Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Tourism: The Case of the Tuquer Tourism Association, Montúfar Canton, Carchi Province

Abstract

Tourism is one of the key drivers contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 8, 11, 12, and 13. In Ecuador, rural and community-based tourism initiatives have been strengthened through grassroots associativity within local communities and parishes. The absence of data demonstrating the contribution of tourism associations to the SDGs led to the development of a case study on the Tuquer Turístico Association, located in the Montúfar canton of Carchi Province, evaluating its contribution to the SDGs based on the six goals most closely related to tourism: Gender Equality, Decent Work, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life on Land, and Partnerships for the Goals. As part of the methodological triangulation, a documentary content analysis was applied to three types of normative and strategic instruments: the Development and Land Use Plan (PDOT) of the Provincial Government of Carchi; the PDOT of the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Montúfar canton; and the current municipal ordinances of the Montúfar GAD. The in-depth structured interview conducted with the president of the association showed that it actively contributes to SDGs 5, 8, 11, 12, and 13. In conclusion, thanks to this methodological triangulation, the study establishes that although the Tuquer Turístico Association functions as an active local engine for sustainable development—operating as a microcosm of good practices that contribute to the SDGs—its efforts take place within an institutional void, as local regulatory and planning frameworks do not provide the support or articulation needed to institutionalize or replicate these initiatives.