Ecotourism Services Research Articles

P3P(Training, Use, and Implementation) of the GO-Turtles Application as a Provider of Turtle Conservation and Ecotourism Services Supporting Conservation Groups

There is a discrepancy in reports between each conservation officer and this causes difficulties in carrying out supervision, resulting in a decrease in the number of turtles and slow ticket service processes. This community service activity aims to help community groups consisting of conservation groups and tourism groups in data management. For conservation groups, it is to facilitate the management of conservation data into computerization. Meanwhile, for tour groups, it is easier to process tickets with scan and print technology. Therefore, the Universitas Komputer Indonesia team will carry out training and mentoring activities for the GO-Turtles desktop and mobile-based application. This application consists of a conservation system and a ticketing system. The method used in the creation and implementation of the application uses a technological approach pattern through discussion/dialogue on the problems that occur using a questionnaire with several questions. This application will also be connected to Scanner technology and automatic Printing technology which consists of registration, mailing, conservation, and ticketing functions. The results of the conservation group's community service activities can be filled in online every day and can be saved in the application, while tourism groups, can use scanner technology and printer technology which produce tickets online and offline, and the result of this activity is the data processing process that has been successfully carried out by conservation and tourism officers

WHY ARE INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS SATISFIED WITH ECOTOURISM IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM?

The satisfaction of tourists plays a crucial role in the success of a tourist destination. This study aims to demonstrate factors influencing the satisfaction of international tourists with ecotourism in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The study employs a convenient sampling combined with direct interviews of 256 international tourists who have experienced ecotourism services in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Quantitative analysis methods used in the study include testing the reliability of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM). The research results have proven 06 factors influencing the satisfaction of international tourists with ecotourism in the Mekong Delta, including trust, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, tangible facilities, and local characteristics. Among these, the local characteristic factor has the most impact on the satisfaction of international tourists with ecotourism in the Mekong Delta. The research results will provide managerial implications to enhance service quality and improve the satisfaction of international tourists with ecotourism in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam.

제주관광과 스포츠관광에 관한 연구의 키워드 네트워크에 대한 이해

Purpose - The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary study to identify key trends on research articles indexed in KCI in relation to tourism in Jeju and sports tourism. Design/methodology/approach - Information regarding research articles focused on Jeju tourism and sports tourism indexed in KCI (145 and 120 articles respectively) were collected and finally abstract written in Korean of 100 and 91 articles on sports tourism and Jeju tourism respectively were chosen for the further analysis after removing redundant articles. R program was used to analyze keyword frequencies, co-occurring terms, and degree/betweeness centrality measures and visualize the keyword network results. Findings - Event, marketing, content, program, implication, service, stadium, and tourism destination have been identified as keywords with highest frequencies among research on sport tourism, whereas tourism destination, image, brand, content, data, Chinese, satisfaction, eco-tourism service, place of arrival were highly appearing terms among research on Jeju tourism. Research implications or Originality - This study highlighted that Jeju has been interlinked with a range of terms such as programs influencing Jeju tourism, natural environment, tourism-related resources (e.g., museums, dramas, etc.), whereas sports has been closely related to sports event and vaiours types of sports (e.g., bicycle, staking, and scuber), but not to Jeju-do.

Determining the role of eco-tourism service quality, tourist satisfaction, and destination loyalty: A case study of Kuakata beach

The impact of eco-tourism service quality (ETSQ) and destination loyalty on beach tourism, particularly Kuakata Beach in Bangladesh, was examined. The present study builds upon the initial research on ETSQ to assess tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty at Kuakata Beach. Data for the analysis were obtained from 284 tourists who visited Kuakata Beach. The obtained data were processed with the use of SPSS 26 and smartPLS 3. The study demonstrated that ETSQ is significantly linked with tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty. The findings revealed a robust relationship between ETSQ, tourist satisfaction, and commitment to a specific destination. The study has practical implications for eco-tourism promotion by the government, semi-governmental, and non-governmental organizations in Kuakata, other tourist attractions in Bangladesh, and tour operators who could design ETSQ to provide tourist satisfaction tools and recommend tourist destinations.

