A Case Analysis of Strategies in Ecotourism Development

Abstract

Ecotourism attempts to protect natural and cultural resources while providing economic advantages to local communities. Certain features have been recognized in the literature as optimal for both preservation and economic contribution, but the strategies for obtaining these factors have yet to be defined. The purpose of this study was to find out how each of the success elements in ecotourism development (integrated approach, planning and a slow start, education and training, optimizing local benefits, and assessment and feedback) were applied in ecotourism scenarios. A range of ecotourism cases were investigated. The success criteria were identified, and the approaches for each element were documented. The data collected from all cases was merged for each success component, yielding a matrix of five success criteria and their respective methodologies. The analysis eliminated strategies tagged "recommended" in the instances. The findings indicated that causes and procedures differed. There is no specific strategy for each component. The success criteria should be reevaluated and determined using an ecosystem management strategy that stresses environmental health as the foundation for tourism development. To ensure preservation and economic prosperity, standards must be created and strategies for maintaining them developed.