Solid Waste Pollution and Perception of Tourism Quality on Ecuadorian Beaches: A Case Study of Pedernales
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/dv8rsg91Keywords:
solid waste, environmental pollution, tourism quality, sustainable tourism, beachesAbstract
Solid waste pollution represents one of the main environmental challenges affecting the sustainability and competitiveness of coastal tourist destinations. This study aimed to analyze the possible association between solid waste pollution and the perception of tourism quality at Pedernales Beach, located in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. The research was conducted using a quantitative approach with a descriptive and exploratory scope through a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. Data were collected through surveys administered to 36 tourists who visited the destination during the study period. The results suggest that most visitors perceived a high presence of solid waste on the beach, particularly plastic bottles and bags, which was associated with a less favorable perception of cleanliness and the overall tourism experience. Furthermore, although the overall tourism quality of the destination was generally rated as good, a significant proportion of respondents considered the beach’s cleanliness conditions to be only fair. The findings also suggest a possible association between environmental pollution and visitor satisfaction and indicate a potential risk to the tourism sustainability of the territory. Finally, the study concludes that it is necessary to strengthen environmental management strategies, environmental education initiatives, and proper solid waste management practices to improve coastal conservation and enhance the tourism competitiveness of Pedernales Beach.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Leonardo Garaicoa-Fuentes, Cristina Elizabeth Ludeña Duarte, Hugo Erick Carrión Vásquez, Génesis Grace de la Cruz Borja, Ruth Noemí Andrade Riera, Melissa Joselyn Tomalá Catuto (Autor/a)
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