Ecotourism Practices Research Articles

Ecotourism industry in India: a review of current practices and prospects

ABSTRACT The current study examines ecotourism as practiced in India by conducting a descriptive literature review of studies published between 1990 and 2019, focusing on ecotourism’s conservation and development goals. The findings of the study have been categorized on the basis of Honey’s classification of ecotourism to provide a better understanding of current ecotourism practices in India. The paper concludes that the Indian ecotourism industry, with apparent conservation and commercial bias, might become unsustainable in the long run. The study highlights the need to revise ecotourism planning and management to ensure a long-term sustainable tourism model. This review adds to the existing body of literature in ecotourism by highlighting the progress and the shortcomings of the niche industry.

Is Green Marketing a Label for Ecotourism? The Romanian Experience

The focus on sustainability represents the key to the tourism industry today. Green marketing was constantly on the agenda of local authorities and started to be a subject of interest for Academia too, but it was very little approached in the Eastern European countries, especially in the tourism studies. This article describes the presence of green marketing in Romanian ecotourism and its impact on tourist’s perception. Due to its natural landscapes and tourist attractions, Romanian ecotourism can take advantage of green marketing practices and promote tourism products based on the new preference of the tourists for sustainable activities. However, there is a lack of legislative framework regarding green labeling that can effect in the long term the destination brand. The main objective of the present article is to give an overview image of the online presence of the Romanian ecotourist accommodation units that applied for the Eco-label provided by the ECO-Romania Association. The study describes how these establishments use green marketing practices and if their guests perceive the green image too. The methodology of the study consists of a qualitative analysis of the primary data obtained by the authors from the websites of ECO Romania Association, TripAdvisor platform and accommodation units. The results show a high interest of the accommodation units from the ecotourism field for green marketing practices which is also perceived by tourists. The tendency of tourism stakeholders to apply for an accreditation system provided by non-governmental organization instead of choosing a European accreditation shows the impact of such a national initiative and emphasizes the need to develop a legal framework for green ecotourism practices.

Optimization of Mangrove Ecosystem Management in Kawasan Bungkutoko, Southeast Sulawesi as Ecotourism Area

This study aims to determine (1) Assessment of Bungkutoko Ecotourism Conditions; and (2) Supporting factors for optimizing management, and (3) strategies for optimizing management. This research will be carried out for three months from September to December 2018 in the Bungkutoko mangrove tracking ecotourism area, Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi (Figure 1). Identification of unknown mangrove species will be carried out at the Laboratory of Conservation of forest resources and ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry, Hasanuddin University. The results of the study: (1) Biophysical potential of mangrove ecotourism in Bungkutoko, namely 8 species of mangrove plants consisting of Avicennia lanata, Rhizophora stylosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus stylosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus stylosa, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis, L faustis and L faecus, and Lizar. from birds and reptiles. (2) Condition of mangrove ecotourism practices in Bungkutoko Not optimal, both in terms of education, conservation and welfare. (3) The ecotourism development strategy in Bungkutoko is in quadrant II (S-T strategy). The strategies formulated in quadrant II include: increasing the availability of educational facilities, increasing efforts to preserve the environment of mangrove forests, empowering local communities, increasing Human Resources, and working with the Kendari city government and the private sector to add infrastructure.

Ecotourism Glocalization: An Analysis of Policy and Expert Perspectives

ABSTRACT This paper presents a set of four derived attributes that define and operationalize the concept of ecotourism. Using these four attributes, data collection focused on interviews with officials and tour operators from 25 ecotourism agencies in Ghana, and analysis of six most recent and relevant national tourism documents to determine how congruent the documents reflected the practice of ecotourism. Findings indicated variations in understandings of the ecotourism concept amongst ecotourism officials, with national tourism documents in some cases stating various intentions to implement ecotourism. The analysis showed a disconnect between these national tourism documents and the implementation and practice of ecotourism as ecotourism actions are not consistent with the provisions in the tourism documents, and implementation strategies are lacking. A number of local factors emerged from the interviews as contributors: land tenure uncertainties, seasonal fluctuation of demand, commodification, and limited capacity building. Recommendations to improve the situation are proffered.

