Tourism as a source of socioeconomic development for the regions

Abstract

Tourism as an industry ought to be a socially responsible activity for the population and for the resources derived from it guaranteeing its protection. Therefore, a reflection was made out of the results from the survey conducted by the GRS research group in Salento Quindío 2010 with the purpose of analyzing the tourism activity contributions to the socioeconomic development of the region. The report shows the lack of statistic data bases as a primary source of information, likewise the unawareness of the local population and the entrepreneurial associations about the native roots and the heritage protection. The touristic activity in Salento, has empirically been developed and don´t correspond to a well planned activity that contributes to the social and economic development; even though it generates employment, the development is not integral, sustainable neither equitable. This research was made with the community support, by the application of surveys to the population and entrepreneurs from the restaurant industry in Salento.