Social entrepreneurship: tourism in the Ecuadorian coast

Abstract

Tourism is a potential option of generating resources for the developing economies. However, not much is known about social entrepreneurship development in the Ecuadorian tourism. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore social entrepreneurship development in the Ecuadorian tourism as well as to investigate the socio-economic contributions present in three specific cases of study in the Ecuadorian coast. This research considered both an exploratory and descriptive scope, framed on qualitative and quantitative method. Furthermore, the representatives of associations were interviewed. This study found out that social entrepreneurship in tourism has not been widely developed despite the Government support. In this scenario, the work of
communities, specially rural, is highly distinguished. Additionally, it was evidenced that social entrepreneurship, in the Ecuadorian coast, poses a socio-economic contribution since they are inclusive, promote employment and generate income.