Characterization of the Causes Leading to the Loss of Cultural Identity on Third Avenue in Ibagué: A Perspective from Local Merchants

Abstract

In third street, a loss of cultural identity has been found despite having many tourist, gastronomic, and cultural attractions. The main objective is to characterize the causes of this loss of cultural identity according to local merchants. The research design will be developed through field study techniques, identifying quantitative and qualitative variables. A mixed-method approach will be used as the object of study. Instruments such as interviews were used to reveal that Third Street has lost its cultural identity and its purpose as a tourist attraction. The main result was concluded that this problem is due to the proliferation of street vendors and the increase in informal commerce, which affects the safety of the area. This is because, alongside informal vendors, other illegal activities such as pickpocketing, drug dealing, and snatching are also involved.