A Content Analysis of Ecotourism Definitions

The structural relationships of destination image, awareness, uniqueness and destination loyalty in periurban ecotourism destination

“…Referring to the research by Fennell (2001), Weaver (2001) also defined ecotourism with a focus on three factors: (1) attractive nature, (2) educational effect of interaction between ecotourists and the nature and (3) ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.…”

“…Based on the definitions proposed by 25 scholars from the 1980s through the 1990s, Sirakaya et al (1999) introduced a total of 13 major themes for the definition of ecotourism.1 Afterwards, Fennell (2001) listed 85 definitions related to ecotourism, and Donohoe and Needham (2006) suggested six key normative tenets of ecotourism from the findings of a study by Fennell (2001), which are based on nature, preservation/conservation, environmental education, sustainability, distribution of benefits and ethics/ responsibility. Referring to the research by Fennell (2001), Weaver (2001) also defined ecotourism with a focus on three factors: (1) attractive nature, (2) educational effect of interaction between ecotourists and the nature and (3) ecological, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.…”

Ecotourism: pondering the paradoxes

“…Fennell (2001) and Diamantis (1999) investigated a number of definitions in terms of their content and in terms of trends and evolution of such definitions, respectively. Three of the main components of most definitions is that ecotourism takes place in natural, relatively undisturbed areas (Ceballos-Lascurain, 1987;Krippendorf, 1987a, b;Holmes, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Ballantine and Eagles, 1994;Eagles and Cascagnette, 1995;Weiler and Richins, 1995;Blamey, 1997;Fennell, 1999;Ross and Wall, 1999;Sirakaya et al, 1999;Weaver, 2001), tries to minimise the negative impacts on the local communities and the natural environment (Mathieson and Wall, 1982;Pleumarom, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Orams, 1995;Gilbert, 1997;Lindberg and McKercher, 1997;Acott et al, 1998;Honey, 1999;Fennell, 2003), and that it contributes to the conservation of those areas (Boo, 1990;Jones, 1992;Holmes, 1993;Valentine, 1993;Wight, 1993;Buckley, 1994;McArthur, 1997;Fennell, 1999;Honey, 1999;Ross and Wall, 1999).…”

Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge

“…In his review of 85 ecotourism definitions spanning two decades, Fennell (2001) listed education among the five most frequently stated components. Ecotourism is intended to raise visitor awareness and appreciation of the natural area experienced (Boo, 1990;Diamantis, 1999;Fennell, 2001).…”

“…In his review of 85 ecotourism definitions spanning two decades, Fennell (2001) listed education among the five most frequently stated components. Ecotourism is intended to raise visitor awareness and appreciation of the natural area experienced (Boo, 1990;Diamantis, 1999;Fennell, 2001). Visitor knowledge forms an important basis from which to positively influence awareness and understanding about the natural aspects of the site (Hammit, 1981;Tilden, 1957).…”