Impact of Tourism on the Ecuadorian Economy and Post-Pandemic Recovery of the Tourism Sector (2019–2023)
Keywords:
Tourism, Economic recovery, Economic impact, Investment in infrastructure, ResilienceAbstract
Tourism has been a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian economy; however, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented crisis in the sector, drastically reducing its contribution to GDP and job creation. This study aims to assess the impact of tourism on Ecuador's economy and analyze its post-pandemic recovery using key indicators such as GDP, employment, and sectoral investment. The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative analysis—drawing on official statistical data and input-output models—to measure tourism's economic impact. The results reveal a gradual recovery: tourism's contribution to GDP rose from 1.5% in 2020 to 3.2% in 2023, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Regarding employment, the sector lost 150,000 jobs in 2020 but subsequently recovered, showing positive annual growth rates and reaching 560,000 jobs by 2023. Investment in tourism infrastructure also increased, surpassing 2019 levels by 2023. The findings suggest that Ecuador's tourism sector is recovering, though it still faces significant challenges. It is recommended to strengthen public policies aimed at the sector's revitalization and resilience by promoting sustainable strategies that ensure long-term growth.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Jorge Cristofer Cedeño Gómez (Autor/a)
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