The participation of women tourists in the festival of Loja-Ecuador 2018

Abstract

Introduction: festivals contribute to increasing heritage diversity. This research contributes to promoting the transformation of festivals into scenarios that favor access to the dissemination of the arts with criteria of equity towards women tourists.

Objective: the purpose of this work is to investigate the participation of female tourists during Festival of Living Arts in Loja-Ecuador in 2018 in order to determine if both men and women have a full and equal participation in culture; as well as to infer future trends.

Method and technique: this research use a quantitative approach of exploratory scope; 353 surveys were applied. Data were analyzed based on the regression tree technique and Chi-square Interaction Detection Analysis. Additionally, four test statisticians were used.

Results: the probability of attendance of female tourists and their expenses were lower than men. Women tourists preferred plays, dance and gastronomic exhibitions. Prices were perceived as high, this would cause a return of a small percentage of female tourists.

Conclusions:  the cultural offer of the festival is not inclusive for female tourists. If this trend persists, attendance would become polarized. The right of female tourists to take part as attendees in the activities of art festivals should be a commitment of the city, as public policy.