Tourist certification as a key differentiation tool for the beaches: Playa Chipipe Case. Salinas- Ecuador.

Abstract

Sun and beach tourism continue to be of great worldwide importance as a motivator of tourist trips. The Ecuadorian Pacific coastal zone has a diversity of beaches with natural and cultural resources that motivates tourists. The increase in visitors, added to the saturation of tourist services and other components of the tourism system, can cause serious negative impacts, which means that coastal zone management should be oriented with sustainability criteria that guarantee the quality standards of the services and available resources. This research consisted of evaluating Chipipe beach in the city of Salinas in order to look for its certification supported by the parameters of the Ecuadorian standard INEN 2631. The methodology used was based on field work through observation techniques and direct information gathering from involved local actors. As a result, Chipipe beach applied for a class “C” certification according to the standard, complying with several indicators such as self-management, security, zoning and infrastructure.