Journal of Business and entrepreneurial

July - September Vol. 7 - 3 - 2023

http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista

e-ISSN: 2576-0971

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Receipt: 11 June 2022

Approval: 22 January 2023

Page 90-95

Tourism micro-enterprises, an alternative for the

sustainable development of tourism in the Salitre

canton, Guayas Province: nurseries, new

undertakings

Los microemprendimientos turísticos, una alternativa para

el desarrollo sostenible del turismo en el cantón Salitre

Provincia del Guayas: viveros, los nuevos emprendimientos

Karla Maribel Ortiz Chimbo

Roberto Andrés García Viteri*

Shirley Huerta Cruz*

Rubén Ernesto Sánchez Macías*

ABSTRACT

Nurseries are emerging as a new form of

entrepreneurship in the tourism sector. These

nurseries focus on the production and sale of plants,

flowers and related products, and take advantage of

the area's natural attractions to offer unique

experiences to visitors. The development of tourism

microenterprises such as nurseries provides multiple

benefits for the community and the environment.

First, they generate local employment, which

contributes to the economic and social development

of the region. In addition, they promote

environmental conservation by encouraging the

production and sale of plants and flowers, which have

a positive impact on air quality and biodiversity.

These microenterprises also diversify Salitre's

tourism offerings, attracting a public interested in

nature tourism and experiences related to flora and

* MBA; Docente de la Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas,

Coordinadora de Gestión de Personal Académico de la Universidad de

Guayaquil, Karla.ortizch@ug.edu.ec; Orcid 0000-0001-7054-5741.

* MBA; Docente de la Facultad de Ingeniería Industrial de la

Universidad de Guayaquil, roberto.garciav@ug.edu.ec; Orcid 0000-

0002-6096-9628.

* MSc; Carrera de Administración de Empresas/Facultad de Ciencias

Administrativas/ Universidad de Guayaquil/ shirley.huertac@ug.edu.ec;

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1591-3641.

* MSc; Docente de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas de la Universidad

de Guayaquil, ruben.sanchezm@ug.edu.ec; Orcid 0000-0001-8596-

0614.

e-ISSN: 2576-0971. July - September Vol. 7 - 3 - 2023 . http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista

gardening. They also promote rural tourism, as the

nurseries are located in rural settings, allowing

visitors to learn about and appreciate life in the

countryside.

Keywords: Micro tourism ventures, Sustainable

development, Tourism, Canton Salitre, Guayas

Province, Nurseries

RESUMEN

Los viveros emergen como una nueva forma de

emprendimiento en el sector turístico. Estos viveros

se enfocan en la producción y venta de plantas, flores

y productos relacionados, y aprovechan los

atractivos naturales de la zona para ofrecer

experiencias únicas a los visitantes. El desarrollo de

microemprendimientos turísticos como los viveros

brinda múltiples beneficios para la comunidad y el

entorno. En primer lugar, generan empleo local, lo

que contribuye al desarrollo económico y social de

la región. Además, promueven la conservación del

medio ambiente al fomentar la producción y venta de

plantas y flores, que tienen un impacto positivo en la

calidad del aire y la biodiversidad. Estos

microemprendimientos también diversifican la oferta

turística del cantón Salitre, atrayendo a un público

interesado en el turismo de naturaleza y en

experiencias relacionadas con la flora y la jardinería.

Asimismo, impulsan el turismo rural, ya que los

viveros se encuentran ubicados en entornos rurales,

lo que permite a los visitantes conocer y apreciar la

vida en el campo.

Keywords: Micro emprendimientos turísticos,

Desarrollo sostenible, Turismo, Cantón Salitre,

Provincia del Guayas, Viveros

INTRODUCTION

The tourism industry plays a fundamental role in the economic and social development

of communities. However, in order to achieve sustainable growth, it is necessary to

seek alternatives that promote environmental conservation and benefit the local

community. In this sense, micro tourism ventures have emerged as a promising option.

e-ISSN: 2576-0971. July - September Vol. 7 - 3 - 2023 . http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista

The Salitre canton, located in the province of Guayas, has recognized the potential of

tourism microenterprises as a way to promote sustainable tourism development in the

region. In particular, nurseries have become the new ventures that are gaining ground

in the tourism sector.

These nurseries take advantage of the area's natural resources and focus on the

production and sale of plants, flowers, and related products. In addition to generating

local employment, they contribute to environmental conservation and diversify Salitre's

tourism offerings. The nurseries attract visitors interested in nature tourism and

experiences related to flora and gardening.

In this research, we will explore in depth the role of tourism microenterprises,

specifically nurseries, as a viable alternative for the sustainable development of tourism

in the Salitre canton. We will analyze the economic, social and environmental benefits

that these enterprises can bring to the local community, as well as their impact on the

diversification of the tourist offer and the conservation of the natural environment.

Through this study, we hope to highlight the importance of promoting and supporting

tourism microenterprises in the Salitre canton as a strategy to achieve sustainable

development in the tourism sector. In addition, we will offer recommendations and

proposals to further promote these ventures and maximize their positive impact on the

community and tourism in general.

It has become a global concern, as it seeks to promote a balance between economic

growth, environmental protection and improving the quality of life of local communities.