Conservation of Endemic Birds Through the Willingness to Pay Tourists in the Manusela National Park Eco-Tourism Area

Ecotourism management requires a lot of funds, so through ecotourism activities visitors can get involved in supporting the conservation of the area through willingness to pay (WTP). The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions and preferences of tourists and the willingness to pay visitors (WTP) in supporting the conservation of typical bird species in MNP. Determination of the sample using accidental sampling technique. The number of samples used was 38 tourists. The characteristics and perceptions of visitors were analyzed using qualitative descriptive, while the willingness to pay of tourists used quantitative analysis. The results showed of the calculation WTP to support the conservation of endemic bird species through the management of birdwatching ecotourism attractions obtained a value of 2,000 000, -. This value indicates that the appropriate price for birdwatching ecotourism services in Masihulan Village for tourists is 2,000,000,-.

Ways to increase ecotourism services in the international tourism market

The experience of foreign countries and international organizations regarding the development of ecological tourism was analyzed, and the activities of progressive, scientifically based global practices were investigated. The main problems that prevent the implementation of international experience in the Ukrainian space have been identified, namely: lack of state support for the development of rural, ecological (green), agrarian tourism; low level of information support; imperfection of the legislative and regulatory framework; limited amount of investment resources; insufficiently practical application of the mechanism of public-private partnership when attracting non-traditional sources of financing investment projects; low level of activity of local authorities in the development of ecotourism; lack of tax benefits for persons involved in the provision of ecotourism services. The priority directions for developing ecotourism in Ukraine are given, taking foreign experience into account. The importance of developing and popularizing Ukrainian ecological tourism on international markets as an element of ensuring a stable situation in the tourism industry is noted. Ecotourism products on the international tourist services market were studied. The types and classifications of ecotourism products, organization, and promotion of tourist services in the international tourist market were studied. It has been established that ecological tourism is gaining more and more popularity and occupies a significant place in the tourism industry. It was determined that the emergence of a new type of tourism has a positive effect on the economic development of countries. The most popular in ecological tourism are tours to those countries where there are still priceless natural resources. It was analyzed that the primary goal of ecotourism is the study and preservation of the environment, the preservation of priceless landscapes. This is the main difference from other types of tourism. The potential for the development of international ecotourism is significant. However, it needs to be used more. Thus, one of the main tasks in the field of tourism development is the creation of ecological paths and ecotourism paths. Ecological tourism can be a specialization that will become a competitive alternative to irrational economic activity and, with the support of state institutions, a natural mechanism for ensuring the region's sustainable development. Thus, the development of international ecotourism is a necessary prerequisite: the availability of resource potential, a harmonious combination of natural and anthropogenic objects, and a network of tourist routes that can become the basis of road tourist routes. Keywords: eco-tourism, prospects, solutions, problems, implementation, tour

Ecotourism Development in the Russian Areas under Nature Protection

The subject of this study is the Russian areas where the use of natural resources is restricted, and economic activities must be developed with due regard for the need to protect natural ecosystems from harmful human impacts. Areas under nature protection, particularly national parks, also fall into this category and make an important contribution to nature conservation. They are also the basis for the development of ecotourism, as in other parts of the world. Russia, along with other countries, adheres to a variety of concepts and tools for the development of ecotourism in PAs. In this paper, we examine the essential characteristics and implementation domains of state policy for promoting ecotourism development, using the Zabaikalsky National Park (ZNP) and the Tunkinsky National Park (TNP) as illustrative examples. Both parks are situated in the Lake Baikal basin. In this study, we rely on theoretical and practical approaches, and legislative and regulatory documents on the development of PAs and ecotourism. The analytical framework employed in this study encompasses eight fundamental areas of operation for national parks, specifically regarding the establishment of favorable conditions for ecotourism. Our information sources comprise official state reports, documents, and materials pertaining to the studied parks, as well as data obtained from expedition research, GPS tracks, and photo-sharing websites (social networks). Our findings show that efforts are being made in the parks to create favorable conditions for ecotourism development. These efforts include improving management practices, implementing functional zoning strategies, developing conceptual and design solutions, developing infrastructure, securing funding, engaging local communities, and promoting ecotourism services. Furthermore, our analysis has identified both strengths and weaknesses in the parks’ approaches to ecotourism development (attracting private investment, infrastructure and staffing, monitoring of recreational impact). The TNP, being larger in size and better developed economically, has a more significant social and economic impact on people than the ZNP. The two studied parks demonstrate the implementation of the federal agenda for the development of ecotourism in national parks. It is important to remember that the positive effects of ecotourism initiatives in national parks can take time to materialize and require ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Documenting the parks’ progress toward sustainable ecotourism as an acceptable type of economic activity in PAs can help identify successful strategies and areas for improvement, which contributes to biodiversity conservation and the well-being of local communities.

