El impacto del turismo en Ecuador: un análisis comparativo pre y post pandemia, con énfasis en la inseguridad

This study evaluates the impact of tourism on local development in Ecuador, analyzing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and, crucially, the role of rising insecurity. Using a descriptive-analytical design with secondary data from sources such as the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), key economic and social indicators from the pre-pandemic period (2019) are compared with the post-pandemic period (2023-2025). The results indicate that while domestic tourism has shown remarkable resilience, with a projected growth of 23.5% in 2025, international tourism has experienced a 40% decline, particularly affecting the Coast (52% drop in international arrivals) and Highlands (25% drop). Insecurity, evidenced by a 430% increase in homicides between 2019 and 2024, acts as a perceptual barrier that limits local development by reducing income, employment, and social cohesion. The Galápagos and Amazon regions show less vulnerability due to their geographical isolation and the type of tourism they offer. The study concludes that insecurity represents a significant threat to the sustainability of the tourism sector and local development in Ecuador, requiring the urgent implementation of comprehensive security policies, regional promotion, and the strengthening of community-based tourism to mitigate its adverse effects.