Ecotourism Sites Research Articles

Motives to Visit Urban Ecotourism Sites: A Study of a Botanical Garden in South Africa

Botanical gardens are a global phenomenon. Historically developed with the intention of maintaining a living collection of plants (under scientific management) for the purpose of research and education, botanical gardens have evolved to provide an accessible urban alternative for ecotourism experiences. Given that many botanical gardens are publically funded, income secured from tourist visitation can help supplement (limited) government funds. The purpose of this study was determining the motives of visitors to a botanical garden in South Africa. Employing a quantitative methodology, an onsite intercept survey by means of convenience sampling yielded 304 usable responses. An exploratory factor analysis revealed six distinct visitor motivations. The results inform the marketing of botanical gardens with a view to promoting their financial sustainability as visitor attractions, and ultimately their continued role as centres of scientific research, conservation and education.

Site Suitability Analysis for Potential Eco-Tourism Sites with Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Analysis in Nashik District

Site Suitability Analysis for Potential Eco-Tourism Sites with Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Analysis in Nashik District

Changes in Ecotourism Flow in Hunan Province of China in the Context of COVID-19

This study analyzed the changes in ecotourism flow in Hunan Province before and after the COVID-19 epidemic by obtaining the ecotourism route data for 2019 and 2020 from online tourism platforms such as wasp nest, poor travel, Ctrip, tuniu and qunar, and determining geographical distribution characteristics, node characteristics and network characteristics with the help of software such as UCINET, Netdraw and ArcGIS. The results revealed major changes in spatial distribution, the roles of nodes, and the structure and composition of the flow network. (1) COVID-19 has changed the spatial distribution pattern of ecotourism flows in Hunan Province. Under the influence of the epidemic, the spatial geographical concentration trend in Hunan Province decreased from 30.42 in 2019 to 28.94 in 2020, the flow in the North weakened, and the hot spots shifted to the south. In order to promote the development of global tourism in Hunan Province, we should focus on how to correctly handle the differences in tourism resources and the imbalance in tourism development between the Xiangxi region and other tourism regions. (2) The COVID-19 epidemic triggered changes of the roles of some nodes in the ecotourism flow network in Hunan Province. The comprehensive efficiency value of the node decreased from 266 to 222, indicating that crisis events such as the epidemic have caused damage to the ecotourism flow in Hunan Province, and the surrounding low-density ecotourism sites with good natural scenery have become more favored by tourists after the COVID-19 epidemic. (3) The COVID-19 situation has affected the structure and composition of the ecotourism flow network in Hunan Province. The overall network density of ecotourism flow in Hunan Province increased from 0.18 to 0.14, the degree of separation between ecotourism destinations increased, and tourists' demand for health and safety has driven the development of ecotourism flow in Hunan Province towards multinode and multiregional characteristics.

THE ANTECEDENTS OF ECOTOURISM INTENTION

Many people today need to pay more attention to the environment. In addition, more and more activities are making people unaware of how harmful their actions are to the environment. The aim is to examine the determinants influencing tourists' intentions to visit for ecotourism purposes. This study found a strong correlation between the three important factors determining tourists' interest in ecotourism sites. This is an environmental concern, the future time and eco-destination perspectives picture. This study also reports a strong relationship between eco-destination image, future time perspective, and environmental concern. This research is experimental research conducted in Indonesia. One hundred seventy-five respondents aged 20 to over 50 years were given a questionnaire to fill out to collect data. Purposive sampling was used as the sampling method in this study. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) approach assesses the research hypothesis. According to research, the contribution of time perspective to decision-making about visiting ecotourism sites is beneficial. Environmental concern also influences the intention to engage in ecotourism. It will increase ecological awareness if it has a positive reputation as an eco-friendly destination. If the image of an eco-friendly destination evokes pleasant emotions and attachments, the intention to visit ecotourism increases. Future research is expected to add more variables, such as loyalty. Further research can be carried out on other ecotourism destinations such as Tanjung Putting National Park, Kawah Ijen, Nusa Penida Island, etc.

