Luis Alcívar
Geo Tourism and Landscape Expert, Local Foods and Health Volunteer
Luis Alcívar is a distinguished expert in the fields of tourism, sustainable development, and geotourism, with over 30 years of experience in academic, professional, and community-focused roles. He holds a Doctorate in Administrative Sciences with a specialization in Management and Geotourism from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru (2021), and a Master’s degree in Planning and Management of Agro-Tourism and Ecological Projects from Universidad Agraria del Ecuador (2013).
Luis began his career in agricultural management and community development, transitioning into the tourism sector where he found his true calling. Throughout his career, he has led numerous projects aimed at integrating cultural heritage, local gastronomy, and sustainable tourism practices into community development. He has served in various roles, including as the Director of the Tourism Career at Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López (ESPAM MFL) and as a professor specializing in geotourism, sustainable tourism management, destination planning, and collaborating with scientists from different areas for research projects.
In addition to his academic contributions, Luis is the founder and manager of Organización ALMA -Alimentación Manabita, a pioneering initiative dedicated to promoting traditional Manabí cuisine. He has been instrumental in various local and international projects that foster environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and rural tourism development. His research and publications have focused on sustainable tourism, geotourism, and the integration of indigenous practices intourism development.
Luis has played a key role in the creation of regional tourism policies and the establishment of geotourism routes, such as the Geocircuito Jama-Pedernales, Circuito del Cacao, Paisaje Cultural y Natural del Cacao, Latitud Cero, EtniaChachi, Selvas Húmedas Tropicales del Pacífico, and Paisajes Alimentarios de la Cordillera Costanera y Pacífico Ecuatorial de América. He has been a vocal advocate for the promotion of Manabí’s gastronomy and heritage as key elements for sustainable tourism.
Currently, Luis is leading the “Manabí Gastronomía Milenaria” project, which seeks to document and preserve Manabí’s culinary traditions through a book and audiovisual series. He also continues to be involved in several research initiatives exploring Ecuador’s gastronomic heritage, sustainable tourism, and the relationship between tourism and cultural identity. Since 2024, he has contributed his expertise as an IGCAT Expert.
Awards and Recognition:
- 2015: Published research on the Cacao Fino de Aromaas an agro-touristic product in Manabí.
- 2020: Recognized for his contributions to rural tourism development in Ecuador.
- 2023: Winner of the Best Geotourism Project at the Manabí Regional Tourism Conference.
- 2024: Recognized as a leader in sustainable tourism and geotourism at theInternational Geotourism Forum.
