Tourism still produces only modest profit in my community, but I believe its potential is real if investment arrives. Ecotourism feels like the best direction because it can value our nature, culture and history rather than simply extract from them.
Riobamba has more traffic, noise and pollution, but population growth is mainly responsible. I also see little evidence that tourists themselves have transformed our traditional culture.
American evangelists have had a much stronger influence. Some attracted people away from Catholicism by distributing gifts and clothing. As a result, children began expecting presents from foreigners, including ordinary tourists.
Please do not give things directly to children; a harmless-looking gift can teach every child to expect something from the next foreigner.
Religious change has divided some families. It has also had a positive side because evangelical rules against alcohol have reduced alcoholism in certain households.
Gender relations have improved. Men were once more strongly machista, and few women worked outside the home. Today, many women earn an income.
With two parents working, children can attend school more easily. Yet parents have less time to guide them, respect for elders has weakened and some young people spend more unsupervised time on the streets near alcohol and drugs.
I do not believe tourism has made the community unsafe. A recent killing resulted from a personal dispute, not visitors. We have no major prostitution or drug problem connected with tourism.
The visitors we value most are not those who hand out presents, but those who spend time, ask questions and support local people’s work.
I would like tourists to show genuine curiosity about residents, culture, local products and attractions. Taxi drivers and other workers also need bilingual training so those encounters become easier.
Ecotourism can succeed if it creates respectful exchange and helps communities protect what they have. It should not repeat the pattern of outsiders arriving with answers and gifts.
A present may last a child for a day, but a respectful visit can support confidence, work and understanding without teaching the next child to hold out a hand.