Identification and prioritisation of ecosystem services based on the socio-economic perspectives of local people in a trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India

Mountain ecosystems provide numerous services vital for the existence of humankind globally. The present study was conducted in the Ladakh region of India to evaluate the socio-cultural values of the ecosystem services provided by the mountainous region. Questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were used for data collection. It was observed that the respondents identified provisioning and cultural services easily compared to regulating and supporting services. Among services, fresh water and grazing services were valued 5-rating score on a Likert scale of 1–5 by more than 90% of respondents. Likewise, 80% of respondents have a 5-rating score for water retention and regulation, water purification, aesthetic and recreation and ecotourism services. A similar result was observed when the priority of ecosystem services for villagers was discussed through focus group discussions. All respondents viewed freshwater, grazing, and aesthetic services as priority ecosystem services, whereas recreation and ecotourism were prioritised in four villages, water retention and regulation, and water purification in two villages. Using bivariate correlation, the study of interactions among ecosystem services (between services of the same category) demonstrated strong positive to moderate negative correlations. Similarly, the results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicate that socio-economic factors, including gender, income, and education, have a notable impact (p < 0.05) on most of the services. This suggests that respondents' socio-economic backgrounds influence the values assigned to the services. However, the decline of crucial ecosystem services over the last two decades, as highlighted by participants in the in-depth interviews, raises alarm. Integrating socio-cultural values of ecosystem services while formulating any regional developmental policy could empower the policy-makers to take more informed, eco-friendly actions.

Ecotourism Capital as an Enabler of Positive Change in Tourism Sustainability

Despite a global commitment to minimise the impact of tourism on the environment and maximise its benefits for local communities, the pressure of tourism on natural resources is still increasing. In this context, ecotourism becomes key to safeguarding the integrity of the ecosystem while producing economic benefits that can ultimately encourage the conservation of the environment. However, despite its benefits, there is still a need to develop the market presence of ecotourism strategies and initiatives. Thus, tourists' positive intention toward ecotourism and organisations that seek to meet the demand of the increasingly environmentally conscious market are key to the success of ecotourism initiatives. In the context of the information era, organisations may create a trustworthy relationship with ecotourists by providing them with accurate and engaging information on their environmental policies and actions. This relationship may result in the emergence of a critical intangible asset such as eco-tourism capital as tourists' decisions are based on image, perception and recommendations from social groups. For organisations to benefit from eco-tourism capital, they should use social media to generate opportunities for eco-tourists to experience and appreciate nature, respect local cultures, support local communities and minimise and mitigate their negative impact on the environment. Based on the above, the aim of this study is to explore, via a descriptive analysis of data collected from international ecotourists, how social media can be used to create eco-tourism capital. To that aim, we explore factors relating to ecotourism knowledge, green trust, and exposure to information on social media provided by ecotourism service providers.

SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS OF TADOM HILL, BANTING, SELANGOR AND THE IMPLICATIONS UPON IT’S MANAGEMENT

Purpose - Community-based management practice is set as an illustration of how local stakeholders participation many problems and dilemmas in connection with governing ecotourism could be better resolved. A case study of Tadom Hill (TH) in Banting, Selangor has been facing complaints from the local indigenous community concerning the governance of the resort. The aim of this study to identify the stakeholders, their roles in the social network of TH, characterize their relationships between them and establish the effects on governance issues at TH. Design- A survey was administrated to different groups of stakeholders who has connection with TH in order to characterize the relationships between them and establish their effects on governance issues at TH. Methodology - Social Network Analysis (SNA) method was used to identifies the key stakeholders and their roles in the social network of TH. Findings - The results gained from the SNA has provided greater thorough information of the top-down management approach at the resort. For a resort to be efficiently managed, effective involvement of the stakeholders is essential. Conclusion - It was concluded that the management of the ecotourism services at TH need the involvement of local stakeholders in the pursuit of greater co-management at the resort.

