Tensiones entre espiritualidad y turismo: Caso Complejo Patrimonial Todos Santos en Cuenca-Ecuador

Abstract

This paper examines the tensions between spirituality and tourism in the Complejo Patrimonial Todos Santos (CPTS). This study is justified by the need to understand the impact of tourism practices on the spirituality of the place. A theoretical and practical analysis of the perspectives and tensions of the actors involved in the CPTS was carried out. The methodological approach used was qualitative, with an exploratory-descriptive and cross-sectional scope. An exhaustive bibliographic review, a mapping of actors and semi-structured interviews with key actors were carried out. Discourse analysis was performed using the Atlas.ti software, version 24, generating Sankey charts to visualize the results. The conclusions reveal that Cuenca society values churches mainly as religious sites, relegating tourism to a secondary function. This difference highlights the tensions that can arise and the need to adopt strategies that do not compromise the sacredness of these spaces. In the management of the CPTS, it is observed that the guides focus more on tourist aspects than on the religious narrative, which indicates a lack of integration in the presentation of the site as a primarily religious place. In addition, the Oblate sisters, responsible for the management of the complex, consider tourism as a financing option. However, it is crucial that management ensures that tourism activities are economically sustainable and respectful of the sacredness of the site.