Tourist perception about safety at El Murciélago beach, Manta- Ecuador

Abstract

This study focuses on the evaluation of tourist perception of safety on El Murciélago beach, with a mixed methodology that combined bibliographic data and field observation for the characterization of the beach, in addition to the application of random surveys to 30 tourists. These data had a significant correlation (0.83) on the alpha-Cronbach scale and the traffic light technique categorized the responses into high, medium and low levels of security perception. It was identified that this beach is one of the favorite destinations for tourists throughout the year, according to 53% of those surveyed, it is possible to carry out safe tourism, although neutrality is significant, however, visits are influenced by criminal acts. , suggesting the need to implement security measures. The perception of hygiene is varied, highlighting the need for more frequent waste collection, and the water conditions are well valued, and it is also important to improve the location and availability of first aid kits. Regarding the price of the services, the opinions are neutral or negative, suggesting that they are relatively expensive in relation to the quality. The beach is seen as a place with sufficient recreational options for different groups, and the presence of lifeguards is considered necessary to improve the experience. The traffic light technique determined tourist safety in a high range while the dimensions of citizen safety, public health and recreation and economic security were considered in a low range