Benefit transfer is increasingly being used by decision makers as a way of estimating environmental values suitable for use in benefit cost analysis. However, recent studies examining the validity of benefit transfer of passive use values estimated using contingent valuation have rejected the hypothesis of convergent validity. In this article, we demonstrate the usage of a form of conjoint analysis known as choice modeling for benefit transfer. Choice modeling has been touted as being particularly suitable for benefit transfer because it is possible to allow for differences in environmental quality and socioeconomic characteristics when transferring benefit estimates. We demonstrate that choice modeling is suitable for benefit transfer, particularly when the transfers involve implicit prices. Second, we examine the circumstances in which benefit transfer of choice modeling derived value estimates is likely to be most valid. Two split sample tests were undertaken to achieve this objective. The evidence from these tests indicates that transfers across different case study sites are likely to be subject to less error than those across different populations. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
The definitions of ecotourism are presented. The 3 main characteristics of ecotourism are defined as: nature based; environmentally educated; and sustainably managed. It is indicated that ecotourism is an effective alternative to mass tourism due to the fact that it offers a less problematic form of tourism. The different perspectives adapted by different agencies involved in ecotourism enterprises are discussed, including by:: scientific, conservation and non-governmental organizations; multilateral aid organizations; developing countries; and the travel industry and travelling public. It is indicated that the complete integration of environmental and developmental objectives requires a convergence among these differing perpectives.
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