Design and application of landscape quality indicators for the evaluation of tourist attractions in rural areas

Considering that tourism is an activity that contributes to the well-being of rural communities, a method is proposed to identify and evaluate tourist attractions, based on their landscape quality and their social viability. The method consists in the design and combination of scenic, functional and interpretive indicators to evaluate the quality of the landscape; and in the recognition, through interviews and surveys, of the perception that the local community has of tourism, their interest and willingness to participate and their level of organization. The research was developed in Atlautla, a municipality near Mexico City. Twenty-nine tourist attractions were identified, including seven high-quality landscaping and preference, from which it would be viable to expand the benefits of tourism activity in the community. Although the community has sufficient knowledge, interest and willingness to participate, it lacks adequate organizational capacity.