This research analyzed the behavior of receptive tourism in Ecuador and its relationship with the United States’ economy. An index was developed to measure instability and crisis levels as well as the vector autoregressive models - VAR, cointegration as well as hypothesis tests through vectors. The findings indicate that Ecuador endured a crisis 12 out of 19 years; on the other hand, while the United States entered a crisis, the figures of Ecuadorian tourism improved. Likewise, the GDP’s inverse growth movement influenced the reduction in the number of tourists. Therefore, expenditure capacity decided the touristic destination, not so Ecuador’s internal cost index. Finally, it was proven that the average expenditure of a foreign tourist was reduced across time.

Resumen:Dentro del modelo general de acreditación de carreras y programas encontramos como primer criterio aquel de la pertinencia, lo que da cuenta de la importancia que la autoridad le da a este aspecto. Sin embargo, el concepto va mucho más allá de lo que en términos de evidencia se puede documentar para efectos de evaluación; y, que tratándose de un concepto social, su contenido, sus dimensiones responden a los sujetos que la definen. La pertinencia debe tener raíces profundas en la institución, como un eje transversal que atraviesa todo el quehacer institucional, desde la Visión y Misión declarada en su planificación estratégica, en la investigación, la vinculación y su oferta formativa: desde el perfil profesional, de egreso hasta terminar en el currículo de una carrera o programa que le brinda coherencia. De ahí la necesidad de abrir un debate amplio y participativo respecto de la pertinencia a todo nivel que congregue los esfuerzos institucionales en función del desarrollo nacional. Palabras clave:Pertinencia, universidad-sociedad, calidad académica, evaluación, desarrollo. Abstract:In the framework of the general model for accreditation of programs in universities, we found "Pertinence" as the first criterion of relevance, which realizes the importance that the authority gives this criterion as a one of the three main university functions. However, the concept goes far beyond the simple meaning of the terms. Pertinence is a social concept, so its contents, its dimensions correspond with the subjects that define it. "Pertinence" must have deep roots in the institution, as a transversal axis that runs through all the institution. "Pertinence" involves the Vision and Mision, declared in its strategic planning, research activities, vinculation; and, of course, the university careers, from the professional profile that university offers to the society, until the curriculum of each programs. In this sense, is necessary to open a wide debate that involves all the institution efforts for national development.