Tourism suitability in humid tropical regions: a spatial assessment in the ecuadorian Amazon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71112/enrsep05Keywords:
geographic information system, precipitation, amazon, multicriteria analysisAbstract
This study evaluates tourism suitability in humid tropical regions through a spatial modeling approach applied to Pastaza province in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Climatic variables (annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality), geographic factors (elevation), and ecological components (vegetation cover) were integrated using a GIS-based multicriteria model. Variables were standardized and reclassified into an ordinal scale and subsequently combined through weighted map algebra to generate a continuous tourism suitability index. Results reveal a clear spatial gradient, with higher suitability concentrated in the Andean foothills and lower suitability in the Amazon lowlands. Precipitation emerges as the dominant factor, influencing accessibility, environmental stability, and tourist experience. Vegetation cover further highlights the role of natural ecosystems in shaping nature-based tourism potential. This study provides empirical evidence on the structuring role of precipitation in Amazonian tourism geography and demonstrates the applicability of GIS-based multicriteria approaches for territorial planning in tropical environments, contributing to sustainable tourism development strategies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Darwin Javier Sucoshañay Villalba, Yudemir Cruz Pérez, Emilio Mijail Cueva Marcillo, Luisa Maleni Andrade Landi (Autor/a)
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