New strategies for the development of community tourism in Puerto Rico after the impact of hurricane Mariaa case study in the socio-educational, cultural, and economic spheres

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to determine the importance of the development of community tourism and its strategies to globally improve the Municipality of Cataño (Puerto Rico) as a tourist attraction in the metropolitan area of San Juan. In particular, within the context of tourism, cultural and educational tourism will be considered. The research, through a descriptive and mixed methodology, supported essentially by documentary analysis and survey techniques, analyzes local development through four dimensions: social, ecological, economic, and specifically tourism, especially in the educational aspects highlighted. The purpose is not only to increase the social and economic benefits of tourism and to continue improving the appreciation of Cataño as a place to visit, live, work and invest, but also to contribute to the progress of the cultural and educational level of both visitors and local citizens. Based on the data and information obtained from the performed field work, community tourism strategies are presented highlighting the natural and cultural attractions of Cataño. The main results of the study demonstrate the potential of tourism in the area within the different and complementary dimensions analyzed and the need for sustainable environmental, socioeducational, cultural, and economic development for the citizens.