A case analysis of strategies in ecotourism development

Abstract

Ecotourism is a form of tourism which focuses on contributing to the preservation of natural and cultural resources while promoting economic contribution to local communities. Certain factors have been identified in the literature to optimize both preservation and economic contribution, but the strategies to accomplish these factors have not been defined. The purpose of this research was to identify through case analysis how each of the success factors in ecotourism development (i.e. an integrated approach, planning and a slow start, education and training, maximize local benefits, and evaluation and feedback) have been implemented in ecotourism cases. A series of ecotourism cases were analyzed. The success factors were identified and the strategies described under each factor were recorded. The data collected for all cases were pooled for each of the success factors and a matrix of five success factors with the corresponding strategies was created. Strategies that appeared as ‘recommended’ in the cases were not included in the analysis. The results indicated that factors and strategies differed. Within each factor there is no predominant strategy. Success factors should be re-evaluated and factors identified using an ecosystem management approach which puts the health of the environment as the foundation of tourism development. Standards need to be set and then strategies assigned to maintain standards for preservation and economic well-being.

Ecotourism As A Form Of Environmental Protection And Rational Recreational Nature Management

“…Ecotourism is a form of tourism aimed to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources and, simultaneously, the economic development of local communities (Masberg & Morales, 1999). Ecotourism focused on protecting natural territories (Conway & Cawley, 2016).…”

Socio-Economic Community and Marine Resources Status in Supporting Tourist Destination of Small Island in Indonesia

“…Subsequently, it relies on the natural environment and social culture reinforcement which is consistently improved by the locals contributes to the development of the region (Bjork, 2000;Dowling, 1995). It also strengthens the peoples' alignment in preserving the local tradition, which supports sustainable environmental protection and management (Masberg and Morales, 1999).…”

Model Development of A Synergistic Sustainable Marine Ecotourism—A Case Study in Pangandaran Region, West Java Province, Indonesia

“…Maritime ecotourism focuses on local cultures from certain areas, including coastal areas, as well as natural beauty, geological structures, natural vegetation, and fauna [20,21] and is a type of tourism that covers the subject of conservation of natural areas, education, economic benefits, quality tourism, and local community participation [22]. Based on this research, sustainability levels of types of marine ecotourism cultural dimension in Pangandaran Region were found to be as follows: (1) business ecotourism is sufficient; (2) seasides ecotourism is low; (3) cultural ecotourism is good; (4) fishing ecotourism is sufficent; (5) cruise ecotourism is low; and (6) sport ecotourism is low.…”