System of recommendations for a sustainable tourism product in the Piedra Blanca Waterfall, Canton Bucay

Abstract

This study focuses on the development and implementation of a knowledge-based recommendation system to optimize the tourist experience at Piedra Blanca Waterfall, located in the parish of Esperanza. Through an innovative approach that combines data capture on visitor profiles and the characterization of their preferences, a database was constructed to assess the similarity between visitors and previously experienced satisfaction. The system leverages Neutrosophic Logic to identify and recommend tourist activities and tours that align with the expectations of new visitors, thus maximizing their satisfaction. Four key criteria were defined to characterize the experiences: type of activity, quality of experience, interaction with nature, and willingness to recommend the visit. The implementation results reveal that the system not only improves the personalization of recommendations but also contributes to local economic development and the sustainability of tourism in the region. The creation of a hierarchical inventory of tourist attractions and the identification of available infrastructure and services consolidate the foundation for a diverse and adaptable tourism offering. This recommendation system represents a strategic tool for promoting responsible tourism based on visitor satisfaction, while benefiting the local community and preserving the natural environment of Cascada Piedra Blanca.