Perception of the authorities in the dimensions of sustainable tourism development in Balancán, Tabasco

Abstract

This research analyzes the sociocultural, economic, and environmental dimensions, identifying the factors that contribute to sustainable tourism development in the municipality of Balancán, Tabasco.
According to local authorities, the positive factors promoting sociocultural development are that tourism brings more benefits than drawbacks, while a limitation is that tourism has not led to changes in local customs and traditions. In the economic dimension, positive factors include restaurants and the good value for money of local products and services; a limiting factor is the poor focus on entertainment in tourist activities. In the environmental dimension, positive factors include the quality of tourist attractions, while a limiting factor is the lack of cleanliness in streets and public areas. It was noted that responsibility for these dimensions lies with the stakeholders within the communities.
The research used a non-experimental, mixed-methods design, with quantitative data collected through a 27-item survey. This survey addressed factors that promote or limit tourism development in the municipality. Frequency statistics and qualitative analysis were used to identify the factors within each dimension. A descriptive approach was used when reporting the results. Eight communities were selected for the study, chosen based on convenience. Direct observation was also used during data collection.
The conclusion is that local community development should be approached from a perspective where stakeholders are responsible for redoubling their efforts to minimize environmental damage, prioritizing the community's economic activities and fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within the communities, thus enhancing their capacity as promoters of development.