Ecotourism experience: A systematic review and future research agenda

AbstractThis study presents a systematic review of the last 25 years' literature and offers a comprehensive understanding of the ecotourism experience. The study uses a Theory‐Context‐Characteristics‐Method (TCCM) framework, offering insights that ecotourism experience research has advanced beyond ecotourism sites and resources to a multi‐stakeholder approach. As a result, we have developed a conceptual framework illustrating three consumption stages of ecotourism, that is, pre‐visit, on‐site and post‐visit. The study concludes by identifying some neglected areas and suggesting some future research directions in ecotourism experience field. Lastly, several theoretical and practical implications are presented that could aid the ecotourism industry in overcoming ecotourists' inertia toward site visits.

Ecotourism development strategies of Lusi Island in Kedungpandan-Jabon Sidoarjo using SWOT Analysis

Lusi Island is a nature-based ecotourism site located in Sidoarjo, with its own uniqueness compared to the surrounding islands because it began as a dumping ground for Lapindo mud sediment. Lusi Island is providing several facilities to be used in protection, education, and recreation activities. The purpose of this study is to determine the development strategy of the Lusi Island tourist attraction by analyzing the existence of potential using the strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis method at the ecotourism location. The results showed that the ecotourism development strategy of Lusi Island can be achieved by establishing cooperation between managers and various parties, controlling the impact of tourist attraction development, and adding adequate facilities and infrastructure to support better ecotourism.

How Tourists Reacted to Ecotourism during COVID-19: Insights on Its Sustainability from a Multivariate Analysis Based on the Case of Banyuwangi

Ecotourism is an alternative to conventional tourism where tourists can enjoy natural scenery by prioritizing conservation aspects as a form of expressing responsibility to the environment. There are several popular ecotourism sites in Indonesia, one of which is Banyuwangi Regency, which was the world winner of the 12th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) awards. This study was conducted to analyze the factors that influence the behavioral intention of tourists to ecotourism at Banyuwangi Regency. By knowing the factors influencing behavioral intention, tourism managers and local governments can gain better insight into strategies that can be adopted to increase consumers’ positive intention toward ecotourism. This research was conducted with multivariate structural equation modeling (SEM), and twelve hypotheses were tested. A total of 344 respondents participated. Six accepted hypotheses were revealed. A positive and significant influence was found on the subjective norm and destination image variables on ecotourism behavioral intention. The analysis found a positive and significant effect between ecotourism self-identity and subjective norm variables. Other results found that the biosphere value had a positive and significant effect on the environmental attitude, and the future time perspective and destination image variables were found to have a positive and significant effect on the environmental concern variable. Most respondents in this study admitted that they are individuals who have a love for nature and are willing to dispose of their garbage in its proper place. Further theoretical and practical implications were described.

Characteristics of plastic waste and perceptions of coastal communities in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Massiseng ANA, Tuwo A, Fachry ME, Bahar A. 2022. Characteristics of plastic waste and perceptions of coastal communities in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area, West Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 6262-6274. Plastic pollution is a global problem that threatens coastal and marine ecosystems and human livelihoods and requires effective solutions that can be adapted to local conditions. Management of coastal areas is one sector focusing on world development in general and Indonesia in particular. This research was conducted from July to October 2021 in the mangrove ecotourism area of ??MLC Baluno, Sendana Sub-district, Majene District, West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The type of data used is the primary data from measurements and observations at ecotourism sites. The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of plastic waste and analyze its impact on the socio-economic community in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area. The results showed (1) The percentage of plastic waste types from all observation stations in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area consisted of 22% HDPE, 20% LDPE, 17% PVC, 9% PETE, 12% PE, 10% PP, 6 % PE, and 4% PU, (2) The volume percentage of plastic waste from observation stations in the mangrove ecotourism area of ??MLC Baluno by type consists of 32% PVC plastic volume, 17% HDPE, 14% PE, 10% LDPE, 10% PETE, PP 11%, 4% PS and 2% PU, (3) The influence of plastic waste factors (types and volume) has a positive effect on the socio-economic community (livelihood and income). The variable factors of plastic waste influencing socio-economic based on the perceptions of coastal communities in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area are TW2, VW3, VW4, LV1, LV2, IC1, IC3, and IC5.

