Representations of the Ecotourism Potentials of the Totumo Volcano, in Colombia, Facing the Free Trade Agreement with the United States

Abstract

The Totumo Volcano, located in the Municipality of Santa Catalina, in the Department of Bolívar, is equidistant between Barranquilla and Cartagena, the most important cities of the Colombian Caribbean. It is a mud deposit, with many healthy mineral properties, offering a recreational experience. This article presents the results of the evaluation of its tourism potential, from the perspective of those who participate in this attraction. The theoretical framework is based on the theory of Development Potentials, a mixed methodology was applied and the sample consisted of 100 visitors. It was concluded that the needs prevail over the capacities, and that the actions exceed the opportunities, so that their achievements are low, being the most valued the offer itself, the organization of the sector and the surveillance, and among the least valued the administration, the health service, roads and transportation. Among the average aspects of the perception of the tourist resource are the logistics, the attention to the tourist, the infrastructure, the training of guides and the lodging of visitors. The indicators that gained the most weight were promotion and publicity, government support and the promotion of microenterprises. It is concluded that the evaluated site is clearly identifed as a tourist offer in view of the opportunities offered by the FTA, although its potentialities are valued at 42% of development, which is a low level.