Heritage Tourism Governance in Peru's Machu Picchu Community Federation

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates governance dynamics within the Machu Picchu Community Federation (MPCF) and its implications for heritage-driven tourism, addressing the persistent fragmentation between local governance, park authorities, and tourism stakeholders that constrains sustainable visitation, equitable benefit-sharing, and conservation outcomes. The aim is to evaluate how governance arrangements within MPCF influence tourism management effectiveness, community participation, and heritage preservation, with specific objectives to (1) map governance structures, legitimacy mechanisms, and decision-making processes in MPCF; (2) assess the alignment between MPCF policies and Peru’s national heritage and tourism frameworks; (3) examine stakeholders’ perceptions of governance transparency, inclusion, and accountability; (4) analyze the relationship between governance quality and tourism indicators such as visitor satisfaction, local employment, and conservation indicators; and (5) propose a governance-enhanced model for equitable and sustainable heritage tourism in Machu Picchu. The study adopts a mixed-methods design underpinned by institutional theory and multi-level governance perspectives, integrating neo-institutionalism to interpret formal rules and informal norms, and the stakeholder theory to frame participation and legitimacy. The population comprises MPCF members (n=210), Machu Picchu park authorities (n=60), local tourism businesses (n=120), and international visitors (n=400 surveyed; 200 pre-visit and 200 post-visit). A stratified random sample will be employed for MPCF members and tourism businesses, while systematic sampling targets visitors at entrance points across peak and shoulder seasons. Data collection uses a convergent parallel approach a structured questionnaire (Likert-scale items assessing governance quality, transparency, participation, and perceived value distribution) with 380 completed visitor surveys and 170 business/partner responses, semi-structured interviews with 34 MPCF delegates and 16 park authorities, and document analysis of MPCF bylaws, annual plans, and policy briefs (2015–2025). Instrument validity is established through expert panel review and pilot testing (Cronbach’s alpha >0.80 for scales; inter-coder reliability for qualitative data kappa >0.75). Quantitative data will be analyzed via descriptive statistics, regression analysis to identify determinants of governance satisfaction, and multi-group ANOVA to explore differences across stakeholder groups. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically using a codebook derived from the theoretical framework, with triangulation to ensure convergence between documents, perceptions, and observed outcomes. A conceptual governance model will be developed to test the hypothesized pathways linking transparent participation, resource-sharing mechanisms, and conservation and visitor experience outcomes. Expected findings include evidence that inclusive decision-making and transparent benefit-sharing correlate positively with local employment stability, visitor satisfaction, and adherence to conservation protocols, whereas restrictive or opaque processes correlate with mistrust, informal exertion of power, and uneven benefit distribution. The study anticipates moderating effects of external shocks (e.g., global travel disruptions, climate change pressures) on governance performance, and it will identify governance bottlenecks within MPCF’s jurisdictional interface with SINAN (National Service of Natural Areas) and the Ministry of Culture. The theoretical contribution lies in integrating multi-level governance and institutional theory with community-based tourism governance in a UNESCO World Heritage context, expanding empirical knowledge on how federated community structures can balance conservation imperatives with inclusive tourism development. Policy and practical contributions include a transferable governance compact for co-management and co-benefit frameworks tailored to high-stakes heritage sites, scalable governance indicators, and a set of recommendations for capacity-building, data transparency, conflict resolution mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement protocols. The study concludes that a formalized governance charter, coupled with periodic independent audits and a participatory budgeting process, enhances legitimacy and sustainability outcomes, while preserving cultural integrity and ecological resilience. Recommendations address (1) strengthening MPCF’s legal mandate and interoperability with national heritage authorities; (2) instituting transparent revenue-sharing and reinvestment strategies; (3) expanding community-benefit programs and capacity-building initiatives; and (4) implementing an adaptive governance cycle to respond to episodic shocks and evolving visitation patterns.