Eco-tourism, climate change, and environmental policies: empirical evidence from developing economies

Developing ecotourism services is a suitable solution to help developing countries improve the status of sustainable development indicators and protect their environment. The primary purpose of this paper is to find out the effects of green governance variables and carbon dioxide emissions on ecotourism for 40 developing economies from 2010 to 2021. The results confirmed a uni-directional causal relationship between the green governance indicator and the inflation rate of the ecotourism indicator. In addition, with a 1% improvement in the green governance index of developing countries, the ecotourism of these countries will increase by 0.43%. In comparison, with a 1% increase in the globalization index of these countries, ecotourism will increase by 0.32%. Moreover, ecotourism in developing countries is more sensitive to macroeconomic variables changes than in developed economies. Geopolitical risk is an influential factor in the developing process of ecotourism. The practical policies recommended by this research are developing the green financing market, establishing virtual tourism, granting green loans to small and medium enterprises, and government incentives to motivate active businesses.

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of the research. In this research work, considering the previous research works, it is proposed to identify and group the common problems encountered during the development of ecotourism and future development prospects.Methodology. In the conduct of this literature review, the aim of the research work was determined and its main tasks were formed. Research questions were formed based on the study goals, and papers from Scopus and Science Direct sources were reviewed based on the keywords composing the research questions. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were evaluated for relevance to the study topic using the BULIN OR/AND operators. Furthermore, materials were gathered through publications written by domestic scholars, books, and government websites.Originality / value of the research. In the course of the study, the authors, based on the goals of the state program for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan for 2019-2025, reviewed and analyzed the problems that countries face in the development of ecotourism, and combined the most common problems. At the same time, as a result of the review work, the positive impact of ecotourism on the state and development prospects was determined.Findings. As a result of the research, the lack of support from the government and local administration, the low level of infrastructure, as well as the lack of knowledge of the local population on the implementation of ecotourism services, and the lack of specialists in this field were shown as the main common problems in the development of ecotourism. It was determined that the development of ecotourism has a positive economic, ecological and sociological impact on the local territory and directly contributes to sustainable development. The study's findings will be valuable to future researchers and stakeholders interested in ecotourism development.

Innovative Ecotourism Product Development Based on the Use of Geographic Information Technologies

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The tourist product is a specific product that has a number of features such as in- separability from the source of formation, complexity, insensitivity, impossibility of storage and warehousing of the tourist product. These features should be taken into account when developing an ecotourism product, as it is a specific integrated product provided in the natural environment, considering regional characteristics, local culture, gastronomic events and caring for the environment. The role of the relevance, timeliness of the information provided on a particular tourist product is growing. Ecological tourism has features, as the objects of tourist activity are little-visited natural-territorial complexes, characterized by a certain spatial distribution in the territory. It requires the use of geographic information technologies, remote sensing systems, global positioning in order to organize tourism facilities, which determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the significance of creating innovative ecotourism products based on the use of modeling systems and modern technologies, including geoinformation, determining the value of ecotourism and the study of competitive advantages for tourism enterprises which enable them to make a profit from the provision of ecotourism services. The research methodology involves statistical methods of data processing, cartographic research methods using geoinformation technologies, the method of spatial analysis, as well as systemic, general scientific and informational approaches. The importance of ecological tourism is proved on the basis of the analysis of its basic values, advantages and opportunities. Proposals to improve the situation in the ecotourism services market have been developed. Offers of ecotourism products are suggested on the basis of detailed typology (division into cognitive, recreational, business, cultural, educational groups of ecological tourism). Prospects for the use of geographic information technologies in the development of innovative ecotourism products are studied. For the first time, the authors have developed the geoportal model of Zhytomyr district ecolocations , which lists the main possible locations for the devel- opment of ecological tourism The authors have conducted a survey of Zhytomyr region residents after the implementation of the first stage of the decentralization reform in 2014 – 2019 and segmented the interests of potential ecotourists. Potential sources of income for protected areas and other ecotourism participants are identified. The concept of ecological tourism development is formed.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Payment for ecosystem services (PES): a holistic tool for sustainable forest management-a case study from Pakistan.

Economic valuation of ecosystem services is a new concept in forest management. Economic valuation provides basis for payment for ecosystem services (PES). Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate eco-tourism and carbon stock services of the Maindam valley, District Swat, Pakistan. For the carbon stock calculation, a sample size of 155 plots of 0.1 hectare (Ha) was taken using preliminary survey at 95% confidence interval and 10% allowable error. The data for tourism services was collected from owners of all the hotels, 100 tourists and key informants of the area at 10% sampling intensity on pretested questionnaire for twenty years period (1997-2017). Results showed that Miandam valley has carbon stock worth US$ 16,306,000 while the value of eco-tourism was US$ 1,578,458 on annual basis. The results also showed that trend of tourism has drastically declined after the 9/11 incident for foreigners and locals and the situation was further deteriorated during the era of Talibanization or militancy from 2008-2011. This study recommends implementation of PES strategy at the rate of 5%, thus a total of US$ 78,922 can be earned from eco-tourism and carbon crediting in the study area annually, which could play important role in sustainable forest management.