Quo vadis development: assessing the livelihood of indigenous people’s communities in Malaysia and the potential for community-based conservation effort

New development activity brings its various impacts for indigenous people often prompting their relocation to a new area. The 1977’s relocation of indigenous people in Royal Belum, Perak State, Malaysia, as part of its rural spatial development, questions on their livelihood in a new resettlement area and their relationship with nature within the current context of development. Despite the provision of basic facilities and infrastructure and the introduction of mono-crop cultivation and agriculture for the indigenous people, they are still practicing the ‘slash and burn’ method and performing their nomadic forest-based lifestyle. This contributes to their living below the poverty line. This present study explains the coexistence of indigenous people in the context of physical development vis-a-vis conservation effort in the Royal Belum. As neglected issue of interactions and conflicts between indigenous peoples and biodiversity conservation, this study outlined the potential of indigenous people’s community-based practices based on the factors: (1) self-belonging of Royal Belum Forest; (2) biodiversity conservation concerns; (3) sustainable development supporter; and (4) wildlife concerns. The indigenous people close relationship with the nature offers a unique stewardship function for co-creation and co-management practices of community-based sustainable ecotourism and agriculture for further enhancement of their livelihood. This effort will support the socio-economic of national physical spatial plan as well as the co-development of conservation of Royal Belum world natural heritage.

Ambiente montanhoso e turismo em Pedro II, Piauí

Este artigo objetiva apresentar o planalto dos Matões, o ecoturismo e suas relações com a cultura do município de Pedro II, Piauí. Este planalto consiste numa cuesta secundária, moldada no reverso da cuesta regional da Ibiapaba, na borda leste da Bacia Sedimentar do Parnaíba. Nesse ambiente montanhoso é crescente a visitação por apresentar paisagens naturais de beleza singular, além de atrativos culturais como o festival de inverno e o artesanato. Estudou-se as relações entre a estrutura geológica e as formas de relevo locais; as influências entre as paisagens naturais e a cultura para a atração turística. Utilizou-se revisão de literatura; trabalhos de campo; interpretação de mapas, fotografias e imagens de satélites trabalhadas em geoprocessamento. Identificou-se que o relevo local ainda guarda estreita relação com os elementos geológicos herdados do Mesozoico e que as paisagens locais favorecem a prática do turismo cultural e do ecoturismo.

Current community based ecotourism practices in Menz Guassa community conservation area, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a country which is endowed with an enormous assemblage of ecotourism resources. This makes it a suitable country for the development of community based ecotourism endeavors, to enhance conservation practices, and improve indigenous livelihood. This study aimed to assess the current community based ecotourism practices in Menz Guassa Community Conservation Area. A cross-sectional study design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to describe the existing community based practices. A total of 223 study participants completed a questionnaire, and the data received were analyzed by using SPSS Version 20. Findings revealed that relatively, Menz Guassa offers higher natural tourism activities (i.e. trekking, bird and wildlife watching, climbing) with 4.35 mean, compared to cultural activities. Indigenous community leaders were capable of operating and managing community based ecotourism businesses effectively, and inspiring individuals from the local population to participate in the tourism business. The income generating from community based ecotourism practices contributes to natural resource conservation, cultural preservation, and livelihood improvement. The current community organization specifically established for the management and operation of community based tourism was effective. Community based ecotourism practices to this destination were respectful of the rights, cultural and spiritual practices of the indigenous community.

El Ecoturismo en Quintana Roo. Análisis de sus Proyectos Comunitarios.