Evaluating the Sustainability of Local-Based Ecotourism in Tulungagung

Rural areas have various kinds of tourism potential. Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge of tourism managers about sustainable tourism often makes tourism in rural areas intersect with aspects of sustainability. The concept of Ecotourism is one solution to resolve the conflict between the two. However, an Ecotourism Site in a village can cause inequality in one of its dimensions if it is not managed properly and carefully. This study aims to examine the three dimensions of Mbalong Kawuk ecotourism sustainability in Tulungagung. The method of assessing the sustainability status of Mbalong Kawuk ecotourism used in this study is the modified Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) model of RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries). The dimensions of sustainability assessed in this study are the Ecological Dimension, the Economic Dimension, and the Human Resource Dimension. Furthermore, leverage analysis is carried out to determine the sensitive attributes that contribute to determining and assessing the sustainability of a dimension. The results of the analysis show that the ecological dimension, having a percentage level of sustainability of 54.46%, the economic dimension (62.39%), and the human resource dimension (64.55%) in Mbalong Kawuk Ecotourism are categorized as “quite sustainable”.

Aspek Sosial, Ekonomi, dan Lingkungan Ekowisata Subak Sembung, Kelurahan Peguyangan, Kecamatan Denpasar Utara, Kota Denpasar, Provinsi Bali

Social, Economic, and Environmental Aspects in Subak Sembung as Ecotourism, Peguyangan Village, North Denpasar District, Bali
 Bali is part of the Indonesian territory that relies on the agricultural sector to meet the needs of the community as well as to support its tourism activities. Subak Sembung has been conserved and inaugurated as an ecotourism site in 2014 by the Denpasar City Government. Currently, Subak Sembung has 103 hectares of land and it has the largest green land in the city center, then known as the lungs of Denpasar City. This research is conducted with the aim of analyzing the social, economic, and environmental aspects in Subak Sembung as ecotourism in Peguyangan Village, North Denpasar District, Bali. The sample size is 35 people and generated by using simple random sampling. The data analysis method used is the descriptive qualitative analysis. The results shows that Subak Sembung as ecotourism in terms of social aspects measured from three indicators, namely the high level of knowledge of farmers about ecotourism, positive responses of farmers to ecotourism, and high skills of farmers in farming. The economic aspect measured in terms of economic benefits is relatively high, and the environmental aspect can be said to be good in terms of natural resource conservation is fairly high and facilities in the form of counseling and coaching are carried out quite often.

FIRST RECORD OF HOYA MELIFLUA (BLANCO) MERR. (APOCYNACEAE, ASCLEPIADOIDEAE) IN THE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS OF BATANGAS IN LUZON ISLAND, PHILIPPINES, WITH NOTES ON ASSOCIATED FLORA

The Philippine islands host a significantly high concentration of native and endemic Hoya species. However, there are no previous records of this genus in the natural ecosystems within the province of Batangas, Luzon Island. The present study pioneered the exploration of Hoya plants and their associated communities in Batangas. A route-walk method was employed within the forests of Lobo, Batangas, to document Hoya species. Morphological characteristics, habitat, host plants, substrates, and associated flora were also recorded. Only one species was identified, Hoya meliflua (Blanco) Merr., with material deposited in the Batangas State University – The National Engineering University Lobo Campus Herbarium (Reg. #: Pasado 001). The morphology and other plant references and databases confirmed its identity. The study found that the individuals of H. meliflua in Lobo inhabit the secondary riverine forests along ecotourism sites, with Schizostachyum textorium (Blanco) Merr., Ficus balete Merr., Tectona philippinensis Benth. & Hook.f. ex Merr. and Pterospermum diversifolium Blume as the major host plants. The assessment of the associated flora revealed 46 species, of which 100% were natives, 13% were Philippine endemics, and 14% were threatened nationally and internationally. The conservation of H. meliflua in Batangas can be improved by mainstreaming its importance as an ornamental plant and a key biodiversity species within ecotourism sites. Further studies can help in revealing the presence of other Hoya spp. on the island.

Using a contingent valuation method to evaluate an ecotourism site in Borneo, Malaysia: a case of the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Malaysia

ABSTRACT This empirical article intends to examine the conservation value of an ecotourism site in Borneo, Malaysia, specifically the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). The second objective is to determine the visitors’ willingness to pay (WTP) and their heterogeneity with regard to the RDC. In addition to the bid prices and the socio-demographic characteristics of visitors, the dichotomous-contingent valuation analysis takes into account five preferences of visitors for sustainable development in the RDC. These preferences are as follows: (i) Wildlife species population; (ii) Wildlife observation; (iii) Information provision; (iv) Protection level; and (v) Habitat quality. Visitors’ heterogeneity will reveal which factors affect their WTPs. Using the estimated WTP, the total expected increase in economic value in 2017 was about RM 416 323 compared to the actual revenue; which was RM 327 730. In terms of visitors’ heterogeneity, WTP is influenced by income, bid prices, ‘wildlife species population,’ ‘habitat quality,’ and ‘protection level.’ In light of this, emphasis should be given to ways in which these attributes can be enhanced in order to maintain a competitive edge in the travel and tourism business and encourage a greater number of tourists to visit specific locations. This not only helps to preserve the natural world and its various types of flora and fauna, but it also provides the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and the surrounding community with economic benefits.

