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Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of sustainable youth tourism on community empowerment in Riobamba, Chimborazo, Ecuador, employing a mixed-methods approach characterized by both descriptive and explanatory scopes. A structured survey was administered to 211 young individuals engaged in tourism programs, consisting of two primary scales: Sustainable Youth Tourism (SYT) and Community Empowerment (CE). The scales demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's ? > 0.90), confirming the reliability of the utilized instruments. The descriptive findings indicate a favorable perception of youth participation in sustainable tourism initiatives; however, representation in decision-making processes remains constrained. Additionally, significant positive correlations were identified between training, leadership, and youth participation, suggesting a direct relationship between training and involvement in community management. The study outlines institutional and cultural barriers that limit youth inclusion and proposes strategies focused on public policies, training programs, and intergenerational mentoring mechanisms, with the goal of enhancing self-management, social innovation, and participatory governance in community-based tourism. This evidence supports the involvement of youth as pivotal contributors to local tourism sustainability and governance.
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