Heritage Tourism as a Local Development Strategy: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Its Impact on the Municipality of San Agustín (Colombia)

Authors

  • Bilver Adrian Astorquiza-Bustos Universidad de Manizales https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1079-6711
  • Diana Molina-Argote Universidad de Manizales
  • Ofelia Palencia-Fajardo Corporación Universitaria del Huila

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.033

Keywords:

sustainable tourism, tourism competitiveness, tourism perception, economic impact, tourism management

Abstract

Heritage tourism offers an opportunity to drive socioeconomic development in regions with a strong cultural identity. This study examines its impact on infrastructure, competitiveness and the local economy in San Agustín, Huila, using a mixed-methods approach based on surveys of tourists and tourism stakeholders. Results show high visitor satisfaction with infrastructure (58 positive responses) and average spending between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 per stay. However, tourism stakeholders perceive limitations in accessibility, promotion and profitability. Significant correlations were found between spending, length of stay and perception of safety. Destination sustainability is linked to heritage appreciation and local collaboration. The study highlights the importance of strengthening infrastructure, diversifying tourism experiences and promoting participatory governance to balance economic growth with cultural preservation.

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Author Biographies

Bilver Adrian Astorquiza-Bustos, Universidad de Manizales

Professor Full Time at Universidad de Manizales, Ph.D (c) in Economics at EAFIT University and Ph.D student in Economics Sciences at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana-Cali. I've more than seven years of experience in research and teaching at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, with a strong background in quantitative, statistical and economic methods for data analysis. I have a special interest in the fields of Spatial Econometrics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics

Ofelia Palencia-Fajardo , Corporación Universitaria del Huila

Magíster en Administración de Organizaciones

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Published

2026-04-29

How to Cite

Astorquiza-Bustos, B. A., Molina-Argote, D. ., & Palencia-Fajardo , O. . (2026). Heritage Tourism as a Local Development Strategy: A Socioeconomic Analysis of Its Impact on the Municipality of San Agustín (Colombia). PASOS Revista De Turismo Y Patrimonio Cultural, 24(2), 517–534. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2026.24.033