Ecotourism Destination Research Articles (Page 1)

Electronic word-of-mouth, or eWOM, has become a significant influence on how tourists make decisions, especially in the rapidly expanding ecotourism industry. Ecotourism research is still scattered and underdeveloped, despite the fact that many studies have looked at eWOM in general tourism contexts. By synthesizing existing literature and incorporating theoretical viewpoints, such as Source Credibility Theory, the Information Adoption Model, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Destination Image Theory, this conceptual paper fills this gap and creates a comprehensive framework that explains how eWOM affects ecotourism destination choice. The framework identifies the following important factors: moderators (eco-consciousness, generational differences, and previous travel experience), mediators (destination image, trust in sustainability practices, and memorable tourist experiences), and antecedents (eWOM credibility, quality, and valence). Future empirical testing will be guided by the hypotheses put forth. This report advances theoretical knowledge, laying the groundwork for further research and useful advice for ecotourism destination marketers looking to use eWOM to promote sustainable travel experiences.

Community-based ecotourism is increasingly recognized not only as a driver of rural economic growth and cultural preservation but also as a potential catalyst for enhancing community nutritional wellbeing. This study examined the case of Ara Village in Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, one of the pioneering ecotourism destinations that integrates cultural heritage, natural resources and community participation. Using a qualitative research design, this study explored how community-based ecotourism empowers local communities economically, socio-culturally, environmentally and nutritionally. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 informants, including homestay owners, fishermen, government officials and local tourists. Findings revealed that beyond creating alternative livelihoods through homestays and tourism services, ecotourism has facilitated improved food access and promoted local dietary practices. Homestay operators frequently serve traditional meals using locally sourced ingredients such as fresh fish, vegetables and indigenous herbs, which help preserve local food culture while encouraging healthier eating patterns. Community engagement in ecotourism has also enabled families to diversify their income, increasing their ability to purchase nutritious food and invest in better household food practices. Moreover, interactions with tourists have introduced new insights into hygiene, food safety and balanced diets, contributing to shifts in nutritional awareness among community members. The study also highlights the role of socio-cultural empowerment, where the revival of culinary traditions and food-based storytelling becomes a tool for cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transmission. However, the long-term sustainability of such impacts depends on inclusive planning and support mechanisms from external stakeholders to ensure that ecotourism continues to benefit both community livelihoods and health outcomes. By integrating perspectives on nutrition, empowerment and local development, this study provides new insights into how community-based ecotourism can serve as a pathway toward improving rural wellbeing. The findings offer practical implications for tourism planners, nutrition advocates, and policymakers working in similar rural contexts across the Global South. Key words: Community-based, Ecotourism, Nutritional wellbeing, Local food systems, Rural empowerment

Ngesrepbalong Village, located in Limbangan District, Kendal Regency, is one of the buffer villages in the Gebugan Gunung Ungaran protected forest and nature reserve (CA) conservation area which is located at an altitude of 600-1200 MDPL with a diversity of ecosystem types and unique landscapes. Until now, a number of natural objects have become a tourist attraction in the village, one of which is Curuglawe Secepit. So that in an effort to develop the area as an ecotourism destination, it is necessary to carry out a feasibility study or feasibility study, both in the inventory of existing tourism objects and in assessing appropriate resources for tourist attractions. Feasibility study research activities on tourism objects in Ngresepbalong Village were carried out by interview surveys and filling out questionnaires by respondents with a total of 204 respondents consisting of Pokdawrwis Gunungsari, Ngresepbalong Village Officials, Community Leaders, MSME Actors, Visitors and the general public. The assessment was carried out on four aspects, namely tourist attraction, accessibility, accommodation and supporting infrastructure. The survey results show that the aspect of tourist attraction is relatively high and the supporting infrastructure for tourism is currently sufficient. Relatively high natural tourist attraction, one of which is uniqueness related to high natural resources such as waterfalls, caves, flora and fauna and various other uniqueness. Meanwhile, for the aspect of accessibility and accommodation, for now it is not so adequate, as for accessibility, it can be seen from the condition of the rocky road/madam to the tourist sites, besides that most of the roads only have a width of about 3 meters. As for the accommodation aspect, it can be seen from the unavailability of adequate lodging within a radius of 15 km from tourist sites, so that these two aspects need to be prioritized to support the development of ecotourism in Ngresepbalong Village. The assessment of the feasibility level of ecotourism in Ngresepbalong Village shows that the tourism feasibility index produces a value of 85.99 with the category Worth developing, where there are four assessment indicators including aspects of tourist attraction which have medium - high values, accessibility aspects with medium - high values, accommodation aspects with low values. – moderate and aspects of infrastructure with a medium – high score.

