El rol del guía naturalista en el comportamiento de los visitantes de Puerto Ayora, Galápagos.

Abstract

The study examines the respective influence of the naturalist guide's performance on the behavior of visitors in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, by which they address the tension between the growth of local tourism and the conservation of the site or natural environment. A mixed, non-experimental, descriptive and exploratory approach was used. To collect data, 385 surveys were carried out with national and international tourists, in addition to semi-structured interviews with guides accredited by the Galapagos National Park. The results, both quantitative and qualitative, show that the naturalist guide not only explains biodiversity, but also regulates behaviors and prevents infractions in protected areas. The results of this research demonstrate that assertive communication, balanced leadership, and detailed explanation of regulations and rules increase environmental compliance and significantly reduce inappropriate behaviors that threaten wildlife and sites. Therefore, it is concluded that the effectiveness of the guidance depends on continuous training in group management and persuasive communication, proposing strategic proposals to strengthen its performance and promote a long-term sustainable tourism model on Santa Cruz Island.