Este trabajo aporta un diagnóstico comparativo por zonas con cierto grado de consolidación de los proyectos ecoturísticos comunitarios en el Estado de Quintana Roo. La tendencia expansiva del turismo en Quintana Roo hacia el interior del estado, hace necesaria la actitud proactiva de las comunidades para insertarse en proyectos turísticos en condiciones favorables para la actividad, y no ser espectadores marginales del desarrollo. Por ello, el análisis de las prácticas de ecoturismo en Quintana Roo que aquí se presenta, se realizó desde la óptica del turismo comunitario generado por las empresas ecoturísticas. La investigación realizada es de enfoque mixto y comparativo, basada en la información obtenida de la encuesta aplicada a 49 distintos casos de estudio. Por tal motivo, se analizó el impulso del ecoturismo como alternativa de desarrollo local para el estado de Quintana Roo, con factores vinculados a los servicios, actividades paralelas, infraestructura básica, equipo especial y actividades, como productos turísticos competitivos. Los principales hallazgos revelaron que los mejores resultados se desarrollaron siempre en todos los aspectos en la zona centro maya de Quintana Roo, en cada uno de los 23 proyectos que realizan actividades de ecoturismo. Destacaron por orden de importancia, para ver el grado de potencialidad de cada uno de ellos en cuanto a prestación de servicios, actividades paralelas, distribución de infraestructura básica, equipamiento especializado en turismo de aventura, ecoturismo, turismo rural, y sobre todo en las actividades a desarrollar destacando el ecoturismo como actividad principal, seguidas del turismo rural y en tercer parámetro el turismo de aventura, haciendo énfasis en el valor que le dan a la parte comunitaria para el desarrollo de proyectos. En lo que respecta a las zonas norte y sur, convergen en darle al ecoturismo su principal herramienta para desarrollar proyectos comunitarios, seguidos del turismo de aventura y muy lejos del desarrollo al turismo rural.

Analysis of Obstacles to Sustainable Development of Ecotourism in Nature Reserves: A Field Investigation of Three National Nature Reserves in Liaoning Province

Nature reserves are key sites for ecotourism. In the context of sustainable development, a great number of ecotourism practices have been carried out in nature reserves around the world. Important ecotourism practices in nature reserves include the establishment of ecotourism certification systems, the development of management mechanisms promoting effective community participation and the development of standards for ecotourism practices. This paper uses questionnaires, a field investigation and interviews to examine the obstacles influencing the sustainable development of ecotourism in nature reserves, taking three nature reserves in Liaoning Province to serve as examples. The study found that there are two kinds of obstacles to the sustainable development of ecotourism in nature reserves. The first group of obstacles all represent common problems in China including: (1) environmental education is ignored; (2) community participation occurs on an ad hoc basis; (3) tourism management is not rigorous; (4) nature reserve administration is in a state of confrontation with local governments and residents. The second group of obstacles consists of specific problems faced by ecotourism in the three nature reserve, each of which has its own natural, social, cultural and economic environment that generate unique difficulties for ecotourism. In order to promote the healthy improvement of nature reserve ecotourism and achieve the goal of sustainable development, the research team puts forward five suggestions, developing correct understanding, striving to meet the reasonable demands of stakeholders, establishing scientific mechanisms, increasing the social responsibility of management departments of nature reserve ecotourism, and providing separate supervision and management.

Fortalecimiento del desarrollo turístico sostenible en los humedales de Ventanilla, departamento de Lima, Perú

