SOCIECONOMIC EFFECTS OF SOLIDARITY TOURISM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LEON, NICARAGUA

Abstract

The evolution in the travel motivations of tourists has caused a re-conceptualization of some tourism models or the creation of new ones (Flores, 1974), such as Solidarity Tourism. The objective of the study was to analyze the socioeconomic effects of Solidarity Tourism in the municipality of León, Nicaragua, through the evaluation of the role and/or perception of this model, of each of the subjects of study. To do this, INTUR-León and 10 NGOs were interviewed, and solidarity tourists, population and local businessmen were surveyed. The results of the analysis showed that it is not essential to bring groups to the country for the execution of NGO programs; programs that have not meant a local development in the receiving communities, the organizations are perceived as unfair competition by the local tourist companies, the solidarity tourists perceive a merely negative image of the country, based on the marketing of the NGOs and finally INTUR does not regulate NGOs. In conclusion, Solidarity Tourism could generate a long-term positive socioeconomic impact on the recipient population, but regulation and management through the correspondent mechanisms are indispensable.