The Impact of Tourism as a Major Economic Activity in the Lake Yojoa Region, Honduras (#486)

Authors

Bardales, Nelly Daniela

Perdomo, Maria Elena

Abstract

This research project addresses the impact of tourism as the main economic activity in Lake Yojoa and its sustainable economic development, considering three important criteria: economic growth, sustainability, and government support. In recent years, tourism has experienced significant growth in the area, which has triggered local development and opportunities, but has also generated environmental and institutional challenges. To achieve the objectives of the study, a mixed approach methodology was used, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A previously validated Likert-scale survey was designed and applied to a sample of 105 licensed tourism companies in the region. The survey was aimed at measuring the perception of local tourism sector stakeholders regarding economic growth over the last 5 years, the sustainable practices they implement and the level of support they receive from the local or central government. The information collected was processed using basic statistical analysis software. The results show a positive perception regarding the individual economic growth of local stakeholders; however, important weaknesses are identified in terms of collective sustainability and dissatisfaction with the governmental support received. The tourism sector in Lake Yojoa represents an opportunity for local development, but it needs to be oriented towards a sustainable approach and with institutional support.