Research, Tourism and Sustainability Forum

The 18th Research Forum: Sumapaz Tourism and Sustainability is organized by the Faculty of Administrative, Economic, and Accounting Sciences and its Business Administration program. It will feature top-tier speakers and will provide an opportunity to share the research project, "Development of a Methodology for Establishing Tourist Routes in the Sumapaz Province.".

UCundinamarca News interviewed Professor Elizabeth Escobar Cazal, who, along with other colleagues from the Arado research group, leads this forum that will showcase the region's potential in a sector that experts call the "smokeless industry," which generated 930,000 jobs in Colombia in 2021, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

UCundinamarca News: What is the objective of this academic activity?

Elizabeth Escobar CazalThe objective is to promote research practice among teachers and students by holding events that contribute to the development of skills related to professional training.

UCundinamarca News: What topics will the forum cover and who are its panelists?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: The central themes will be tourism and sustainability in relation to agro-ecotourism, ecological restoration, and competitiveness. Our speakers will be Edwin Muñoz Riascos, and our presenters will be María Cristina Velásquez Ardila, Gonzalo Escobar Reyes, Pedro Luis Cifuentes Guerrero, Edgar Criollo Velásquez, Olga Liliana Gutiérrez Castaño, Jeane Fernanda Gálvez Sabogal, and myself.

UCundinamarca News: How can tourism and sustainability be combined?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: Following the pandemic, economic recovery solidified sustainable tourism over time, encompassing three areas: environmental, social, and economic. This prompted tourism industry stakeholders to develop new strategies that adapt to the changing needs and demands of clients, workers, and the communities where they operate. Sustainable tourism adheres to the principles of this concept, aiming to minimize environmental impact, integrate local communities, and contribute to income and job creation.

UCundinamarca News: How long did the research you conducted on tourist routes take?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: The research project, "Development of a Methodology for Establishing Tourist Routes in the Sumapaz Province," began in 2019. Its development was affected by the pandemic and the failure to secure the budget allocated for fieldwork and related activities, which extended the project's timeline. Therefore, it will now conclude in the second half of 2022.

UCundinamarca News: What is the methodology you established to structure tourist routes in the region?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: A methodology was developed based on models proposed by Porter, Crouch & Ritchie, Dwyer & Kim, Hassan, and Heath, taking into account common factors shared by these authors: physical characteristics, social contexts, development, and other conditions that could be applied in the municipalities. Subsequently, using an assessment matrix, the municipalities with the greatest competitive and comparative advantages for tourism development were identified as Fusagasugá, Granada, Silvania, and Tibacuy. As a contribution of the process, the need to involve the resident communities of these areas was highlighted, encouraging them to take ownership of their environment for its sustainability.

UCundinamarca News: What was the most interesting thing about this experience?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: The work was enriching. In that regard, the most interesting aspect was its interdisciplinary nature, as it fostered the integration of different programs such as administration, education, accounting, and engineering, addressing the issues from diverse perspectives and approaches. Also compelling was the opportunity to identify the resources available to the municipalities of the Sumapaz region, such as tourism, historical and cultural heritage, events, and fairs, which are crucial for enhancing competitiveness and regional positioning.

UCundinamarca News: Who will be able to attend this forum?

Elizabeth Escobar Cazal: Students, students participating in the "Seedbeds" program, teachers, members of the public, and municipal officials are all welcome to attend this forum, which will be held in person and streamed live on Facebook. Finally, I would like to mention that Professor Gonzalo Escobar Reyes will be launching the booklet, "Enjoying Excursions Through Our Beautiful Colombia," available in both Spanish and English, which is one of the project's products.

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