Fostering socially-responsible and sustainable tourism, with equal and inclusive participation in the Aguilares municipality, Phase III

El Salvador

Background Information

The overall population in Aguilares can be considered as being very poor. In addition, the following problems have worsened as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine : a) an increase in the cost of basic inputs for food and agricultural production; b) economic losses due to local startups going out of business (sale of handicrafts, preparimg local cuisine and drinks, providing basic products and services, etc. ); ) job losses; d) less nutritional food; e) increase in domestic violence; f) violation of rights to free movement, healthy food, organization, participation, education, employment, etc.

 According to the Aguilares Tourism Policy and Strategy Plan, major resources will be used to boost national and international tourism. Phase I and II projects (financed by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council) will provide the municipality with the necessary resources and tools.

Location

Aguilares municipality

Local partner

CORDES (Foundation Association for Community Cooperation and Development in El Salvador)

Goals

Overall Goal: Foster socially- responsible and sustainable tourism, with equal and inclusive participation of civil society from the Aguilares municipality. Five local organizations and 443 people (221 women and 222 men) will take part.  The resources available in the municipality will be used efficiently.

Target population

(221 women and 222 men).

Project duration

Budget

Funding

TAU, DFGipuzkoa (99.994€)

Activities:

  • Perform 23 days of training and arranging two experience-exchange tours.
  • Design and development of an awareness raising program on sustainable, inclusive and socially-responsible tourism linked to the sustainable development goals (SDG).
  • Design and execution of a 2023-2024 action plan for the implementation of the Aguilares Tourism Development Plan and Policy.

  • Construction of two tourist routes in the Aguilares area.

  • Scheduling artistic, cultural and gastronomic festivals. 

  • Using a Tourism Degree from the University of Deusto for the institutional strengthening of COMITURA, Local Government and CORDES in order to foster responsible and sustainable tourism favoring women’s participation and having a local and global approach.

  • Construction of an accessible tourist plaza. Organizing four Mayan Ball Game teams.