“Tourism Potentiality” as an Additional Activity for Socio-Economic Development of the Fishing Field in Las Aguamitas, Sinaloa, Mexico

Abstract

Riparian rural communities are characterized as spaces whose main activity is the exploitation of natural resources of the sea, but the diversification of economic activities is an option to change their current situation. The fishing cooperative plays a critical role in addressing the challenges imposed by the demands of today’s world. It is necessary to implement practices that contribute to economic, social and ecological development of the locality. This paper presents results of research whose objective was to identify the tourism potentiality as a complementary activity to economic and social development of the rural community in Las Aguamitas and the role of the fishing cooperative Barra de La Tonina, in local community development. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews and observation. In addition, a survey to characterize socioe-conomically cooperative members was applied. The findings indicate that Las Aguamitas is a rural community with a wide range of natural and human resources to promote and encourage tourism. Even though the members of the cooperative and the community residents offer travel services, these are informal and without professionalization of the activity. From the above, it is concluded that the rural community has potential for tourism as a complementary activity for socioeconomic development, however it needs to train and professionalize the activity.