Situation of public management of gastronomic tourism in Ecuador: Progress to 2020 and pending areas of attention for its development.

Abstract

This research presents the current state of public management of gastronomic tourism in Ecuador up to the year 2020. The theoretical framework focuses on the main worldwide achievements in this area, highlighting those led by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). A research was conducted on the actions and milestones related to this type of tourism and the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), as the main public entity in charge of tourism management at the national level, the outcomes of which are presented in chronological order. This information is followed by the results of a survey addressed to the 221 municipalities, from which 56% of responses were obtained. The questionnaire, designed on the basis of surveys conducted by the UNWTO in previous years, addressed issues of perception, knowledge and local management of the activity in destinations at a local level. The information collected was analysed using as a frame of reference the twelve topics presented in the guide released by the UNWTO and the Basque Culinary Center (BCC) in 2019, as guidelines provided to Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in this aspect. An initial level of progress (low intermediate) was identified in half of the parameters, while a quarter is rated as medium and the rest as low. In the end, the main advances in each area identified are summarized and those pending attention are mentioned, commenting on the importance of their application in the case of Ecuador.