In this context, tourism microenterprises have emerged as a promising alternative to

achieve this balance in the Salitre canton, Guayas province, Ecuador. Specifically,

nurseries have positioned themselves as new enterprises that are contributing to the

sustainable development of tourism in this region.

First, the nurseries provide an economic development opportunity for the local

community. These microenterprises generate employment and create new sources of

income for local residents. The nurseries require personnel to care for the plants,

produce related products, and serve visitors, which boosts the local economy and

improves the community's quality of life.

In addition, the nurseries promote environmental conservation. The main focus of these

enterprises is the production and sale of plants and flowers, which promotes the

preservation of the region's native flora and biodiversity. By growing and selling plants,

nurseries contribute to improving air quality and protecting local ecosystems. They can

also implement sustainable practices, such as efficient water use and proper waste

management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In terms of tourism, the nurseries offer a unique experience for visitors. Tourists

interested in nature tourism and contact with flora find the nurseries an attractive

destination. They can explore the gardens, learn about the different species of plants

and flowers, participate in gardening activities and take back plants as souvenirs. This

e-ISSN: 2576-0971. July - September Vol. 7 - 3 - 2023 . http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista

diversified offer in the tourism sector in Salitre attracts a wider public and encourages

visitors to stay longer in the region.

In addition, the nurseries contribute to the development of rural tourism in the Salitre

canton. Being located in rural settings, the nurseries allow tourists to experience life in

the countryside and connect with the local culture. Visitors have the opportunity to

interact with farmers and learn about traditional agricultural practices. This not only

enriches the tourist experience, but also strengthens ties between the local community

and tourists.

To maximize the benefits of tourism microenterprises such as nurseries, support and

promotion by local authorities and tourism sector stakeholders is essential. Strategic

alliances can be established with travel agencies and tour operators to include the

nurseries in tourist packages and promote them as attractive destinations. It is also

important to train local entrepreneurs in business management, tourism marketing and

sustainability so that they can manage their businesses efficiently and responsibly.

Tourism microenterprises, specifically nurseries, represent a promising alternative for

the sustainable development of tourism in the Salitre canton, Guayas province. These

enterprises offer economic, social, and environmental benefits by generating

employment, promoting environmental conservation, diversifying the tourism offer, and

strengthening rural tourism. With the right support, the nurseries can become key

drivers of sustainable tourism development in the region, improving the quality of life

of the local community and attracting more tourists.

RESULTS

The results of emphasizing the importance of tourism microenterprises for the

sustainable development of tourism in the canton of Salitre. Some possible results could

include:

1. Sustainable tourism development: Sustainable tourism development seeks to

balance economic growth, environmental protection, and the well-being of local

communities. It is essential to adopt responsible practices that promote long-

term sustainable tourism.

2. Tourism microenterprises: Tourism microenterprises are small businesses or

companies that develop in the tourism sector. These enterprises generate local

employment, promote the conservation of the natural environment, and diversify

the region's tourism offer.

3. Potential of nurseries as microenterprises: Nurseries are new tourism ventures

that focus on the production and sale of plants and flowers. These enterprises

can generate economic, social and environmental benefits, attracting visitors

interested in nature tourism and experiences related to flora and gardening.

4. Implications and challenges: In implementing tourism microenterprises, there

may be challenges related to infrastructure, access to finance and training.

e-ISSN: 2576-0971. July - September Vol. 7 - 3 - 2023 . http://journalbusinesses.com/index.php/revista

However, overcoming these challenges can have positive long-term implications

in terms of local employment generation, economic benefits, and conservation

of the natural and cultural environment.

5. Actions and strategies: To strengthen tourism microenterprises in Salitre canton,

we suggest facilitating access to financing, promoting training and education,

fostering collaboration and networking, implementing effective promotion

strategies, and encouraging community participation.

In general, we emphasize the importance of tourism microenterprises as a promising

alternative to promote sustainable tourism development in the Salitre canton. These

ventures can generate economic, social and environmental benefits, improve the quality

of life of the local community and promote the conservation of the natural and cultural

environment. By taking concrete steps to support and strengthen tourism

microenterprises, a more balanced and sustainable tourism development in the region

can be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, tourism microenterprises are a promising alternative for the sustainable

development of tourism in the Salitre canton. These enterprises, such as the nurseries,

not only generate economic benefits for the local community, but also contribute to the

conservation of the natural environment and diversify the region's tourism offer.

By promoting tourism microenterprises, positive long-term results can be achieved.

These include the generation of local employment, increased economic income,

improved tourism infrastructure, and the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.

However, it is important to face the challenges that arise when implementing tourism

microenterprises, such as the lack of financial resources and the need for training and

education. Through access to financing, business training and the promotion of

community participation, these challenges can be overcome and the tourism sector in

Salitre can be strengthened.

Ultimately, the successful implementation of tourism microenterprises in Salitre canton

can boost sustainable tourism development, benefiting the local community, preserving

the natural and cultural environment, and offering unique and enriching tourism

experiences for visitors. By fostering collaboration and commitment from all

stakeholders, a more responsible and balanced tourism can be built in Salitre Canton,

achieving long-term sustainable development.

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