Influence of technological factors on the socio-emotional wealth of tourism SMEs in Guayas through ICTs and metadata.

In the Ecuadorian context, tourism has become a strategic pillar for territorial development, not only due to itscapacity to revitalise local economies but also for its role in constructing identity and fostering communitycohesion. The province of Guayas has emerged as a key tourism hub, offering a variety of attractions rangingfrom the urban dynamics of Guayaquil to rural and coastal experiences deeply rooted in cultural traditions (1).Nevertheless, the sustainability and competitiveness of this sector heavily depend on the adaptability of itsstakeholders particularly small and medium-sized tourism enterprises to the challenges of digital environmentsand the transformations brought by globalisation (2). Tourism SMEs in the region, many of which follow family business structures, encounter significant limitationsin accessing emerging technologies, data management systems, and educational resources needed to modernisetheir operations (3). Despite these constraints, some have begun to adopt digital tools and ICT-based solutionsthat help optimise workflows, strengthen customer relationships, and preserve their core family values (4).Within this context, the concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW) becomes essential, referring to the emotionalbonds, organisational identity, and relational capital that family businesses endeavour to safeguard (5) Socioemotional wealth serves as a symbolic anchor that guides these enterprises’ decisions towards long-termhorizons, where success is not only measured in economic terms but also by the endurance of family legacy,community reputation, and organisational resilience amid uncertainty (6). ICTs and metadata, if strategicallyimplemented, can serve as enablers of SEW by facilitating informed decision-making, improvingintergenerational communication, and supporting organisational sustainability (7). These technologies offer anevolutionary path towards hybrid management models that preserve the family essence while embracinginnovation (8). In this sense, the use of information technologies and data analytics functions as a bridge between the emotional heritage of these businesses and the demands of the contemporary digital landscape (9). In the case of tourism SMEs in Guayas, this interaction between technological tools and socioemotional capital opens new avenues for developing businesses that are adaptive, context-sensitive, and capable of maintaining strong community ties without compromising operational efficiency (10).