El estudio se realizó en el distrito de Ventanilla, con el objetivo de elaborar un plan de fortalecimiento del desarrollo sostenible en los humedales de Ventanilla, Lima, aportando al cuidado y preservación del área natural. La investigación es de enfoque mixto, sintagma holístico y de tipo proyectiva. Para hacer el diagnostico se aplicó encuestas tomando como muestra a 116 pobladores locales y 25 visitantes del recurso, también se entrevistó a 3 profesionales vinculados al turismo en la zona. Los resultados indicaron que en la localidad no existe responsabilidad ambiental, en cuanto al recurso las acciones que se están gestionando son insuficientes para el cuidado de toda el área natural y evitar la contaminación. Por ello los visitantes consideran que mediante el desarrollo de las practicas ecológicas como la observación de flora y fauna en los humedales sería una forma de concientizar a las personas. Por otra parte, el recurso carece de infraestructura turística adecuada para los recorridos, lo cual hace que el turista no reciba una grata visita. Finalmente, se planteó desarrollar un plan basado en las prácticas de ecoturismo, junto a talleres dirigidos a pobladores y visitantes para lograr un compromiso ambiental, realizar campañas de limpieza, elaborar un circuito en los humedales basado en la observación de la biodiversidad de los humedales para evitar daños a la naturaleza, acondicionar el lugar para una visita satisfactoria con señaléticas, barandas y senderos definidos, además incentivar a los comuneros a participar en actividades de artesanía.

Tourists’ Perceived Destination Competitiveness in Protected Areas: The Case of Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Ecotourism is referred to sustainable tourism, whereby responsible travel is endorsed, especially in natural areas that emphasize on relaxation. In Malaysia, the richness of natural areas leads ecotourism to become one of the rapidly growing industries within the nation. Thus, there is a need for complete understanding of ecotourism practice in planning, developing, and resources management to ensure sustainability without causing environmental degradation. Over the decades, people are progressively pursuing for reconnection with the nature for pukka natural experiences during their travel. This study intends to identify the impacts of natural resources, accessibility, cultural uniqueness, carrying capacity, and perceived values on tourism destination competitiveness from tourists’ perspectives. A total of 157 respondents had participated in completing the questionnaire. WarpPLS (version 6.0) was applied to assess the developed model based on path modelling followed by bootstrapping. The results revealed that accessibility and cultural uniqueness are positively and significantly correlated to tourism destination competitiveness based on tourists’ perspectives. Surprisingly, natural resources, carrying capacity, and perceived values were observed to be no significant relationship with tourism destination competitiveness. The implications, limitations, and directions for future research are further discussed.

Towards a Green Applied Linguistics: Human–Sea Turtle Semiotic Assemblages in Hawai‘i

AbstractThis article argues that human–animal relationships are a key conceptual terrain for applied linguists to intervene in emerging interdisciplinary debates on how to address problematic human–environment relations in a time of growing ecological degradation. The scientific diagnosis of the Anthropocene has further generated critical discussion in the social sciences on the need to understand the diversity of local cultural responses to global environmental crises, ranging from climate change to species extinction. This article proposes that a ‘green applied linguistics’ can offer empirical insights into the role of language and discourse in mediating diverse human relationships with animals and nature. Taking human interactions with protected wildlife as one aspect of these wider socio-environmental debates, this article builds on recent embodied, materialist and posthumanist research in applied linguistics to suggest that nexus analysis offers a holistic methodology to examine the problematic ways people become caught up with threatened species through their semiotic practices. I illustrate these ideas through examples from my ethnographic research on the convergence of sea turtle conservation and ecotourism practices at Laniākea Beach, Hawai‘i.

NGOs in ecotourism: patrons of sustainability or neo-colonial agents? Evidence from Africa

ABSTRACT NGOs have become involved in ecotourism because of its potential to balance economic development, environmental conservation, and socio-cultural revitalisation. However, some critics have associated ecotourism with neo-colonialism and with the perpetuation of economic and political hegemonies because the concept has been advanced from the West. The present study adopts a qualitative research approach to explore the merits of two opposing views – that NGOs facilitate and advance sustainable development or that they are agents of neo-colonialism. The researchers focus on a nation which was spared the experience of colonisation – Ethiopia – to explore whether ecotourism practice can be accurately characterised as ‘neo-colonial’. Through a close examination of NGO involvement in ecotourism, the authors challenge the widely held view that NGOs use sustainable development as a pretext to promote neo-colonial ideas. The paper contributes to theory and practice by explaining the relationship between neo-colonialism and ecotourism. Implications and opportunities for future research are also discussed.