Evaluation of Tourists Satisfaction with Ecotourism Services in Six Ecotourism Destination in South West, Nigeria

Satisfaction is an excellent predictor of tourists’ behavior as it influences the choice of destination, consumption of products and services, the decision to return and maintain lasting relationships. The study examined usefulness of producing satisfied tourists to ecotourism destinations in Nigeria by administering 320 well-structured questionnaires at the six selected ecotourism destinations. Data obtained from the study revealed that destination attributes especially the attractiveness of the site (70.0%), staff helpfulness (56.7%), Available varieties of recreational facilities (52.5%), Affordable toll fee (55.0%), Courtesy from staff (58.6%), Signage and available educational guides for tourist (57.5%), Guided educational tour services (60.0%), Interpretative facilities services (56.7%), Food &amp; beverage (55.0%) , Cultural &amp; entertainment services (56.7%), Shopping services (46.7%) Recreation services (53.8%) and Accommodation services (50.0%) were major determinant of visitors’ satisfaction. The result also shows that the quality of tourism services has a positive impact on the level of tourist satisfaction. Prominent amongst the challenges at the sites are difficulty in getting information about the ecotourism destination (100%) and Accommodation problems quality and abundance (76.7%) amongst others were identified as challenges by tourists. Inferential statistical analysis indicated that significant relationship exists between the tourist’s level of satisfaction and willingness to pay for ecotourism services (p&lt;0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that visitors’ satisfaction can be boosted by raising the standard of service quality throughout the destinations’ attractions, facilities and modes of accessibility. Management should upgrade the ecotourism destinations to meet up with International standard so as to increase tourists’ patronage and satisfaction.

The Effectiveness of Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) Conservation in Cambodia

Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) is a critically endangered bustard (type of bird) inhabiting alluvial grasslands in India, Nepal and Cambodia. Bengal Florican conservation areas (BFCAs) cover 31,159 ha (312 km2) in Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces. Local communities need to get involved in the management of grasslands and understand the reasons for the decline of Bengal florican. Conservation activities within BFCAs include field patrols to prevent hunting and land encroachment, environmental education and raising awareness, and provision of agricultural development support for lands outside the BFCAs. This study aims to estimate the population trends of Bengal florican (H. bengalensis) in the last ten years (2010-2019), to determine threats to Bengal florican in BFCAs, and to understand the perceptions of the locals regarding Bengal florican conservation in the northern Tonle Sap Protected Landscape, Cambodia. In the BFCAs of Stoung-Chikraeng and Baray-Chong Doung districts, data was collected in terms of seventy-one factors for use in a line transect method, and key informant interviews were conducted with ninety-seven respondents. This study found the population of Bengal florican in Stoung-Chikraeng has been stabilizing in the last three years (2017-2019). In Baray-Chong Doung the population of Bengal florican is still declining in the BFCAs. The threat factors to the population of Bengal florican in the conservation areas have been found to be: hunting 30.7%, chemicals 16.4%, habitat loss 15.6%, rice planting in the dry season 13.1%, power transmission lines 10.7%, and low education (public awareness) 5.7%. The observation of human disturbance using a line transect method found 25 line transects with strong cattle foraging (48.1%) in Stoung-Chikraeng, 30 line transects with cattle foraging (28.9%) in Baray and 16 line transects with cattle foraging (32.0%) in Chong Doung BFCAs. 80.4% of the respondents understand the purpose of the Bengal florican conservation (to promote ecotourism activities, ecological balance, community income, to protect the natural resources, create jobs for local people) and 78.4% of community members understand the management conservation of Bengal florican in BFCAs (Wild patrolled, Sustainable Rice Platform, Nest protection program, Ecotourism service). We concluded that Stoung-Chikraeng is an important area for Bengal florican conservation due to the food supply and a high survival rate of Bengal florican. The area was also found to be amenable to linking conservation participation to improved livelihoods of the local community through ecotourism (bird watching). To improve the conservation of Bengal florican in Baray-Chong Doung, we propose increasing education and public awareness.

