Estudio de mercado para la implementación de un área de camping en la Estación Experimental “La Belleza” de la Espoch sede Orellana

Abstract

In Francisco de Orellana, the lack of accessible camping areas and the diversification of outdoor activities makes it difficult for residents and visitors to enjoy the tourist activity of camping in a natural environment. The objective of the research is to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a camping area at the Experimental Station "La Belleza", through a market study, providing tourists and the local community with a space where they can camp. The methodology combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Bibliographic sources were reviewed, including scientific articles and journals as well as books and other studies on camping areas at the national and international level. Observation forms, interviews and surveys were also applied to tourists, residents and tour operators. The study sample was from the tourist population of the year 2022 who spent the night in Francisco de Orellana; the costs associated with the implementation of the camping area were evaluated. The results indicate that within the Experimental Station “La Belleza” a camping area can be implemented for visitors who wish to spend a night surrounded by a natural environment. In addition, the demand analysis highlighted that potential tourists seek complementary outdoor activities and are willing to spend an average of 20.00 USD for camping. The operating and functioning costs of the camping area do not require an initial investment of more than 15,000.00 USD. It was concluded that the Experimental Station “La Belleza”, by having natural resources, can implement a camping area to satisfy the existing demand in Francisco de Orellana that seeks to experience this tourist activity, and at the same time generate new sources of income that benefit the local community of the parish “La Belleza”.