The Decolonial Power of Community Tourism

This study focusses on the pedagogical effect of Community Tourism in the Ecuadorian context. Within the encounter between Western tourists and local rural communities, it analyses the potential reflection on structures of Coloniality that these projects can generate.

The research draws upon a combination of participant observations and in-depth interviews with both groups, while using Autoethnography as a method to integrate a critical personal reflection of the researcher. The study has shown the potential that direct contact between these two groups, and a self-determined and clear concept from the community have for decolonizing the tourism industry. The findings may be useful for communities offering touristic products to further strengthen their positions of auto-management and self-determination.