Abstract
In many emerging countries, tourism has become an important source of economic development and dissemination of the cultural heritage of local populations. However, to be sustainable, tourism projects must consider potential sources of tension in the contexts involved. Several studies have examined the convergent relationships between local attachment, perceptions about tourism, and support for tourism development. However, research on how pre-existing social tensions may affect these relationships and hinder the conditions for sustainable tourism development is limited. This research examines these issues in the town of Cajamarca (Peru). The city is internationally known for being the place where the Spanish conquest of the Incas occurred, but also for the social conflicts that led to the cancellation of several mega-mining projects in recent times. Despite its great cultural heritage, tourism to the city is limited. In this context, a new tourism project is being promoted, consisting of a light installation that will be projected onto the façade of the city’s main colonial church. While the Yuragachi project has received broad support from private and public organizations, and from the community, it also has several detractors. Based on a survey of a sample of 341 local residents, this research examines, using a structural equation model, the aforementioned convergent relationships and the extent to which they are affected by levels of tolerance, interpersonal trust and social inequality. This study is valuable as it helps to identify social risk factors and contribute to the sustainability of the project.
Presenters
Mario Marcello Pasco-Dalla-PortaProfessor, Management Sciences Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima, Peru
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Projects, Social Tensions, Cultural Heritage
