An Attempt to Characterize the “3S” (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches
Open Access
- 24 April 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 12 (8), 3468
- https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083468
Abstract
Sea, Sun, and Sand (3S) are relevant and determining elements for choosing a tourist destination in Ecuador, a country with about 1200 km of coast along the Pacific Ocean. This study analyzed the market potential of the 3S in 64 beaches, 10 located in the Galapagos and 54 in the continental zone (of Ecuador). The methodology used was exploratory and bibliographical, complemented by a descriptive analysis. The color of the water was assessed by direct observation, sand samples were taken to a laboratory for color analysis, and information on the hours of light was obtained from international archive data. The data obtained were compared with other world famous 3S tourism destinations. The Galapagos had the best results, with attractive white sand beaches, sea blue water color, and an elevated sunshine time; meanwhile, the continental zone presented poor beaches with dark sand and unattractive water color. To strengthen 3S tourism, managers should work on the enhancement of complementary aspects such as culture, gastronomy, and architecture, promoting the creation of new coastal tourist routes and destinations.This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit:
- Sand Colour Rating and Chromatic Compatibility of Borrow SedimentsJournal of Coastal Research, 2010
- Welcome to the Wet Tropics: the importance of weather in reef tourism resilience1Current Issues in Tourism, 2009
- How Climate Change is Considered in Sustainable Tourism Policies: A Case of The Mediterranean Islands of Malta and MallorcaTourism Review International, 2008
- An Analysis of Cities Based on Tourism Supply and Climatic Conditions in TurkeyTourism Geographies, 2008
- Marine debris review for Latin America and the Wider Caribbean Region: From the 1970s until now, and where do we go from here?Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2007
- Coastal Scenery: Appreciation and EvaluationJournal of Coastal Research, 2006
- Tourism climatology: evaluating environmental information for decision making and business planning in the recreation and tourism sectorInternational Journal of Biometeorology, 2003
- A novel, user-based rating system for tourist beachesTourism Management, 1999
- 'Sun, Sand and Sales': Enclave Tourism and Local Entrepreneurship in IndonesiaCurrent Issues in Tourism, 1999
- Cultural tourism and business opportunities for museums and heritage sitesTourism Management, 1995