Derrama Económica en la Actividad Turística del Avistamiento de la Ballena Jorobada (Megaptera novaeangliae) de la Temporada Diciembre 2023 - Marzo 2024 en Bahía de Banderas, México

The project focuses on determining the economic impact generated by the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) watching activity during the season from December 2023 to March 2024 in Banderas Bay, Mexico, carried out in locations in Nayarit and Jalisco: Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nuevo Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlan . A mixed approach was used, with a quantitative design of descriptive scope. Study population: ecotourism companies, cooperatives, service providers and tourists. 448 surveys were applied, simple random sampling, confidence level 95%, maximum error 3%. Information sources: SEMARNAT and field data collected in the localities. The results indicated an average expenditure per tourist of $1,315.70 per day, with a total average of $5,638.85 per stay. The economic impact estimated in this study was $34,206,400.00, a figure greater than 20% of the official data reported by the DGVS. This discrepancy suggests the need for more robust methodologies and collaboration between researchers and authorities to improve the precision in calculating these impacts. The study highlights the importance of promoting sustainable practices and policies that strengthen both the local economy and environmental conservation.