Research trends in socio-environmental and socicultural aspects of ecotourism in Latin America (2015-2020)

Abstract

 In Latin America, ecotourism has been relevant in recent years. The objective is to explain research trends in socio-environmental and sociocultural aspects of ecotourism in Latin America between 2015 and 2020 through the documentary review of scientific publications on ecotourism. Quantitative and qualitative data were used. The type of research is descriptive-interpretative and transversal. The hermeneutic method was developed in two phases: heuristic, in which 57 research studies were searched and systematized; and hermeneutic, where data were interpreted with the content analysis technique. Since ecotourism is an emerging field, the trends in socio-environmental problems are sustainable development, environmental management and protection, and socioeconomic aspects. The sociocultural trends are agency, participation, and research. Regarding methodologies, there is a transition from quantitative to mixed, with a predominance of qualitative. In the practices of knowledge production, there are interesting collective experiences, but individual research prevails. The years with most publications in this field were 2019, 2018, and 2017. Mexico stands out as the country with the highest number of studies. Finally, a proposal is presented to integrate two dimensions: (a) sustainability: socio-environmental and socioeconomic, and (b) environmental culture: sociopolitical, socio-educational, and scientific-technological, all mediated by interdisciplinarity. It is important the connection of problems, methodologies, and participation of diverse researchers and communities.