Spectacular sea turtles: Circuits of a wildlife ecotourism discourse in Hawai‘i

AbstractThis paper examines the discursive practices of sea turtle ecotourism that transform a beach in Hawai‘i into a popular sea turtle tourism destination. I analyze the circulation of an ecotourism discourse of spectacular nature that cycles through several distinct circuits of discursive remediation to produce Laniākea Beach as a sea turtle tourism destination. This ecotourism discourse entangles sea turtles and people into a discursive-material infrastructure of spectacular nature which the sea turtle tourism industry in Hawai‘i enlists to commodify human encounters with this charismatic species. Bringing complementary approaches in ecotourism studies and mediated discourse analysis that take human-nonhuman embodied (inter)actions as a starting point for discourse analysis, I trace how this ecotourism discourse itinerates across three distinct circuits of sea turtle tourism: (1) commercial tourism representations (on websites, guidebooks and street advertising), (2) in tourists’ embodied encounters with sea turtles (touching, pointing at, swimming with and talking about actual sea turtles), and (3) through online remediation of these embodied encounters (on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook). The study suggests implications for how embodied and material approaches to discourse analysis in applied linguistics can bring empirical focus to the (un)ethical dimensions of wildlife ecotourism practices.

Socio-economic and Environmental Sustainability of Ecotourism Implementation: A Study in Ubud Monkey Forest-Bali, Indonesia

Ecotourism is the fastest growing sector in the global tourism industry and provides for environmental conservation, socio-economic development, cultural preservation, employment and empowerment of indigenous people of ecotourism destinations. This study seeks to find the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of ecotourism practices in Ubud Monkey Forest-Bali under the three dimensions of sustainable development; economic progress, environmental protection and conservation, and socio-cultural preservation. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies used with the following conduct: (1) Questionnaire administration, (2) Interviews, and (3) Observations. Data was analized using Content Analysis and Multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques to describe: (1) the susainabiliti of ecotourism in Is ecotourism in Ubud Monkey Forest (2) sustainability index of each of the dimensions under study in Ubud Monkey Forest, and (3) describes the level of sensitivity of sustainability of each dimension in Ubud Monkey Forest. The Kite Diagram of Sustainability Analysis presents that the sustainability status of all the used dimension which classified as sustain. The overall sustainability status of ecotourism is sustainable with an index of 76.49. The most sustainable dimension is education and recreation, while the least is the participation dimension. It shows that the dimensions under study support sustainability in ecotourism. The results of this study confirmed that within the parameters of the study, the forest maintained an ecological balance, socio-economic advancement, and cultural preservation. Ecotourism has high attraction potentials for both tourist and local businesses while impacting less on the culture, environment and the traditional practices of the Balinese people. Notwithstanding, there is a general problem of land-use change and waste management in Bali. Keywords: Ecotourism, Environment, Monkey Forest, Socio-economic, Sustainability.

Ecotourism development in Thailand: Community participation leads to the value of attractions using linguistic preferences

Ecotourism is defined as environmentally responsible travel to natural places and thus has become a tool for environmental conservation. Ecotourism potential must be assessed before ecotourism development to understand the local people and resources. However, this assessment is always based on qualitative information, although ecotourism development has interrelated attributes. Fuzzy set theory addresses linguistic preferences, and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method addresses the interrelationships among attributes. Hence, this study proposes using fuzzy set theory and DEMATEL together to identify ecotourism potential. First, a set of ecotourism attributes must be proposed, and this study proposes five: the value of the attraction, facility management, environmental concerns, ecotourism activities, and community participation. Then, 21 criteria are used to measure ecotourism development in practice. The results indicate that community participation is the causal attribute influencing ecotourism potential and local community support for conservation activities. Cleanliness management; facility management with conservation and the protection of the environment; ecosystem activities based on the natural resources of attraction areas; and collaboration among stakeholders, the government, and local communities to manage ecotourism development influences in ecotourism practices. In addition, the study provides theoretical and managerial implications to guide ecotourism potential.

