3, e050339.  Epub Mar 29, 2025. ISSN 2739-0063.  https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14267942.

Archaeological tourism in Ecuador faces significant challenges related to the conservation of cultural heritage, due to the impact of mass tourism and the lack of adequate resources and strategies. The objective of this research was to analyze the impact of archaeological tourism on the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage, identifying sustainable strategies that integrate local communities and promote balanced tourism development that respects cultural heritage. For this purpose, a mixed methodology was used, combining semi-structured interviews with cultural managers, tour guides and community leaders, together with questionnaires applied to national and international tourists. The study population consisted of 50 managers and 200 tourists, selected intentionally and randomly at key archaeological sites in the country. The results revealed that most tourists value archaeological sites as key elements for cultural identity and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to their conservation, either economically or by participating in educational activities. However, it was observed that the lack of adequate management and the limited participation of local communities in heritage-related decisions negatively affect conservation. In conclusion, archaeological tourism in Ecuador has the potential to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, but it requires a certain degree of participation from the local communities.

Keywords : archaeological tourism; conservation; cultural heritage.

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