Impacto de la innovación en productos y servicios en la competitividad de las Heladerías del Centro Histórico de Quito (2022 - 2023)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of traditional ice cream shops on the economy and tourism within the Historic Center of Quito, a city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. These ice cream shops, such as República del Cacao, El Caribe, and Dulce Jesús Mío, combine tradition and innovation, attracting both locals and international travelers. The analysis used a mixed approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative aspects. From a qualitative perspective, interviews were conducted with the managers of these establishments, allowing details about the manufacture and management of ice cream to be known. From a quantitative perspective, Microsoft 365, Excel, and Power BI were used to convert information into measurable data, allowing business performance to be evaluated. Primary sources, direct information from the ice cream shops, and secondary sources, such as official records and academic articles, were used to obtain data. A sample of 384 people was established, calculated based on a population of 466,941 visitors to the Historic Center in 2023, applying a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. The results obtained from the surveys and interviews conducted with the customers and managers of the ice cream shops studied indicate that innovation in products such as commercial strategies are a strength in their competitiveness, which drives their growth and relevance in the market.