Rural tourism in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan: role in the development of rural areas

The goal – is to study the current situation in development of rural tourism in the Akmola region of Kazakhstan. Methods – review of the works of foreign and domestic scientists, comparisons, generalizations, SWOT analysis. To select the most effective business models of tourism business in the region, the TOPSIS method was used, based on questionnaire and expert assessment. Results – based on international and Kazakhstani practice regarding the concept of tourism industry, the author's definition of this category is given. The potential of agritourism is highlighted and its role in modernization of agricultural sector of the region is shown, resource opportunities of rural settlements included in its administrative territories, as well as for the spread of other types of tourism, are identified. To date, there are factors that hinder the increase in the volume of eco-tourism services in the republic: low living standards of the rural population, comfortable and high-quality conditions for tourists; limited external communications in rural areas, lack of necessary transport links, sites for leisure activities. To solve the problems of tourism sector, the State is taking a set of measures aimed at increasing the amount of funding, developing new programs, and creating effective mechanisms for public support. Ecotourism has significant reserves for support and growth of small and medium businesses. The authors note that in order to expand the scale of ecotourism, external investments are required, as well as the effective tax system and legal mechanism. Conclusions – as the experience of countries with a developed agritourism sector shows, tourism industry affects the systemic solution of a number of socio-economic issues: improving the welfare and income of rural residents, weakening internal migration processes, creating new jobs and ensuring investment activity.

Evaluation of the potential of the observation of Alouatta palliata for local conservation and development in fragments of rainforests: the case of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico

In order to develop a quantitative, georeferenced instrument for evaluating the factors that favor or impede the successful implementation of ecotourism activities based on the observation of A. palliata in fragments of rainforests, we devised a set of indicators that permit a multidimensional quantification of the potential, both natural and socioeconomic, of this activity. Based on a normative vision of ecotourism, these indicators (i) assess the natural conditions that determine the potential long-term conservation of this species, and (ii) provide indices for evaluating the social and professional potential of the populations that reside near fragments of the rainforest for developing ecotourism services capable of generating socially-balanced economic benefits. Based on fragments of rainforest with extant troops of A. palliata in the northern Isthmus of Tehuantepec, we demonstrate the applicability of the indices in decision-making founded upon transparent, multivariable criteria related to assigning economic and human resources to foment ecotourism in specific regions.

Assessing the impacts of local intention on community-based wildlife ecotourism in Tangkahan, Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) and the development strategy in the post- COVID-19 outbreak

Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) has been implemented to evaluate the structure of behavioral change of the local communities in the forest and wildlife conservation program in Tangkahan, the eastern part of GLNP. This study has the purpose to reveal the determinant factors of local community behavior to support forest and wildlife conservation through ecotourism activities and to formulate a strategy to recover wildlife ecotourism in the post-COVID-19 outbreak. The study was conducted in Tangkahan through a survey method to collect the data. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis. This study found that the determinant factors of behavioral intention are the conservation attitude and perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention significantly affects the behavior to participate in conservation activities. To improve the visiting number and the ecotourism service in Tangkahan in the post-COVID 19 outbreak, the community should transform and develop the management system from a conventional to virtual/digital method, develop and follow the COVID-19 protocol of ecotourism, re-arrange the ticket fee and the tour packages to cope with domestic visitors and improve the access to the area by constructing the roads and provision of transportation services.

Perceptions of tourism destination and implications for environmental education: Findings from a student field study on protected area, Indonesia

University students have an essential role in developing ecotourism services and supporting environmental education. The research aims to explore students' perceptions of the object of tourism, group behavior in travel and problems in tourist destinations. Surveys and interviews were conducted on students who conducted a field study in Coban Tengah tourism destination, Indonesia. Students of Undergraduate (S1) and Master’s (S2) programs were interviewed regarding tourism objects, group interactions, and problems found in the tourism site. Descriptive analysis and chi-square statistics were carried out to meet research objectives. The results revealed that students show a positive and significant perception of the beauty of Coban Tengah waterfall. S1 students indicated the halo effect phenomenon in perceiving tourism objects regarding beauty, educational element, and trekking paths. Grouping in tourist travel provides benefits to protect or keep safety and serves as a place to discuss environmental conservation. S2 students are less interested in forming groups because they have more experience and independence in travel than S1 student. Groups build cooperation and empathy, and these can provide innovation for quality provision of tourism services.JEL Classification I28; Q26; Q58