An Attempt to Characterize the "3S" (Sea, Sun, and Sand) Parameters: Application to the Galapagos Islands and Continental Ecuadorian Beaches
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2020-04Department
Ciencias de la Tierra; Historia, Geografía y FilosofíaSource
Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3468Abstract
Sea, Sun, and Sand (3S) are relevant and determining elements for choosing a tourist
destination in Ecuador, a country with about 1200 km of coast along the Pacific Ocean. This study
analyzed the market potential of the 3S in 64 beaches, 10 located in the Galapagos and 54 in
the continental zone (of Ecuador). The methodology used was exploratory and bibliographical,
complemented by a descriptive analysis. The color of the water was assessed by direct observation,
sand samples were taken to a laboratory for color analysis, and information on the hours of light was
obtained from international archive data. The data obtained were compared with other world famous
3S tourism destinations. The Galapagos had the best results, with attractive white sand beaches, sea
blue water color, and an elevated sunshine time; meanwhile, the continental zone presented poor
beaches with dark sand and unattractive water color. To strengthen 3S tourism, managers should
work on the enhancement of complementary aspects such as culture, gastronomy, and architecture,
promoting the creation of new coastal tourist routes and destinations.