Responsible Tourism Education (RTE) is considered as an important tool to advance the concept of sustainable development. The components of RTE contribute significantly to the future workforce of tourism, which affects the practice of responsible tourism principles not only by self but also by insisting on their business operations and other stakeholders. Several review studies examined various aspects of responsible tourism such as attitudes, behavior, awareness, actions and so on, in the context of tourism stakeholders like tourists, hoteliers, travel agents and tour operators, destination management organizations. However, there are no studies examined in the literature in detail on RTE. In this regard, the study examines state of the research on RTE in terms of curriculum, teaching and learning, tools and technologies, methodologies, issues, challenges and advantages, and emerging trends. In doing so, the study constitutes a systematic literature review of the studies published in the Scopus- indexed outlets and adopts the PRISMA technique for search, inclusion and exclusion strategy. Total 40 studies were considered for the final review. Analysis shows that the responsible tourism education and related principles are mainly emphasized on eco-tourism and related destination planning and development. Studies examined responsible tourism principles such as local participation, economic aspects, national parks and protected areas, environmental education, conservation management, public attitude and perception. The study suggests that there is a need to advance sustainability discourses, particularly in the context of the RTE for higher tourism educational institutes, to adopt new trends and address the associated issues and challenges.

This study aims to explore the potential economic and socio-cultural opportunities essential for achieving sustainable tourism development in Ilug Kamalig, an emerging ecotourism destination located in the municipality of Porac, Province of Pampanga. Data collection was conducted through traditional pen-and-paper survey questionnaires administered to sixty tourists visiting Ilug Kamalig, originating from Porac and neighboring cities and provinces. The gathered data will be systematically analyzed using descriptive statistical tools, including percentage distribution, mean scores, and verbal interpretation. Findings from the study underscore the significance of ecotourism as a sustainable tourism model that benefits both local communities and visitors. Ecotourism plays a vital role in preserving natural landscapes and cultural heritage, promoting environmental conservation, safeguarding indigenous traditions and ways of life, and fostering economic development. The results affirm that ecotourism attractions like Ilug Kamalig offer substantial advantages to residents, who are instrumental in harnessing these opportunities to drive meaningful change and contribute to the site's long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of a strategic marketing plan designed to assist local government units (LGUs) and tourism personnel in identifying and promoting unique products and services that can enhance the visitor experience. By empowering stakeholders and encouraging community participation, Ilug Kamalig can evolve into a thriving ecotourism hub that exemplifies sustainable development in the region.

Maluku is known as an archipelago and most of its territory is coastal and marine. Coastal areas play an important role in economic activities, such as tourism. The attractive and touristic value of coastal areas must be managed and developed for sustainable welfare through marine tourism. The Lubang Buaya Beach tourist attraction located in Morella Village, Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency has several advantages including an easily accessible location, the beauty of the blue-black sea water, various coral reefs with various colors and shapes (both soft and hard), and various colorful fish that adorn the sea of ​​Lubang Buaya Beach. In addition, one of the areas that has the potential to become an ecotourism destination in Maluku is Moki Beach located in Morella Village, the beach is very supportive for marine tourism locations because it has an exotic beach and a sea that contains a lot of biodiversity. In an aquatic environment, the levels of essential nutrients generally fluctuate greatly because they are influenced by various complex factors such as intake by biological processes, adsorption, release and sedimentation by suspended particles, input from land (allogenic elements) and the influence of the hydrodynamic conditions of the waters themselves. Analysis of the chemical characteristics of essential nutrients in the waters of Lubang Buaya Beach and Moki Beach will provide an overview of the suitability of the waters for ecotourism development. Indirectly related to the productivity and carrying capacity of the waters concerned, which are tourist areas in Maluku Province.

Tourism has become a crucial sector supporting economic growth, particularly in coastal areas with ecotourism potential, such as mangrove forests. Mangrove forests serve vital ecological functions, such as preventing coastal erosion, maintaining air quality, and providing habitat for various flora and fauna species. Furthermore, these areas possess high aesthetic and educational value, making them a prime ecotourism destination. This research was conducted in the Mangrove Tourism Forest for three months (May to July 2025). The research location was selected purposively. Based on data and analysis of tourism resource potential, visitor preferences, and mangrove forest management, a SWOT analysis was conducted to develop a strategy for sustainable tourism development in the mangrove forest. Based on the SWOT analysis, the current environmental condition of mangrove forest tourism areas in Indonesia is experiencing degradation due to the ongoing illegal logging of mangrove trees and the accumulation of waste. Therefore, the tourism development strategy is directed at tourism activities aimed at remediating environmental damage, such as mangrove planting.

