COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM AND MONUMENT CONSERVATION IN BOYACÁ, COLOMBIA

Abstract

The objective of this research article is to identify the community's willingness to get involved in monument conservation efforts in the development of community-based tourism in the department of Boyacá. To achieve this purpose, a mixed approach was used, with a descriptive methodological design, combining quantitative and qualitative tools, through surveys and interviews. The categories addressed by the research were: community tourism, community participation and monument conservation. In the first phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight tourism service providers in the department of Boyacá during the months of September and November 2023.  In the second phase, structured surveys were conducted with 112 community members from the department of Boyacá, guaranteeing the informed consent of all participants. The sample size was calculated using an infinite statistical formula that considered a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 10, which indicates that the sample size is 97 over the total number of surveys conducted. The results obtained provide a comprehensive view of the community's willingness to get involved in monument conservation in Boyacá. Community participation in the conservation and recognition of these monuments not only strengthens the social fabric, but also generates a sense of belonging and local pride that translates into an enriching experience for visitors. In conclusion, it was found that, for the development of community-based tourism in the department of Boyacá, it is essential to identify the community's willingness to get involved in the conservation efforts of the monuments, since the active participation of local inhabitants is fundamental to guarantee the sustainability of these initiatives.