An Analysis of Information Gaps, Practices, and Safety Concerns
Tourism is an economic sector in which many societies have chosen to focus on progress and development. It is common, especially in developing countries, that the tourist information offered to visitors is inadequate, outdated, or not easily accessible. This investigation focused on mountaineering as a tourist activity to determine the profile of mountaineers, their information needs, and the functioning of this activity in Ecuador.
The results of the study revealed that 30% of mountaineers are women, while 70% are men. The majority of visitors did not belong to a mountaineering club, were residents of Ecuador, lacked proper training for risk management in the mountains, and were frequent visitors to mountainous areas. Regarding the availability of mountain-related information, it was found that there was a lack of a specific mountain guide with relevant, updated, and adequate information. The demand for information primarily concerned mountain routes, necessary equipment and clothing, and accessibility. A particularly notable finding was that professional mountain guides did not consider the environmental impact of mountaineering activities.
Concerning the functioning of mountaineering in Ecuador, the study found that the area with the most mountaineering activity is the Northern Andes, particularly the region from Imbabura to the Quilotoa volcano. Cotopaxi is the main attraction in this area, leading to a concentration of high-mountain tourism around this volcano. The primary mountaineering circuits are shown in the map below. Additionally, the need for an organized system for mountain intervention and rescue in case of emergencies was highlighted.
The results of this research were published in the magazine Montaña en Ecuador. The study contributed to the understanding of the increasing number of mountain accidents in Ecuador.
Source: Corti, N. (2013): Los accidentes de montaña y la descarga de responsabilidad. Revista Montaña. Geografía, Deporte, Aventura. Mayo 2013.