Occurrence of Shorebirds' Nestings in one of the Major Ecotourism Sites of Odisha, India

Occurrence of Shorebirds' Nestings in one of the Major Ecotourism Sites of Odisha, India

Spatial Characterization of Green Space Landscape Structure in Kota Bharu for Sustainable Tourism Planning

Globally, green space landscape structure has been used as tourist attraction in cities to increase the economy of the country in the tourism sector. However, lack of characterization of green space landscape structure has led to poor management of green space landscape such as lack of information on green space landscape structure to tourists and younger generations, thereby decreasing tourism revenue. The purpose of this study is to characterize three sites of green space landscape structures with potential for tourism in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia for future sustainable ecotourism site management and planning. The three sites are Taman Perbandaran Tengku Anis, K4 Riding Horse and Splash Water Theme Park. To characterize the green space landscape structure in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, remotely-sensed data of 2016, Geographical Information System (GIS) and landscape metrics were used in this study. The results found that Taman Perbandaran Tengku Anis has the most potential to be developed as an ecotourism site compared to K4 Riding Horse and Splash Water Theme Park with the low number of patches, high mean patch area, high largest patch index and favorable ecotourism activity. A map of spatial distribution and characterisation of green space landscape has been produced, which is useful for future sustainable ecotourism planning, development and management of green space landscape structure.

Importance - performance analysis of destination quality for ecotourism site in Tasik Puteri, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

The aim of this study was to investigate the destination qualities (activities and facilities) at Malaysian ecotourism locations between January and March 2022 using Importance and Performance Analysis. (IPA). Those who have visited Tasik Puteri in Dungun Terengganu are the respondents. The data were analysed and interpreted using the SPSS programme including reliability analysis, importance-performance analysis, and frequency analysis. The findings highlight the Tasik Puteri in Dungun Terengganu ecotourism areas’ destination quality. The result showed that ATV activities and public facilities, such as surau, convenience stores, parking, and waqaf, are found in quadrant 1 for continuing the good work. Facilities in Quadrant 2 should receive special attention, including restrooms, security guards, shower rooms, rental equipment, restaurants, and BBQ areas. Trekking, tubing, river cruises, fishing, and paddle boating are among the low priority pursuits in quadrant 3. While other activities such as camping, swimming, jogging, waterfall, kayaking, and playground facilities make up Quadrant 4’s potential overkill. The destination management company (DMC) will use the study’s findings to improve and strategically plan the short- and long-term development of this and future ecotourism sites. The growing understanding of destination qualities for ecotourism products is highlighted in this paper, along with the academic application of IPA analysis to destination attributes.

Multidisciplinary Approaches for Conservation and Awareness Programme at Langkawi Island

The main objective of this study is to foster awareness among the university students from multiple backgrounds about the importance of preserving ecotourism area for the environment at an ecotourism sites in Langkawi Island. Multidisciplinary approaches were conducted to get rich data set of this study since no proper research had been done at the site before. The result gained, showed that students would be more aware and careful with their behavior once they joined the river awareness and conservation program hence the program will educate and raise more understanding about our environment for visitors and ecotourism stakeholders.

