Conflict mapping toward ecotourism facility foundation using spatial Q methodology

Abstract

Ecotourism planning must consider the location of ecological resources, residents' homes, and infrastructure. In numerous studies using environmental and physical data, efficient ecotourism planning is considered “development-unfriendly and negligent toward the environment” by locals. This study analyzes the preference relationships of stakeholders' spaces through conflict mapping using Q methodology. Such mapping of stakeholder interests between two specific periods in the Maha ecotourism site, Pyeongchang, Korea, where ecotourism development conflicts peaked recently, revealed that minimizing the scale of facilities in accordance with residents’ opinions would also minimize conflict. Additionally, the concerns expressed during the early stages of development pertained to ecotourism facilities and road maintenance, which were assumed to vitalize the local community by attracting tourists. However, in terms of ecological resource maintenance, its improvement, and the use of village public spaces, a strong preference was gradually shown for spaces intended for both tourists and residents.