Tourism Management based on Sumak Kawsay towards local happiness

Abstract

Tourism is an economic activity that has grown significantly in recent years globally, generating positive impacts on income, employment, security, peace, among others. Ecuador has also improved its tourism management during recent years, according to the increase in arrivals and awards for its natural, cultural and infrastructure attractions. Important changes have been made in the country since 2008, when the Constitution of the Republic was modified to add the concept of Sumak Kawsay, translated as Good Living, which aims among other things, the welfare of the population; part of this well-being sought, could be achieved with the happiness of the inhabitants, a theme that took force from 2012, when the UN declared March 20 as the international day of happiness. The study sought to find out the current situation of tourism, the policies of the Sumak Kawsay since 2008 and the happiness rates that the country has. For this, the information was researched in documentary sources and by means of the synthetic analytical method; relations were established between the 3 objectives. Undoubtedly, tourism generates happiness for those who travel, but in the country, there has been no clear relationship between tourism and local happiness, because, although tourism management increased significantly, the position occupied by Ecuador is similar to that in 2013.