Tourist development in San Carlos: Implementation of signage to improve accessibility for visitors (Original)

Abstract

This article deals with the importance of implementing tourism signage in the rural community of San Carlos, located near Jipijapa, Manabí, as a strategy to strengthen tourism development and improve visitor accessibility. The study begins with a theoretical review of signage, accessibility, and tourism inclusion and employs a qualitative methodology with a descriptive and participatory approach, based on interviews with community stakeholders, direct observation, and content analysis. The results reveal significant deficiencies in the local signage infrastructure, which negatively impacts the visitor experience and limits the community's tourism potential. Based on the diagnosis, a signage proposal was designed based on principles of universal accessibility, cultural identity, and sustainability. The discussion highlights that adequate signage not only guides tourists but also communicates the heritage value of the destination and strengthens territorial identity. It is concluded that the implementation of inclusive signage can become a key tool for promoting responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism in rural communities such as San Carlos.