ABSTRACT This study responds to the complex relationships between Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Perceived Environmental Responsibility (PER) and Ecotourism Destination Characteristics (EDC). Conceptualization of the relationship is based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework and Value-Belief-Norm Theory. To address the developmental issues in sustainable tourism, data were collected from experienced ecotourists using a structured questionnaire consolidated from established scales. After statistical purifications 457 responses were processed to final analysis via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Results revealed that adoption of VR and AR technologies significantly enhances PER, which in turn positively influences sustainable practices in ecotourism. The mediation analysis confirmed that the impact of VR and AR technologies on sustainable practices is fully transmitted through these two constructs. Furthermore, the ANN model exhibited superior predictive accuracy. The findings highlight the theoretical, practical, and social potential of immersive technologies in driving sustainable behaviour and improving destination management in ecotourism, while suggesting avenues for future research to explore additional contextual factors and long-term impacts.

This study explores the potential of Lubuk Bayas village to become a sustainable educational tourism hub through organic farming-based ecotourism. As environmental awareness grows, there is an increasing demand for destinations that offer both educational and eco-friendly experiences. This research examines how Lubuk Bayas’ organic farming practices can be leveraged to attract eco-conscious tourists, promote environmental education, and support local economic growth. By analyzing local farming practices, visitor interests, and sustainable tourism models, this study identifies strategies to integrate organic agriculture with ecotourism, fostering both ecological preservation and community development. Key focus areas include infrastructure planning, community involvement, environmental impact assessment, and the design of interactive learning experiences for visitors. The study confirms that intention reliably predicts actual behavior, emphasizing that cultivating strong visitor intentions is essential for increasing engagement and encouraging sustainable tourism practices. Environmental and educational values, while essential factors, may be less appealing to some tourists because they tend to be informative. In contrast, tourists are more interested in interactive and emotional experiences while traveling. Social values have a greater influence on tourist intentions than environmental and educational values because tourists are looking for emotional experiences, immediate social impacts, and fun and interactive activities. Factors such as limited interests, social media influence, and instant gratification make social experiences more appealing. However, incorporating environmental and educational values into social interactions can increase their appeal. Key indicators for intention include interest in visiting, participation in local activities, and willingness to recommend the village, while indicators of actual behavior encompass visit frequency, involvement in community events, and sustainable actions taken on-site. These findings highlight the importance of integrating social experiences with sustainable practices in developing Lubuk Bayas as an attractive, resilient ecotourism destination that benefits both the environment and the local community. Keywords: Ecotourism, environmental value, educational value, environmental, social value.

This study explores the dynamics of sustainable tourism development in the Philippines through a qualitative investigation of stakeholder perspectives in two leading ecotourism destinations: Palawan and Bohol. Despite the country’s growing emphasis on sustainability within national tourism policy, the actual practices and local interpretations of sustainable tourism remain understudied. Using a grounded theory approach, this study draws on twenty semi-structured interviews with local government officials, community leaders, tourism workers, and NGO representatives to uncover how sustainability is constructed and challenged in the Philippine context. The findings reveal five key themes: community empowerment, cultural and environmental stewardship, tensions with mass tourism, fragmented governance, and the mediating role of external actors. While local values such as “bayanihan” support sustainable practices, gaps in institutional coordination and unchecked commercial development hinder implementation. The study highlights the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, ensuring local participation, and strengthening multi-level policy coherence. This paper contributes to the discourse on sustainable tourism in developing nations by emphasizing bottom-up approaches and culturally embedded models of tourism development. It offers practical implications for policymakers, destination managers, and development organizations seeking to align tourism growth with ecological protection and community well-being in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian contexts.

ABSTRACT This research was conducted in Daringbadi, a promising ecotourism destination in Odisha, eastern India. The study examines the relationship between pro-environmental orientation and ecotourism awareness among the local residents in Daringbadi, Odisha. The study examines the influence of ecological perspectives on community awareness and perceptions of ecotourism, employing the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory. Data were collected from 201 residents using a culturally tailored quantitative survey framework. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) employing AMOS 23 revealed that the dimensions of the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) significantly predict ecotourism awareness, with all five dimensions – Limits to Growth, Anti-Anthropocentrism, Fragility of Nature’s Balance, Rejection of Exemptionalism, and Possibility of an Eco-Crisis – demonstrating positive correlations. Moreover, awareness of ecotourism was found to significantly influence community opinions regarding its advantages and sustainable development. The findings suggest that fostering environmental values and awareness in local communities may enhance support for sustainable tourism. The findings present significant implications for ecotourism policy and planning in many rural and tribal areas, underscoring the necessity for community-oriented environmental education and participatory frameworks to foster long-term sustainability.

