Enhancing Management Capacities for Rural Tourism Development: A Perspective from University-Industry Collaboration

Abstract

Introduction: Municipal autonomy in crafting and executing local development strategies is pivotal for reducing reliance on central authority and fostering solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges at the grassroots level. Strengthening management capacities within each municipality is therefore crucial for driving local initiatives that effectively address these issues. Objective: To identify, through university-industry collaboration, strategies for expanding management capacities for rural tourism as a catalyst for local development at the municipal level. Methodology: This research adopts a descriptive, qualitative approach. Methods such as documentary analysis, scientific observation, and interviews were employed to underpin the proposal, drawing from experiences in the Avileño municipalities of Florencia, Chambas, and Bolivia. Results: Several integrated actions and workshops have been structured within the university-industry-municipality framework, offering a suite of tools that enhance learning and foster innovative management capacities at the municipal level, with a focus on leveraging tourism activity for local development. Conclusions: The proposed actions and workshops represent a significant stride in rural tourism management within these municipalities. Establishing structures and operational systems is crucial for driving the local economy and organizing knowledge in tourism, thus facilitating a direct impact on local development.