Destination Management: Nepalese Efforts, Experiences & Challenges

Nepal with diverse geographical landscapes, rivers, mountains and alluring religious and cultural sites, has been declared as top first destination amongst various global destinations. Standardized destination management efforts with designated entities has not gone satisfactorily as expected, resulting poor inbound tourism in Nepal. This article will go around the various initiatives taken for the destination management from both government and non-government level and their implications for successful ecotourism practices in Nepalese perspective. Ideal destination management is all about providing convincing safety and security, logistics, entertainment, health and sanitation and much other to the tourists.

Reality effects of conflict avoidance in rewilding and ecotourism practices – the case of Western Iberia

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the performative role of conflict avoidance in enabling rewilding and ecotourism visions in Western Iberia, one of the first European rewilding pilots situated in Northeast Portugal. Conflict avoidance is delineated here as a process based on expectations of potentially enduring, mutually contradicting and heated communications. In line with and contributing to a Social Systems Theory of conflicts, various examples of conflict avoidance are described as either a form of proactive anticipation to conflicts as risks or as a reactive adaptation to conflicts as dangers. The findings illustrate various forms of conflict avoidance in terms of silence, materialisation, co-optation, and ad hoc manoeuvring. These forms are subject to different goal dependencies of rewilding and ecotourism visions. Furthermore, these findings support a more critical discussion of the highly co-productive role of latent conflict processes in evolving rewilding and ecotourism practices in places like Western Iberia.

The Identification of Criteria for Ecotourism Practice in Peninsular Malaysia

Ecotourism is defined as a sustainable tourism which it is promoted the responsible travel specifically on natural areas to enjoy while appreciates the nature. The richness of natural areas in Malaysia makes ecotourism become one of the essential industries rapidly growing in this country. The purpose of ecotourism is not only focusing on the conservation of natural area but also considered the importance of the economy and society of local people. Ecotourism practice plays a crucial role in sustaining nature area for its intended function. Therefore, there is a need to fully understand the ecotourism practice to plan, develop and manage resources sustainably and appropriately to avoid adverse impact on the environment. The objective of this study is to identify the criteria that essential to be practiced by the ecotourism agencies in Peninsular Malaysia. The result shows whether the ecotourism agencies comply with the criteria. This research had been conducted through questionnaires survey distributed to 204 respondents which are the ecotourism agencies that provide ecotourism travel in their services. It is believed that this research can directly help to identify sustainability criteria in evaluating sustainable ecotourism. It is also an attempt to develop a standard evaluation of ecotourism from the theoretical concept of sustainable development.

Community Based Ecotourism Strategies: Key Indicators For Successful Practices In Developing Countries

Community-Based Ecotourism Development (CBE) strategy is considered the logical link between the environment, local community, and tourism industry. It emphasizes on locals’ support and the fact that encouragement and motivation are the only ways to attain the protection of the environment and the enhancement of tourism development. Ecotourism practices in many countries faced various obstacles that hinder their success such as lack of training, services, infrastructure, and marketing budget. Therefore, The CBE strategies have been formulated by some developing countries to fill in these gaps. These governments have actually succeeded in the implementation of those strategies, and it showed a positive impact on economic development, environmental management, and local community empowerment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the characteristics of successful community-based ecotourism initiatives and identify the principles of a successful CBE development strategy and its indicators, by analyzing the different implemented strategies in those developing countries, using the analytical and comparative approach. The paper focused on four developing countries, which are: Kenya, Jordan, Tunisia, and India, in addition to their strategic locations and their unique ecological characteristics, the case studies were selected also based on their followed successful techniques in facing their economic, social, political, and ecological problems and challenges. The paper concludes the methods used to measure the success of these strategies by identifying several and varied indicators that should be taken into account to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.