Breaking the barriers: Making ecotourism culturally sensitive in a global community

Abstract

SupervisorProf. Dr. Marc BrosseauInstitution awarding the Ph. D. DegreeUniversity of Ottawa (Canada)Date of defence14th April 2009Goal and objectives of the dissertationThis study examines the evolution of ecotourism and the emergent 'cultural turn' in the ecotourism discourse. It is informed by antecedents who call for definitions and measures to assist ecotourism stakeholders (professionals, researchers, policy-makers, communities, tourists) to ensure that culture is not compromised during the ecotourism experience, that barriers to culturally sensitivity are identified and appropriate action is taken, and that sustainable outcomes result. The purpose of the research is to develop a contemporary framework for culturally sensitive ecotourism. Through consultations with a global network of ecotourism experts, key ecotourism tenets are identified, a cultural sensitivity definition is developed, and when integrated, they comprise the contemporary framework. The utility of the framework for assisting the ecotourism community to 'break the barriers' and operate with understanding and integrity, to be sensitive to local and Indigenous communities, to protect cultural heritage and living cultures, and by extension, operationalize sustainable development, is explored.MethodologyThis study draws on a comprehensive literature review, including the content analysis of academic and professional publications in English, French, and Mandarin, to trace the evolution of the ecotourism concept and to identify tenets common to the contemporary definitional discourse. It is complimented by the application of the Delphi technique and the judgement of ecotourism experts on the importance of cultural sensitivity (a neglected definitional theme identified through review and analysis) for ecotourism. Over the course of six months, 167 experts from over 40 countries were consulted and a consensus definition for culturally sensitive ecotourism was developed. The Internet served as the primary medium for Delphi administration.Theoretical conclusionsThe results of the research reveal an evolving understanding of the contemporary ecotourism paradigm and the import of cultural sensitivity in the cultural mosaic of the global community. Through the identification of key tenets, the development of a consensus definition for cultural sensitivity, and the integration of these key results, a contemporary framework for culturally sensitive ecotourism are introduced. The framework is conceptual by design and its utility for 'genuine' and 'culturally sensitive' ecotourism evaluation has yet to be assessed. The framework embodies the transformative capacity of ecotourism, it captures salient themes and issues, and it contains an embedded mechanism for cultural sensitivity in the global community.Practical application of the dissertationAs ecotourism continues to expand into increasingly remote and sensitive natural and cultural areas, guidance is required to ensure that ecotourism delivers sustainable ends. …