SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC ASPECTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ECOTOURISTS’ MOTIVATIONS IN A COASTAL NATIONAL PARK FROM ECUADOR

The following study analyzes the sociodemographic characteristics along with the motivations of ecotourists. The study was carried out in situ at the Machalilla National Park in Ecuador. A questionnaire was used and statistical techniques, such as Spearman's Corr elation Coefficient, were employed; the results obtained contribute to the academic literature. Ecotourists are men and women whose main motivations are related to novelty, escape from the routine, and nature. Among the relationships of motivations and profile variables, older ecotourists have greater motivations for novelty and knowledge. The lower the level of education of tourists, the greater was their motivation for self-development and prestige/impression. Also, the lower the income levels of tourists, the greater their motivation for self-development and knowledge.