This study investigates the influence of destination image, novelty seeking, tourist experience, and perceived risk on tourist satisfaction and their subsequent impact on revisit intention at Curug Cikondang Ecotourism, West Java, Indonesia. Employing a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design, data were collected through an online survey of 280 respondents who had visited the site within the past year. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 26 was applied for data analysis. The findings reveal that destination image, novelty seeking, and tourist experience significantly enhance satisfaction, while perceived risk reduces it. Tourist satisfaction strongly predicts revisit intention, underscoring its mediating role. The results provide theoretical contributions to ecotourism research and practical insights for sustainable destination management.

As one of the world's megadiverse countries, Indonesia holds vast potential for developing nature-based tourism, particularly avitourism. This study examines the birdwatching ecotourism potential of Tebet Eco Park, an urban green space in South Jakarta, by analyzing bird species' diversity, richness, dominance, and evenness within the park. Bird surveys were conducted from October to December 2024 using standardized observation methods along designated transects. A total of 24 bird species from 21 families were recorded. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H' = 2.46) and the Margalef richness index (R = 3.44) indicate moderate species diversity and community stability. Streptopelia chinensis and Pycnonotus aurigaster were the most dominant species, while Zosterops melanurus and Psittacula alexandri were identified as species of conservation concern. Several birds, such as Nectarinia jugularis, were noted for their colorful plumage or distinctive vocalizations, making them attractive for recreational birdwatching. The findings demonstrate that Tebet Eco Park has strong potential to be developed as a sustainable, accessible, and educational birdwatching ecotourism destination within an urban setting.

This study aims to examine the influence of destination image, tourist satisfaction, and tourist experience on revisit intention to Seribu Ngalau Village (Nagari Sisawah), a growing ecotourism destination in Sijunjung Regency. Despite its natural attractions, the village faces challenges in retaining tourist interest and repeat visits. Using a quantitative approach, this research involved 150 respondents who had previously visited Seribu Ngalau Village. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. The results revealed that destination image positively and significantly affects both tourist satisfaction and tourist experience. Furthermore, tourist satisfaction and tourist experience have a direct and significant impact on revisit intention. These findings emphasize the importance of developing a positive destination image, enhancing tourist experiences, and fulfilling visitor expectations to build loyalty and encourage return visits. This study provides practical implications for destination managers and local government to design more sustainable and visitor-centered tourism strategies.

Ecotourism has grown in prominence in recent years, given that people have become more conscious of climate change and its consequences. In this scenario, ecotourism destinations also engage in efforts by incorporating green marketing tactics in their operations to generate knowledge as well as attract tourists and encourage their behavioral intentions toward responsible tourism. The study aimed to investigate the factors that drive the intention and actual behavior of tourists towards ecotourism by integrating green marketing and green innovation elements with receptivity to green communication, attitudes, and social norms. The study implemented a quantitative method using a questionnaire survey with 558 valid responses collected from Vietnamese tourists who have been exposed to ecotourism destinations’ green marketing initiatives. The results highlighted a favorable relationship between green marketing and green innovation, as well as green marketing and attitudes, leading to enhanced tourist intention and behavior. Interestingly, receptivity to green communication also fosters intention, yet it does not moderate the attitude-intention gap, and the role of descriptive norms is rejected while injunctive norms are significant in the framework. The study aims to provide both theoretical and practical contributions to ecotourism destinations on the necessity of greening efforts in the context of sustainability.

Peshagar Cave is one of the most mysterious and significant archaeological sites in Uzbekistan, located in the Molguzar mountain ridge of Jizzakh region's Zaamin district. Deepest cave in Uzbekistan – Peshagar | Activity holidays Asia The cave features an impressive semi-dome entrance with a main chamber extending approximately 250 meters in length and 10 meters in width. Deepest cave in Uzbekistan – Peshagar | Activity holidays Asia This remarkable underground complex gained prominence after the discovery of ancient artifacts, including primitive household items and petroglyphs depicting scenes of ancient human life and hunting activities. Central Asia GuideVisit Uzbekistan Archaeological expeditions led by scientists like Sattor Karabaev have uncovered evidence suggesting the cave may have served as an underground temple for fire-worshippers, with walls and domes covered in thick layers of ancient soot. Deepest cave in Uzbekistan – Peshagar | Activity holidays Asia Some researchers hypothesize this could be the temple described in 6th-century Chinese chronicles of Tan-shu, potentially linking it to Zoroastrianism. Deepest cave in Uzbekistan – Peshagar | Activity holidays Asia Situated between the Takali and Kumbel mountains and surrounded by green vegetation, the cave features narrow underground passages and unusual sheer walls formed by erosion. Switzerland of Uzbekistan — Visit Uzbekistan The site represents not only a significant archaeological treasure but also a popular ecotourism destination in the Zaamin National Park area, offering visitors insights into prehistoric human civilization in Central Asia.

