A Theoretical–Methodological Model for Communities Engaged in Alternative Tourism: Integrating the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Structures

Georgina del Socorro Medina Argueta (), Ángel Aarón Rosado Varela, Julio César Cruz Argüello and Blandy Berenice Pamplona Solís
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Georgina del Socorro Medina Argueta: Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Chetumal, Av. Insurgentes 330, Chetumal 77013, QR, Mexico
Ángel Aarón Rosado Varela: Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Quintana Roo, Blvd. Bahía s/n, Del Bosque, Chetumal 77019, QR, Mexico
Julio César Cruz Argüello: Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Chetumal, Av. Insurgentes 330, Chetumal 77013, QR, Mexico
Blandy Berenice Pamplona Solís: Tecnológico Nacional de México/I.T. Chetumal, Av. Insurgentes 330, Chetumal 77013, QR, Mexico

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-21

Abstract: This study proposes a theoretical–methodological model for communities engaged in alternative tourism, based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in alternative development structures—understood as organizational forms that differ from the dominant economic model by prioritizing communal and sustainable principles. Through a theoretical, exploratory–descriptive, and qualitative approach, the research adapts an analytical model previously applied to conventional tourism areas and redirects it toward rural territories with tourism potential. The resulting model, named METACORTAL, offers a structured methodology aimed at strengthening community processes and guiding the implementation of sustainable tourism practices. A total of 15 goals, 36 targets, and 49 indicators from the 2030 Agenda are identified as aligned with alternative tourism and with at least one form of alternative development structure. This study is highly relevant for policymakers, community leaders, and tourism stakeholders seeking to link local development with global sustainability frameworks. By offering a practical decision-making tool, it contributes to advancing the SDGs through inclusive and context-sensitive tourism models.

Keywords: alternative tourism; alternative structures; sustainable development goals; communities; 2030 Agenda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6247-:d:1697032

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