Tree Species Diversity and Stand Structure in Selected Forest Patches of Marilog Forest Reserve, Southern Philippines


 Tree species diversity and stand structure investigations were conducted in the forest patches of Barangay Baganihan (site 1) and Mt. Malambo in Barangay Datu Salumay (site 2), Marilog District, Southern Philippines. Thirty-three 20 × 20 m plots were established at 1,197-1,345 masl in the sites. A total of 900 individuals belonging to 33 families, 43 genera, and 65 species of trees were recorded. Analyses of data revealed that the two sites could be categorised as montane forests based on the forest structure and species composition. Palaquium philippense (Perr.) C.B. Rob., Syzygium tula (Merr.) Merr., and Astrocalyx calycina (S.Vidal) Merr. obtained the highest species importance value index in site 1, while Palaquium sp., P. philippense, and Lithocarpus caudatifolius (Merr.) Rehder in site 2. Shannon-Weiner indices (H’) in sites 1 and 2 are relatively low with H’ = 1.22 and H’ = 1.38, respectively. A total of eight threatened species were recorded, viz., A. calycina as endangered; Agathis philippinensis Warb., Becarianthus pulcherrimus (Merr.) Maxw., Camellia lanceolata (Blume) Seem., Dillenia megalantha Merr., P. philippense and Shorea contorta S.Vidal as vulnerable; and Cinnamomum mercadoi S.Vidal as other threatened species. A total of 14 endemic species of trees were also recorded in the study sites. The biodiversity in the two sites is under severe threat due to the different anthropogenic disturbances. A new population of A. calycina, a monotypic genus in the Philippines, was collected and the flowers were documented for the first time after a century. The present study is significant since it would help elucidate the patterns of tree species composition and diversity in the forest patches of Barangay Baganihan and Mt. Malambo in Barangay Datu Salumay. Further, this paper adds to the rich biological diversity in Mt. Malambo by supporting its great potential as an ecotourism site.

FACTORS AFFECTING ECOTOURISM LOYALTY WITH THE MODERATING ROLE OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE - EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE IN VIETNAM

Today, ecotourism has become more common and attractive for tourists who love to explore nature and experience the cultural heritage. In the 4.0 age of technology, social networking not only helps visitors find suitable destinations to visit easily but also provides visitors with a place to leave comments or reviews after the trips. This study aims to qualify the relationships between electronic-worth-of-mouth (eWOM), social influence (SI), destination image (DI), tourist satisfaction (SAT), and ecotourism loyalty (EL). The study applied the PLS-SEM model to estimate 499 observations at ecotourism sites in Vietnam as empirical evidence. The research results show that all the factors in the research model have positive and significant effects on EL. In particular, DI and SAT, directly and indirectly, affect EL; while eWOM and SI only have direct effects on EL. Additionally, it was found that the effect of eWOM on EL increased with the moderating role of SI.

Masturbation in a Free-ranging Male Long-tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis (Raffles, 1821) on Mindanao Island, Philippines

Long-tailed macaques in the Philippines are understudied in terms of ecology and behavior, which includes their sexual behaviors, in their natural habitats. Masturbation is a natural, auto-erotic behavior rarely observed in the wild in most non-human primates. In this paper, we report an act of masturbation by a free-ranging male long-tailed macaque in a beach forest at an eco-tourism site in Tagum City, Mindanao Island, Philippines. The masturbation was performed by a sub-adult male resting on the handrail of a wooden staircase. A few seconds after masturbation, ejaculation was achieved. Although more detailed observations are needed, it is likely that limited access to female mates contributed to the male’s self-stimulation. This further calls for more scientific explorations on reproductive and non-reproductive sexual behaviors of long-tailed macaques in the wild. Moreover, this can be crucial for conservation purposes such as its application to the non-invasive collection of semen samples in wild populations.

Development and Validation of Ecotourism Smartphone Application Scale (ESAS) and General Experience Scale (GES)

The proliferation of mobile technology has significantly changed non-traditional tourism types such as the ecotourism sector and thus significantly impacted visitors’ experience at tourism sites. However, there is a lack of instrumentation to assess the visitors’ experience with mobile technology and the general experience of the visitors at ecotourism sites. This research aims at establishing and validating the instruments to measure the visitors’ experience with and without mobile technology. A standard psychometric scale development methodology was utilised to develop and validate the scales. Three hundred participants responded to the online advertisement and participated in this research. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS. Findings from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed the multi-factor attributes of visitors’ experience with the smartphone app and general experience for the ecotourism site. The Ecotourism Smartphone Application (ESAS) yielded five factors: App Ease of Use, Mobile App Usability, App Utilitarian Value, App loyalty, and App Meaningful Experience; whilst General Experience Scale (GES) yielded two factors: Learning and Satisfaction. These two scales can measure the overall visitor experience at ecotourism sites that use and do not use mobile technology.