Pro-poor tourism for sustainable development in developing areas: a qualitative analysis of the sector

Tourism represents a strategic sector for promoting inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in disadvantaged regions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential of Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) as a mechanism to foster sustainable development and poverty reduction in the canton of Santa Rosa, located in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. A qualitative methodology was employed, combining a systematic literature review with semi-structured interviews conducted with key stakeholders from public institutions, academia, and the private tourism sector. The findings reveal that PPT is primarily understood as a strategic framework rather than a specific tourism typology, requiring effective planning, multi-level governance coordination, stakeholder participation, and adequate resource allocation to ensure equitable benefit distribution and sustainable local development. The study has practical implications for tourism policymakers and destination managers, highlighting the need to integrate PPT principles into local development strategies, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote inclusive tourism governance. The originality of this research lies in its empirical contribution from a Latin American municipal context, which remains underrepresented in the PPT literature, and in positioning PPT as a context-adaptable governance and development tool that links tourism, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.