Abstract Mangrove areas have a vital role in coastal ecosystems and have the potential to become sustainable ecotourism destinations. One of the important elements in supporting mangrove ecotourism is the provision of environmentally friendly pedestrian paths. This research aims to develop the concept of sustainable walking paths by utilizing materials that are suitable for coastal environments. The methods used include literature study, field observation, and material analysis. Results showed that compressed bamboo, recycled wood and plastic, and natural fiber biocomposites have high resistance to coastal conditions and low impact on the environment. The design concept of the pathway prioritizes cost efficiency, material durability, ease of construction, and integration with the mangrove ecosystem. The proposed model is a modular elevated pathway that is flexible to environmental changes. This development not only improves access and tourism experience, but also supports mangrove conservation and reduces the ecological footprint.

Lakes in the eastern Nepal enriched with a combination of mystical biodiversity and the essence of cultural ecosystem services are among the major ecotourism destinations. Wetland based ecotourism approach aims at conserving the environment and uplifting the socio-economic and cultural conditions through tourism development. The study aimed to list out the macrophytes of the lakes and to assess the ecotourism potentialities in some lakes (Taltalaiya, Raja-Rani, Chulachuli and Maipokhari) of eastern Nepal. Macrophytes were studied by quadrat method. Regarding the data for the components of ecotourism, primary data were collected by key informant survey and focus group discussion to know the visitor’s perception on the current ecotourism status of these lakes. Secondary sources of data collection included published and unpublished literature. Collected data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The rich macrophyte diversity of these lakes comprising 56 species of angiosperms and 4 species of aquatic pteridophytes reflects a natural and undisturbed habitat with great ecotourism potentials. However, Chulachuli lake is not familiar from ecotourism point of view till date. Based on numerous ecotourism activities, the study reveals that relaxation ranks top in Taltalaiya lake, picnic/outing in Raja-Rani lake, and religious activity in Maipokhari lake. Ecotourism activities integrated with public involvement could serve as a backbone for generating and improving the wetland revenue to sustain the conservation of wetland biodiversity.

This study aims to explore the interrelationships between digital marketing strategies—such as social media, search engine optimization, and mobile applications—and their impact on ecotourism, environmental conservation, and education. Employing a quantitative research design, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 460 travelers visiting key ecotourism destinations in Indonesia, with data analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal significant positive relationships between digital marketing strategies and ecotourism outcomes, particularly in enhancing destination image and promoting environmental conservation, although issues of discriminant validity were noted among certain constructs. The study underscores the importance of distinct and well-defined constructs in digital marketing strategies for ecotourism, recommending that stakeholders develop unique marketing approaches to enhance effectiveness. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the impact of digital marketing on ecotourism outcomes and highlights the need for clear construct definitions, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in fostering sustainable tourism development.

Abstract. Ecotourism is recognised as a sustainable tourism paradigm that harmonises environmental preservation with economic and cultural advantages. This study examines the integration of advanced technologies, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and mobile applications, in evaluating and developing Alula's ecotourism opportunities. It employs a mixed-method approach to examine Alula's viability for ecotourism, including essential environmental, topographical, and infrastructural elements, as well as evaluating tourist preferences and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption. The GIS and remote sensing research determined that Alula's mild temperature (22.5°C), low population density (2.44 individuals/km2), and slope changes (0–27%) render it an appropriate location for ecotourism. Moreover, the prominent visibility of picturesque locations, closeness to historical sites (0–15 km), and accessibility through road infrastructure augment its tourism potential. Water shortage (21 mm annual rainfall) and habitat fragmentation persist as challenges necessitating sustainable management techniques. The mobile application survey indicated a significant preference for real-time navigation, cultural heritage information, and sustainability education functionalities. Stakeholder interviews highlighted the significance of integrating smart technology to enhance visitor management, resource conservation, and tourist planning. This study combines GIS-based suitability analysis with mobile technology uptake to develop a comprehensive framework for smart ecotourism planning in ecotourism destinations. The findings emphasise the need for GIS and remote sensing for land-use optimisation, mobile apps for visitor interaction, and sustainable infrastructure policies. Tourism planners, environmentalists, and lawmakers might learn from the proposed paradigm on sustainable ecotourism and smart tourism in heritage-rich places.